Grace Midtown Church to host 'Vocare' weekend

Grace Midtown Church will host Vocare to help members discover their vocation in working with God’s mission. (Photo taken from Grace Midtown Church’s website)

Grace Midtown Church will host a “Vocare” weekend retreat for members to refine their vocational calling from Friday to Sunday, Feb.24 to 26, at Lanier Islands.

The church invited those members who desire to commit 12 weeks to discover their participation in God's healing work in the world.

About Vocare

According to the website, Vocare is a Latin term “to call, name, summon.” They revealed that Parker Palmer states vocation begins with listening, not willfulness. He emphasized that people do not choose their calling but listen to God’s calling.

In addition, the church believes that God made them with a specific purpose in the world. They noted that through this course, members could discover God’s plan.

Moreover, they explained that everything people do is valuable to God, such as their work, business, degree, and family.

According to Frederick Beuchner, vocation is where someone’s gladness and the world’s deep need are met.

He said most people just need to open their eyes to the sacred calling to work with God in bringing His good kingdom into their daily lives as they live their genuine selves.

As further explained, some of them may be at a crossroads looking for a change in their future. They added that they are searching for God’s guidance and courage to take the first step into a new path in their lives and careers.

The website announced that it would be a monthly gathering until May and a weekly processing huddle with the pastors of Grace Midtown.

Discovering Vocation

The Grace Midtown website pointed out that Vocare is a method of discovering ways to help individuals make room for them to hear God from a more precise sense. It is an opportunity for them to know God invites them to work in His healing efforts in the world.

Moreover, they noted that during this course, they would reflect on their personal stories, unique characteristics, and talents. Also, the website mentioned that they would learn their God-given leadership skills in their life.

As further posted, the church could not guarantee a “crystal clear” life purpose but would provide the best vocational discernment resources they know.

They stated they would work hard to strengthen the participants to begin and continue the vocational discernment method with God in the community.

Discerning God’s Calling

Ryan Ingram, the lead Pastor of Awakening Church in San Jose, California, posted on the Living on the Edge website that there are specific ways to know God’s directions and development.

The first way he emphasized is to call unto Jesus. He explained that God called the human being to become a person first and to have a relationship with Him.

Besides, the website notes that a person's highest calling and purpose are not connected with their job, education, or marital status. Ingram stressed that the highest calling of an individual is simply Jesus.

He pointed out that Jesus called humans for himself, as it was written in the Scripture in Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus calls out to those who are tired and heavily burdened, and He will give them rest.