In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they began a discussion about jobs and work but on a deeper level, delving into the ideas of calling and vocation. The effects of the pandemic can be seen in so many spheres of life, particularly through the lens of the American workforce. What seems to be missing is an understanding of the biblical view of work - something seldom taught in churches today.

Simone Stolzoff recently wrote an article in The Atlantic titled, “The Moral Case for Working Less.” The subheading to her article says: “We shouldn't work less simply because it allows us to be better workers. We should work less because it allows us to be better humans.” The younger generations seem to really resonate with these sentiments as they strive to have more of a work-life balance.

The truth is, many people are already working less than they did prior to the pandemic. You can read more about this in an article by S.J. Steinhardt titled, “Report: Many Factors Contribute to Americans Working Fewer Hours Than They Did Pre-Pandemic.”

Finally, as you heard mentioned in today's discussion, the ideas of vocation and calling are not often talked about in the life of the church, yet they are so important. There are two series that Dr. White gave at Mecklenburg Community Church that you may be interested in checking out: “Living On Purpose” and “Becoming a Difference Maker.”

For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.