LCU to hold Christ, Church and Culture event on discerning a vocation

Louisiana Christian University will hold its first Christ, Church and Culture (C3) event on Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. It will feature a panel discussion on “Discerning Vocation: How do I know what I am called to do?”

“My personal hope is that this panel will help students wrestle with one of the hardest questions they will face: how to discern what God is calling them to do,” said Dr. Dougald McLaurin, assistant professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. “We want to give them not just answers but better questions, guidance and life examples that help them connect their opportunities, gifts, passions and desires with God’s call.”

Panelists will include LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson and professors Dr. Arthur Mazhambe, Dr. Sonia Tinsley, and McLaurin.

“Each of our panelists has a unique story to share, and I look forward to them offering insights into how vocation has unfolded in their own lives, as well as their thoughts on vocation,” McLaurin said.

“The root of the word vocation is ‘to call.’ Our word vocal comes from the same root. Vocation highlights that this is not simply something we choose, but a calling given to us from outside ourselves. Sometimes our profession and vocation align beautifully, but not always—our profession may simply support our vocation. That’s why, in this C3, I’ve avoided terms like ‘career’ and instead emphasized ‘calling’ or ‘vocation.’

Mazhambe said he will focus on how to recognize a calling from God.

“A calling can only be heard if we listen,” he said. “A calling makes sense if we are ready to receive it, and it remains valid when we continuously equip for the calling.”

But a calling is not without detractors, Mazhambe said.

Tinsley said it is important to follow our calling rather than just choose a profession.

“Following our calling gives us the ability to get personal fulfillment from our chosen career while maintaining balance in our lives,” she said. “Our desire to contribute to our careers for the purpose of making a positive impact on society and the organizations we work in leads to occupational health.”

The event will be held in Guinn Auditorium on campus. C3 events are free and open to the public.

 

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Media Release | Sept. 4, 2025 | Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu