Finding your Vocation with William Boekestein

About the Guest(s): William Boekestein is the pastor of Emmanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, West Michigan. With a deep passion for biblical and theological education, William is also an accomplished author. He has written a book titled "Finding My Vocation: A Guide to Young People Seeking a Calling," among others. William, along with his wife Amy and their four children, has a vested interest in helping young people discover and pursue their God-given vocations. Episode Summary: In this episode of RenewalCast, hosts Colt Robinson and Jay Whiff are joined by returning guest William Boekestein to discuss his latest book, "Finding My Vocation: A Guide to Young People Seeking a Calling." Through a rich conversation filled with biblical insights and practical advice, William shares his thoughts on how young people can identify and grow into their vocations. The episode dives into the meanings of calling and vocation from a scriptural viewpoint, providing listeners with a solid foundation on how to approach their careers and life's work. The discussion explores various aspects of vocation, addressing common questions about finding the perfect career, balancing different vocations like family, work, and church, and the specific challenges and opportunities faced by pastors. William emphasizes that the journey to discovering one’s vocation is not about finding a perfect fit immediately but about growing and developing in a role that honors God and benefits others. This episode is a goldmine for young adults and parents alike, offering biblically-rooted strategies to prepare for and thrive in the workforce. Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Vocation: Vocation is about God's calling in our lives, encompassing various aspects such as career, family, and church.
• Gender and Vocation: Gender should influence how we approach and understand our vocations, adhering to biblical roles and responsibilities.
• Preparing for the Workforce: Wisdom, character, and skills are essential components to develop in preparation for entering a vocation.
• Handling Job Dissatisfaction: It's normal to find work challenging; distinguish between temporary discomfort and a truly harmful job environment.
• Balancing Rest and Work: Regular rest, including Sabbath observance, is crucial for a balanced and productive life.

Notable Quotes:

1. "First of all, if we're very honest, especially when we're just starting out in our career or our education, we're not even qualified for that perfect vocation, whatever that might mean. We're still learning." - William Boekestein
2. "The way that we should order our vocations is, first of all, seeing our chief calling as that of a Christian." - William Boekestein
3. "I would say that the whole modern setup, I mean, since the industrial revolution, potentially threatens family more than it did in the past." - William Boekestein
4. "So you have to, in our younger years especially, but really, all throughout our lives, you need to be gaining something to offer." - William Boekestein
5. "Yes, you should take a vacation. And that's, I think you go back to the fourth commandment…the principle still of an appropriate balance between diligent work and rest." - William Boekestein

Resources:

• William Boekestein’s Book: "Finding My Vocation: A Guide to Young People Seeking a Calling"
• Nancy Pearcey: Author referenced for insights on work and family dynamics
• Mary Beakey: Author of "Teach Them to Work," a book for younger children
• First Corinthians Chapter 7: Biblical reference discussing calling

Dive deeper into the wisdom shared in this episode and discover how the principles of vocation can shape a fulfilling and God-honoring life. Don’t miss out on more enlightening content from RenewalCast—stay tuned!