Is there such a thing as a Christian career? What careers can Christians consider?

Quick answer

It may be tempting to think there are "Christian" careers or careers that God values more highly, like being a missionary, a pastor, or having some other church staff job. However, ministry is something that all Christians are in; it isn't a career but a lifestyle.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

There is no such thing as a career that is more “Christian” than another—every job is an opportunity to glorify God. The Bible teaches that whatever we do, we should work diligently and with integrity, as though we are serving Christ directly. Christians are called to be a light in the world, using their unique spiritual gifts to bless others in all types of work. God prepares different paths and purposes for each of us, and we honor Him by faithfully following His leading in our careers. As long as the work is moral and lawful, any career can become a platform for ministry when it is done with excellence, love, and a heart focused on Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Whatever job we have, we should work diligently and patiently (Proverbs 21:5).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Christians are called to be an influence on the world, wherever we are or whatever career we have (Matthew 5:13-16).

No matter our career, we should be trustworthy with what we have been given responsibility over, and should do our work well. The parable of the bags of gold gives us a concrete example of this (Matthew 25:14-30).

Each of us has a different calling from God, a different job assigned to us. This would indicate that we will have many different careers throughout the body of Christ and that each of us should be living in the direction God has called us toward (1 Corinthians 7:17).

Each Christian is given different spiritual gifts in order to bless the body of Christ. These verses also indicate that we will all have different jobs and careers. Throughout all of these jobs, we are to use our spiritual gifts to influence those around us and all these gifts are given to us by the same God (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

We are all created by God to do good works which have been prepared for us by God (Ephesians 2:10).

Whatever we do or say should be done in the name of Christ, with Him as our focus, and should cause our hearts to be thankful toward God. Whatever our career, this should be the attitude of our hearts (Colossians 3:17).

In everything we do, we should be working as though we are working directly for God, not human bosses. If we serve God in this way, He will reward us (Colossians 3:23-24).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Rather than try to find a "Christian" career, we should seek to live out the fullness of who God has made us to be. For some, this may mean working in a ministry setting. For others, it may mean something completely different. Whatever career we choose through seeking God’s guidance, we should work diligently in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Wherever we are guided by God is a chance and place for us to bring the influence of Christ to those around us.

It should be mentioned that "careers" that are illegal or immoral, such as prostitution, dealing drugs, or work in the pornography industry, would be excluded. But aside from these and other immoral or illegal careers, Christians can consider most any career—attorney, actor, air traffic controller, baker, builder, counselor, child care worker, designer, doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, financial advisor, human resource officer, nurse, pilot, plumber, scientist, teacher, writer, stay-at-home mom, etc. The goal is to seek God's will for one's life, follow Him where He leads, and then do one's job in a way that brings Him honor and reflects His character.

UNDERSTAND

Instead of limiting ourselves to careers labeled as “Christian,” we should seek to glorify God in whatever work we do.

God faithfully directs us to the career paths He’s prepared, calling us to use them for His glory and purpose.

Every career—whether inside or outside the church—is an opportunity to use our spiritual gifts to honor God and impact others.

REFLECT

How are you currently using your job or future career plans to bring glory to God?

How can you shift your mindset to see your work as ministry, no matter the setting?

Have you asked God to guide your career decisions, and are you willing to follow wherever He leads—even if it’s outside of traditional ministry?

ENGAGE

How can we see our diverse careers as part of God’s greater mission?

Why do some Christians feel pressure to choose “church jobs” in order to please God or find significance in the Christian community?

What examples do we have of people living out their faith powerfully in non-church careers?