An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 354: What is your vocation as a Christian?

Question 354: What is your vocation as a Christian?

My vocation as a Christian is to glorify God and serve Him in every part of life. I am called to follow Jesus, proclaim His gospel, love my neighbor, pursue holiness, and do good works prepared for me by God. Whether in my family, work, church, or community, I am to live as His disciple, using my gifts to build up the body of Christ and bear witness to His kingdom in the world. (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2:9, Colossians 3:17, Matthew 5:16, Romans 12:1)

Full Scripture References​

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” – Ephesians 2:10 (BSB)

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 (BSB)

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17 (BSB)

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (BSB)

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” – Romans 12:1 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Christian’s vocation is more than a job or task—it is a calling from God to live as His child, servant, and witness in every sphere of life. At its core, our vocation is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “Your first calling is not to a title or profession, but to be Christ’s—faithful to Him in whatever role you occupy.” (Living as the Called, 2022)

Every Christian, regardless of background or occupation, is called to serve Christ by loving others, sharing the gospel, and practicing holiness in daily life. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “Vocation is not something you choose—it’s something you receive. You are called to bear Christ’s name in your family, in your labor, in your church, and in your neighborhood.” (The Sacred Ordinary, 2021)

The doctrine of vocation teaches that all of life is holy when lived unto God. Whether we are parents, students, workers, caregivers, or clergy, we are called to do all for the Lord. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “Your vocation may change, but your calling never does—to love God with all your heart and serve Him faithfully in every circumstance.” (Everyday Faithfulness, 2020)

The Church helps us discern and live our vocation through worship, teaching, fellowship, and sacramental grace. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “Our vocation is formed by the liturgy and shaped in community. We are sent into the world from the altar—to live as ambassadors of the kingdom.” (Vocation and the Eucharistic Life, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “Your calling is not to greatness, but to faithfulness. Vocation is not measured by fame or success, but by joyful obedience to Christ in the place where He has put you.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“Each is called to serve God where he is. Let the soldier be just, the farmer be honest, the ruler be merciful—for all may glorify God.” – Augustine of Hippo, Letter to a Roman Official, c. 408 AD

“Let every task be done as unto the Lord. For the Christian’s labor, when done in love and truth, becomes worship.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Work and Prayer, c. 370 AD

“You are called not to escape the world but to sanctify it. Let your deeds show your faith, and your life reflect your Lord.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew 5, c. 390 AD

“God assigns to each a path of faithfulness. Whether high or low, it is not the station that matters, but the heart that obeys.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Duties of Believers, c. 250 AD

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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