Stewarding Vocational Power, Amy Sherman

I've been working through this new book by Amy Sherman called Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good. Needless to say, I have been blessed immensely. I believe the book is a great gift to the Church to get us to think intentionally about what it means to "steward vocational power," as Sherman likes to say. Think about the following: 1) your knowledge and expertise; 2) your platform/voice; 3) your networks; 4) your influence; 5) position; 6) skills and 7) reputation/fame God has given each of us. How have these "gifts" been given us for service to His Kingdom and for the sake of the common good? Sherman builds her book on a robust theological vision and gets us to think intentionally about the beauty of Proverbs 11:10, "When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices." Well, there will be more to say on Sherman's book as I will be writing a review of the book for the Washington Institute (http://www.washingtoninst.org/) in their March newsletter. But here's a small sample from Sherman's book:

As church leaders look out at their flocks, they see many individuals blessed with education, privilege, opportunities and influence. These congregants have much to offer. Some need to be challenged to direct their considerable talents toward the common good, overcoming inclinations toward comfort and affluence. Others are eager to help others but may need to grow in sensitivity in managing their power in the midst of people with less power.

Hopefully, as a result of being inspired and going through intentional discovery processes that have enabled them to clarify the unique talents God has given them to share, many congregants will be itching to get out there and do something. Before unleashing this energy, however, church leaders should work hard to strengthen their members’ “inner self” so that their service in the world truly brings God glory and genuinely helps their neighbors.  Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good, p. 140