BAM Explained: God’s Work and Our Vocational Calling
Earlier in May, the BAM Canada team hosted a Missional Business Bootcamp in Burnaby, BC. There, we introduced the idea of Kingdom Work Types, a concept coined by Amy Sherman in her book, Kingdom Calling. This term refers to the types of work that we see reflected in God’s work throughout the Bible and mirrored in our human vocations.
In her book, Sherman identifies 7 types of work that God does:
Redemptive
Creative
Providential
Restorative
Justice
Compassionate
Revelatory
For each type of work displayed in the Bible, there are multiple examples of human work to accompany it.
Take God’s work of provision, for example. Farmers, suppliers, chefs and entrepreneurs are all examples of human vocations that mirror God’s work. Similarly, His creative work is mirrored by artists, musicians, actors, and others.
In all walks of life, the types of work we do here on Earth are reflections of God’s work in and throughout creation. This means that anything we do, including business, is a vocation if we are called to do it by God.
Which work type resonates with you?
During the Missional Business Bootcamp, we asked a panel of three local business owners this same question. Each person referenced multiple work types, but they all shared one common answer: Creative.
As business owners, they all felt engaged in the work of creating employment opportunities and solutions to problems that they noted existed. Does this sound like you? If so, know that you’re not alone!
The joy you receive from creating opportunities as a business owner is a joy that you share with fellow business owners and the Creator of the universe - how amazing!
At the heart of God’s work, and ours, are people. When we take a closer look at each Kingdom Work Type, we find that they are intricately linked to the flourishing of people.
When entrepreneurs create, they create to bring joy and meaning to people.
When healthcare workers engage in compassionate work, they do so to alleviate the suffering of people.
The redemptive work of counselors and pastors empowers people to be all God has created them to be.
When farmers cultivate the earth, they provide for the people in their communities and others around the world.
Lawyers and policemen alike are reflective of God’s heart of justice towards people.
When scientists discover new ways of understanding the world, they engage in God’s revelatory work to enlighten and educate people.
Janitors and handymen also partner with God in His restorative work so people can enjoy the spaces they occupy.
The most important parts of your life, including your work, are people. God’s greatest concern is for the hearts of people, and His greatest desire is that they would turn to Him.
Consider this: How are you serving the people around you well? How can you be more intentional about this?
It’s easy to believe that your work in business is ‘just work’, but it’s so much more than that.
In the words of St. Edmund Campion, you’ve been "named, called, and chosen” by God to, and for, this work.
Accept the invitation to partner with Him in transforming the world, one workday at a time.
