Discovering Your Service Calling

Written By Andrew Oliver

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.?

Matthew 4:18-22

Introduction

Everyday, it seems, we hear about yet another “unprecedented” event in the news, adding to the growing anxiety in the air. Every new global headline warning us about an impending institutional collapse is not just exhausting—it also distracts us from those right in front of us, the people in need who may never make the headlines, but whose lives we can help improve today.?

What we need are dedicated, principled leaders who prioritize compassion and long-term impact, rather than merely reacting to the latest headlines. Such disciplined leaders go beyond reactionary aid, superficial trends, or quick fixes to truly uplift those entrusted to their care.

In recent years, I have met an increasing number of people who recognize the value in pursuing vocations that contribute directly to community well-being and social support—whether addressing social, economic, physical, personal, or spiritual needs. This leads me to believe that this will be a growing trend among younger generations which I find encouraging.?

Perhaps you are just starting your professional journey, or maybe you’re already in the human services field, standing at a crossroads, and wondering how to navigate the next phase of your professional life.?

Wherever you are, you might sense a pull toward what I’ll refer to as a “service calling.”

In this essay, we’ll explore what it means to discover such a calling—how to recognize it, navigate its challenges, and embrace it with purpose and perseverance. My hope is that this reflection brings you renewed clarity and equips you to walk a well-lit path with greater confidence.

Recognizing The Stir

You might be tempted to dismiss the idea of a 'calling,' associating it either with dramatic, mystical experiences or believing it’s reserved for missionaries and tech moguls. However, a calling can simply be understood as a strong desire, a powerful attraction, or an inner impulse to leave something behind in pursuit of a greater purpose, whether that purpose is perceived as grand or modest.

When Jesus approached the fishermen, it appears they experienced a fierce attraction to his invitation, even though they knew little about what lay ahead. They were not free from other life obligations and responsibilities when they dropped their nets, so why were they compelled to leave everything behind in order to follow Jesus?

I've long imagined the fishermen were drawn to Jesus because of his magnetic personality or to his holiness. That could certainly be the case. Yet Isaiah 53:2 offers a different perspective of the essence of Jesus: "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” This raises the possibility that their attraction to him went beyond outward appearances or even personal charisma.?

It’s possible they had already heard about Jesus and the miracles he performed but felt unworthy to approach him on their own. His direct invitation may have been the affirmation they needed to overcome their hesitation and take that initial step of faith.

Of course, you and I won’t experience an invitation quite like those given to Jesus’ first disciples. But just as Jesus invited the fishermen to follow him, you might be sensing a similar pull to leave behind the familiar to embrace a new path of service.?

Some are drawn to service work through personal experiences, like supporting a family member with a disability or caring for an elderly relative. Others find their calling through impactful volunteering or a deep sense of urgency to address societal injustices.

Take, for example, a young, successful woman in finance who began volunteering at an orphanage and, over time, felt called to leave behind her career to serve the poor. Similarly, during his seminary years, a certain young man entered missionary work after a profound encounter with his friend’s death. Or consider the mid-career journalist who decided to step away from her prestigious job to teach mathematics at a public high school in an underprivileged district.

These stories illustrate that the path to service is often born from moments of clarity or through life experiences where purpose outweighs comfort or convention, and individuals step forward to meet the needs of others.

What about you? Have you felt a specific sense of purpose that is tied to a particular group of people? Perhaps you experienced an immediate and undeniable connection to the needs of that group, or maybe it’s been a slower, more gradual process—patterns and signs revealing themselves over time. Regardless of how such an attraction unfolds, something stirs deeply, resulting in a need to act.?

The Nature of a Calling

Recognizing this stir is only the beginning. To fully understand what it means to be called, we must explore the deeper nature of a calling. There are three characteristics I’d like to highlight.?

First, we don't choose our life’s purpose. It chooses us. The psychologist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, in Man's Search for Meaning, describes our search for purpose as being "pulled" by a force beyond ourselves—an idea that underscores the deeply relational and transcendent nature of this quest. [1]

Second, we can choose to accept or reject the invitation. Frankl emphasizes that the pursuit of meaning is not something passively stumbled upon, but that it must be actively sought out. When the fishermen responded to Jesus, it was as though they had already cultivated a readiness for such an invitation. They weren't "forced" to do it. They were chosen and then they chose to respond by following him.

Third, we are all uniquely called. When the young seminarian mentioned earlier was deeply moved by his friend’s death, he felt called to missionary work. This path is uniquely shaped by his personal experience of grief and faith.?

Consider also that Jesus never again used the phrase "fish for people.” This invitation was for Peter, James, and John, an unusual expression that suggests it was meant for those specific people at that specific time. It's possible that this is another reason that they chose to follow him; something about that unusual analogy must have resonated with them.?

What we are uniquely meant to do in this life rarely comes out of nowhere. It often emerges through a series of signs: conversations, books we read, unexpected life events (whether good or bad), and other prompts which are divinely orchestrated here to guide us.?

Paradigm for Discernment

Understanding the nature of a calling helps us recognize its deeper significance, but how do we discern where we are being called??

The late Dr. Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, developed a framework to discern one's calling by considering three factors. The first is affinity. Which people or what needs am I naturally drawn to? The second is ability. What skills or talents do I possess? Finally, the third is the opportunity. What do others recognize in me, and what doors are opening that allow me to step forward in this direction??[2]

Callings can encompass a wide range of roles, and one can have multiple callings in different aspects of life. You might feel called one day to be married and become a parent, while simultaneously being drawn to a particular profession. The key is to pay attention to where you feel "pulled," to recognize your natural affinities and abilities, and to understand that you are uniquely positioned to live a fulfilling life by pursuing these purposes.

In the book Mastery by Robert Greene, he examines Leonardo da Vinci’s path to mastery in art. [3] Da Vinci’s insatiable curiosity drove him to explore the interconnectedness of art, science, and nature, demonstrating a profound affinity for understanding the intricacies of creation. His remarkable abilities—evident in masterpieces like 'The Last Supper' and the 'Mona Lisa'—were complemented by the unique opportunities of the cultural and intellectual shifts of the Renaissance. These shifts provided fertile soil for his exploratory style and desire to uncover hidden truths through his art.

I use da Vinci as an example to show that there is often an interplay between the various roles in our lives. I use da Vinci as an example because his story encouraged me to think more broadly about my life. His example illustrates how diverse, seemingly separate interests can converge to create a unique and multifaceted purpose, rather than viewing each role in life in silos. Instead, we can see them as complementary parts of a greater whole.

But, for the sake of our topic at hand, let’s look at each of these factors a little more closely in light of our possible service-oriented callings.?

The Five “Signs”

The late Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger, a pioneering thinker and research scientist best known for his pioneering work in disability advocacy, particularly his contributions to advancing deinstitutionalization and fostering community integration for people with disabilities. He used to offer a short lecture on “service callings” and would speak of several signs to look out for. [4] The essence of this talk can be represented by a list of five signs.?

1. You genuinely love the work

The first sign of a service calling is that you genuinely love the work, even when it’s challenging. In fact, difficulties often strengthen your passion and deepen your commitment to the people and causes you naturally care about.?

2. You find the work is intrinsically rewarding

Dr. Wolfensberger points out a second sign related to affinity: the work feels intrinsically rewarding. If you find yourself thinking, “I would do this even if I didn’t get paid—or got paid less,” it’s a strong indication that you’ve discovered something deeply meaningful. For example, the woman in journalism mentioned earlier took a pay cut and left a prestigious career to become a math teacher, finding fulfillment in her new role despite the trade-offs.

3. The work aligns with your unique gifts

The third sign is that the work utilizes and develops your talents and potential. Your calling aligns not only with the proper field but also with the appropriate role within that field. Someone with a gift for deep listening and for helping others open up might thrive in roles involving close interpersonal interaction. Meanwhile, others might excel in tasks like organizing donations or preparing meals—roles that support the same mission but require less direct engagement with people.

When there is this “alignment” in your work, you approach it with energy and a sense of purpose, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm as learning new skills feels exciting rather than burdensome.

4. You can navigate the work with intuition?

The fourth sign is also related to your abilities: you are in possession of an inner strength and intuitive understanding of the work that enables you to navigate its challenges with confidence and insight.

In his lecture, Dr. Wolfensberger illustrates this by sharing the story of a teacher at a school with predominantly minority students from challenging backgrounds. Although her colleagues were hampered by a sense of frustration with their lack of engagement in the classroom, she organized a family night where students cooked and invited their families. This simple gesture demonstrated her intuition and ability to address the students’ deeper needs for belonging and connection.

5. Your work is affirmed by others

The last sign is that the people you serve respond positively to you. Their feedback paves the way for greater reach and meaningful contributions, affirming your efforts and unlocking new opportunities for fruitful service. This may not happen immediately and often requires putting yourself out there and making the extra effort to develop your skills. Many world-renowned athletes, such as Wilma Rudolph? or Tom Brady, were not recognized right away, but through perseverance and hard work they eventually became some of the best in the world. Similarly, in your calling, others will eventually affirm your gifts, and opportunities will arise. However, if this doesn’t happen, it may be time to reevaluate your affinities, abilities, and opportunities. As literary critic Terry Eagleton says, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, but don't make a bloody fool of yourself."

This “five sign” paradigm contrasts with popular self-help advice, which often emphasizes self-discovery through tools like personality and aptitude tests—assessments that are extremely limiting. Instead of focusing solely on self-knowledge, you need to seek input from others who know you well. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights into your strengths and potential, helping you understand how to best apply your talents.

Challenges and Pitfalls

History is filled with examples of people whose genuine commitment to service has left a lasting mark on society. While this is undoubtedly the case, unfortunately it's become commonplace for many to enter human service roles for reasons unrelated to feeling a deep connection to those they serve.?

There are challenges that emerge when individuals without a genuine sense of calling take on roles in this field. Some may find fleeting interest in social justice trends, for example, seeking recognition as a "brave" social justice hero through superficial commitments which often don't last but for a season.?

As a result, people’s needs are often inadequately addressed. A lack of perseverance in challenging situations can result in misguided efforts stemming from a limited understanding of their real needs and interests.

Another common dynamic is that one’s service becomes mechanical and impersonal. This happens when people pursue such work out of necessity, driven by limited job opportunities. A mechanical approach will manifest itself in the form of excessive bureaucracy or religious legalism. In situations like these, people will feel as though they are being treated as cases-to-be-managed rather than as individuals with unique needs, experiences, and contributions. Impersonal treatment undermines trust, which is a critical factor in conducting effective service-oriented work. An absence of genuine connection devalues the client's experience, creating a barrier to meaningful support.

Such lack of connection and empathy leads to frustration and resentment.?

Finally, Some people become overly focused on quick solutions and innovative techniques to address human service challenges. While committing to improve our methods and techniques has merit, an overemphasis on mechanics often comes at the expense of developing one's innate talents. Failure to build authentic connections with those you serve can lead to burnout when one has false hope that there is such a thing as a quick fix to complex human needs and nuanced societal problems.

These dynamics, combined with a bureaucratic system that can be soul-crushing, can lead to oppressive, and even abusive, behaviors. Consider, for example, prison systems, which often, whether intentionally or unintentionally, foster an environment that encourages the abuse of power.

Staying Focused

One might have, at one time, had a genuine service calling but then lose sight of the mission as they attempt to advance their career.?

One common assumption is that obtaining advanced degrees or moving up the administrative ladder will grant them greater influence and the power to make a positive difference. One may mistakenly think that the issues they witnessed in the field can be solved by attaining higher positions of authority and changing the system from the top down. While these more senior positions often come with higher pay and more comfortable perks, they can also create a disconnect from the real-life situations of the people directly impacted by their decisions.

I remember when my own promotion from a part-time direct support worker for people with disabilities to full-time counselor pulled me further away from direct, person to person contact. Where I thought I would have the chance to make a bigger difference (while enjoying a salary and health insurance) I found myself increasingly focused on administrative tasks--an area where I am not gifted.?

While pursuing advanced degrees and higher positions can arguably enhance one's ability to influence systemic change, it's essential to remain connected to on-the-ground realities in order to ensure that decisions are well informed and genuinely impactful.?

Without this connection, workplace dynamics foster a culture where even the most well-intentioned individuals are led astray, undermining their potential to accomplish truly meaningful work. An indifferent or cynical workplace culture is invariably demoralizing and alienating for those who genuinely care.

However, when we are deeply moved by the needs of those we support and remain steadfast in our commitment to guiding moral principles, we foster authentic connections, resist burnout, making lasting change in their lives and those around us.?

True callings require us to remain steadfast and principled, recognizing that we are called to walk a very narrow path, surrounded by people and service systems that cause burnout, apathy, false hopes, all of them distracting us from cultivating needed capacities for compassion and moral imagination in our human service work.

Simply put, service-oriented work demands the cultivation of qualities and characteristics that cannot be learned in the classroom and through employee manuals.

Conclusion

Although the challenges of service-oriented work can feel daunting, they also offer a chance to clarify what truly matters. By leaning into these difficulties with curiosity and examining oneself using the “five signs” paradigm, we can begin to see that our calling isn’t a distant, abstract idea. Your calling is not some imaginative and vague future; it's now.

For those of you reading this and thinking “I’m not sure what I am created to do” ask yourself this: What are you responsible for today? These could be the most mundane things such as calling your mom or taking out the trash and saying hi to the neighbor you see – or showing up to work and being loving and forgiving to those around you who are most difficult. And as you faithfully live out today, notice which “people needs” move you and then lean in closely to pay attention.?

Don’t wait for a perfect moment to act. Take the first step now, and as you do, the second and third steps will become clear. As the famous Proverb reads, "When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble" (Proverbs 4:12).

Fulfilling one's calling us should not be viewed as burdensome or as a duty but as a pathway to a deep, enduring form of happiness and contentment. Thomas Carlyle says, "He who has found his work, let him look for no other blessedness."?

Dr. Wolfensberger emphasizes that a calling is not just an external task or career; it is a manifestation of one's inner purpose, aligning talents, values, and contributions to something greater than one's self. Once a person discovers and embraces this alignment, the quest for fulfillment becomes less about external pursuits, or even outcomes, as the measure of success. The quest becomes more about faithfully living out that calling day by day.

Leanardo da Vinci didn't make as many art pieces as his contemporaries such as Michelangelo. Does that make him less successful? In Leonardo’s case, his discernment of his calling, relentless pursuit of growth, and commitment to the process remind us that living out a calling is not solely about achieving results but about fully engaging in the process. Such integrity of engagement made da Vinci's contributions to the art world completely timeless and unique.

Let us look beyond the fleeting pleasures of material success and pursue true blessedness--the kind that resonates with the soul--which arises from a wholehearted response to the work we are uniquely called to do.

You and I are not da Vinci the art genius, nor the fishermen who became the founders of the Church. We were never supposed to be! But we do have a divine calling. Ask yourself, what are your unique contributions that you and only you can commit to mastering? Just as da Vinci made connections between a variety of subjects to reveal hidden truth, so did the disciples impactfully spread the hidden message of Jesus. What are your unique and creative expressions that can lead to a truly purposeful life, making a difference in people's lives, uncovering hidden truth, bringing hope today? into our despairing "unprecedented" times.?

May God guide and strengthen you in your perseverance as you pursue the unique purpose for which you were created, and may He lead you into a life that is truly blessed and spiritually abundant.?

NOTE: Defining Human Services:?

By "human services," I mean any work dedicated to addressing human needs—social, economic, physical, personal, or spiritual. This includes direct care roles, such as supporting individuals with disabilities, as well as broader efforts like advocating for affordable housing, shaping mental health programs, or improving access to education. It encompasses a wide range of professions, from social work and healthcare to ministry, chaplaincy, and elder or end-of-life care. I intentionally use this broad definition here because, whether within a Christian ministry setting or a secular context, collaboration across sectors and recognizing the interconnectedness of these services—healthcare, education, faith communities, and grassroots nonprofits—is essential yet often overlooked in creating meaningful and holistic care.

REFERENCES:

[1] Frankl, Viktor. Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.

[2] Redeemer City to City. (n.d.). Vocation: Discerning your calling.

[3] Greene, Robert. Mastery. Viking, 2012.

[4] Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger Service Callings Lecture.

[5] Carlyle, Thomas. Past and Present. Chapman and Hall, 1843.

[6] Blog Banner: The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew by Duccio di Buoninsegna (1308-1311) - Public Domain Catholic Painting