Chuck Stokes

Occupation

Residence Life Educator at Samford University*

How do you define "vocation"?

Vocation is work, but with a twist. It is work to which we are called by God. Every human being has at least this calling, issued by God to the First Family: "Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue (steward) it." (Genesis 1:28) For Christians the outworking of this human vocation has another special calling attached to it. Jesus said, just before he ascended into Heaven, "As you are going (doing Genesis 1:28) make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

How has your faith influenced your major choice and/or career decisions?

My desire to join God at His work and be available to him in whatever I am doing. In 9th grade I sensed that God was calling me to work in the ministry, but I wasn't sure in what capacity. Over time I've tried to seek the best fit for my gifts and talents in making career choices. God has never given me a clear call to one career or another, but he has always opened the doors and given me the wisdom to know which ones to walk through.

How has your Christian identity shaped your sense of self and awareness of your spiritual gifts?

As a Christian my life is not my own. I am the steward of my time, talents, and resources. As I take risks and try new things, God puts me in positions to learn more about the talents he has invested in me. At this time I'm planning to pursue a Ph.D. because I think I would be "burying" talents if I didn't try and stretch myself to that goal. If all goes well, I'd love to be a professor.

Please share your personal and work related values as they relate to your vocation.

My work and personal values are those taught in Scripture and held by most Christians. Things like honesty, integrity, seeking the welfare of others, etc. Two values that especially inform my work are stewardship and community. I want to be a good steward in my work, doing things because I am working for the Lord and not for people. In my work I want to seek, develop, and labor with a community and for a community. In other words I want to be engaged and invested in my environment.

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others searching for their personal calling?

Many Christians think that certain kinds of work are more spiritual than others. Thus those who work in non-full-time ministry feel their work is less valuable or is only valuable in as much as they can be a witness on the job. I think a Biblical view is that we are all called to work for God in stewarding the earth. Even non-Christians have this call. For Christians we have the additional call to share and teach about the good news of Jesus as we are working. So especially to those who are not going into full time ministry: Your work is valuable!

 

*Update: Although Chuck has moved on to other opportunities and is no longer at Samford, his story continues to serve as an inspiration.