Class Note 5: Introduction to the Concept of Calling and Purpose

Welcome to Lesson 2! In this lesson, we'll explore the concept of calling and purpose, laying the foundation for understanding God's unique plan for your life. 

Defining Calling and Purpose 

Before we dive deeper, let's define these two key terms: 

Calling 

A divine summons to fulfill a specific purpose or mission (Jer 1:5). It's a unique assignment from God that aligns with your gifts, talents, and passions. There are three aspects of Christian calling (Eph 2:10): 

1. Universal Call: God's call to salvation for all people (John 3:16).

2. General Call: God's call to all Christians to love Him and others (Luke 10:27).

3. Specific Call: God's unique call to each Christian to make a difference for Him (Ephesians 1:11).

Purpose 

The reason or intention behind your calling. It's the "why" behind what you do. Understanding Your Calling 

Every Christian has a calling, regardless of their profession or position. Your calling is about being (who you are) and doing (what you do). While the "being" aspect of calling might not change much, the "doing" aspect can change over time. 

Discovering Your Calling 

Christian coaching can help individuals clarify their calling. That's where the TLFBN Africa Instructors come in – to help mentor and guide students in their calling. Our instructors will assist students in four key areas: 

1. Rekindling Hope: Replacing discouraging myths with God's truth. 

2. Becoming Who God Created You to Be: Experiencing God in new ways and understanding your identity. 

3. Doing What God Created You to Do: Gaining confidence and clarity for your calling. 4. Personalized Guidance: Receiving tailored mentorship to help you navigate your unique calling. 

Biblical Foundations

The Bible teaches that every believer has a calling and purpose (Romans 9:11, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:28). Our calling and purpose are rooted in our identity in Christ and are shaped by our gifts, talents, and experiences. 

Importance of Understanding Calling and Purpose 

Understanding your calling and purpose is crucial for: 

1. Direction and focus: Knowing your calling and purpose helps you prioritize your time and energy. 

2. Fulfillment and satisfaction: Living out your calling and purpose brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. 

3. Impact and effectiveness: When you're living out your calling and purpose, you're more likely to make a meaningful impact in the world. 

Conclusion 

In this class note, we've introduced the concept of calling and purpose. As we continue through this lesson, we'll explore more practical aspects of discovering and living out your calling and purpose.