God & Vocation Bible Study
Does God care about what we do for our jobs? What sort of work do we hope our college degree will prepare us for? This series of small groups explores these questions. Let’s talk about how we integrate our beliefs about God or religious faith into our potential career. Christianity suggests that the mission of God is to renew and to reconcile all things. That means all things matter, and all jobs matter. These studies begin with a conversation starter, and a passage to explore from the Bible. Study #4 includes a handful of short videos from people in different careers which should spark some interesting discussion.
All Studies
Study 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4
We begin by asking the basic question of what work has to do with God. Ground rules for having a good small group are laid and those who don’t share the Christian faith are encouraged to participate with their insights. Finally, a look at the creation story from the book of Genesis opens the discussion of God and work.
Study 2: Luke 5:1-11
What career do you hope to enter after you graduate? What might it look like to say “yes” to God within that career? Jesus calls a few fishermen to follow him and gives us some things to think about as we approach our careers.
Study 3: Luke 3:1-20
John the Baptist was a wild character with a revolutionary message: Repent! But that came with some specific actions which would be challenging for some. His words got him imprisoned and eventually killed. Following God in our careers might not get us killed, but may require radical behaviors that raise eyebrows.
Study 4: Video Critique and Discussion
Does business or education or engineering fuel inequity? What’s challenging and what’s rewarding about working in these fields? If your group is big enough, have those with similar career paths watch and discuss three videos of Jesus followers in different careers sharing their perspective on some key questions.
Study 5: Genesis 11:1-9
God intercepts a building plan designed to make people famous. The tower of Babel is a story of language, culture, and scattering. How might our careers encourage the building of empires? What can we learn from this ancient story?
Study 6: Luke 19:1-10
Here we explore a story of Jesus having lunch at the home of a wealthy tax collector. This small group offers participants an opportunity to explore how peace (or shalom) is forged. Peace with God, with others, with ourselves, and with the environment is available through Jesus. How can we achieve this holistic harmony?
Study 7: Daniel 1:1-21
When the Israelites are conquered by the Babylonians, Daniel and a few young men have to consider whether they will assimilate to their new surroundings. How do various jobs and industries attempt to shift our cultures and identities in order to assimilate us into their culture?
Study 8: The Book of Esther
Esther was in a critical position of power when her people were threatened with genocide. She took a giant risk in an attempt to save her people. In what ways might we use our careers and the positions we hold in order to bring good to others and to protect the vulnerable?
