The third goal of Christian Vocation—Integration of Faith and Vocation—promotes the understanding and integration of Christian vocation across the spectrum of liberal and applied studies throughout curricular and cocurricular programming. This goal corresponds to the third part of our definition of Christian vocation— gifts and guidance in preparation for life’s work—that is, being self-aware of one’s personal gifts and talents and having a relatively focused sense of how God wants these to be used for the benefit and improvement of people around the world.

Messiah College provides a holistic educational experience for students, one that addresses every dimension of the human spirit and personality. The following initiatives promote the understanding and integration of Christian vocation throughout the College’s educational program.

• Educator Development—This initiative assists faculty, cocurricular educators, staff, and administrators to develop the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm necessary to implement the College’s renewed emphasis on Christian vocation. Activities include:
  • Offer various types of seminars for all educators, staff, and administrators related to vocation and the mission of the College
  • Enhance the Provost’s Seminar, a semester-long weekly seminar that introduces newly hired faculty, cocurricular educators, and selected administrators to the heritage of the College
  • Provide theological training for senior capstone course faculty
  • Expand the faculty internal grants program to include vocation-related projects
  • Offer specialized training for faculty advisors on the use of a gift discernment instrument so that they can better assist students in vocational decisions
• Campus Culture—This initiative nurtures a community ethos grounded in shared vocational understanding. It assists students to make connections among their faith, studies, relationships, gifts, and career goals. Activities include:
  • Develop a comprehensive, four-year cocurriculum on Christian vocation
  • Design a thematic, four-year chapel curriculum that emphasizes and reflects the College’s mission and identity, addresses the spiritual formation of students, and focuses on Christian vocation (Campus Ministries)
  • Develop and implement training and resources for key student leaders involved in faith and vocation study groups
  • Expand scholarship opportunities for students to attend the annual Jubilee Conference, a national conference sponsored by the interdenominational Coalition for Christian Outreach
• Career Exploration—This initiative facilitates student self-awareness of gifts and talents, the understanding of personal calling, and the exploration of work opportunities. Activities include:
  • Develop a first-year module that teaches the process of vocational decision-making and helps students learn to identify personal gifts, interests, and values, and to have opportunity for self-reflection (Career Center for Vocation and Development)
  • Develop a senior-year module to assist students with transitional career and graduate school issues
  • Expand the Contextual Learning Network by inviting individuals who have authentically and effectively integrated faith and calling with their life work to serve as mentor (Career Profiles - Snapshots of Vocation)