God’s Callings for Your Child

Many people think children become active members of the Church or their congregation when they are confirmed or graduate from high school. But, in reality, they become members of the Body of Christ the second they are baptized. (See 1 Corinthians 12.)

Lutherans use the word ”vocation” to describe any calling God has for a Christian, including our callings in our careers, families, congregations and communities. Even though our children are still figuring out what kind of career they will have as adults, God has vocations for them now in other areas of their lives.

We can help our children discover and serve in their vocations by observing the gifts, personality, interests and abilities with which God has blessed them by praying about it together and by discussing how they think God is leading them to love and serve Him and others.

Vocations in Families: Being someone’s child, grandchild, niece, nephew or cousin are all vocations your child may have.

Vocations in Congregations: Although children have to wait to serve in certain positions such as pastor, elder or youth group leader, there are still many ways they can be called to serve in a congregation. Many congregations have children serving as acolytes, actors in Christmas programs, musicians, singers or helpers to those in adult positions. Children and teens can also pray for people, write encouraging notes and say encouraging words to others as a part of their calling in their congregation.

Vocations in Communities: Some vocations your child may have in his or her community are student, classmate, friend, neighbor, customer, athlete, babysitter or club member.

Two Bible verses you can use to inspire your child in his or her vocations are:

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3:23

Download a PDF of Vocations for All to print and share.