Sacred Calling on the State’s Turf – Part II

• Apr 26, 2011

God’s priority is for people to know Him, but how can they know Him if they haven’t seen and heard the Gospel? Knowing God’s heart as I see it revealed in scripture, I’m convinced God is calling more student affairs practitioners into public institutions. Therefore, what does it mean to be a Christ follower at a state institution?

In part I of this article I spoke to the nature and calling of Christians working at non-Christian colleges and universities. I also noted that we, in general, have not done a good job helping young professionals transition into this world, both as Christians and as student affairs professionals. There is a significant difference in the culture of these institutions, their missions, and the ideology of their employees and students.

Over the years, multiple graduate students have asked me if their Christian identity will hurt them if they apply to work at state institutions. I think you will find that your identity as a Christian does not hinder your ability to get a job at a state institution. In fact, I have seen that it helps. You probably have a clear sense of purpose and developed sense of ethic which makes you stand out as a candidate. Most importantly, you are promised the Holy Spirit as your advocate as you seek to engage a hurting world with the love and truth of Christ.

Whether you are searching for student development positions at state or non-religious private schools yourself or work with and mentor mentor others who are, I hope the next few paragraphs help you sort through finding a job, interviewing for a job, securing a job, and starting a job. There are four questions you should ask yourself in transition to the state campus.

The question of compromise

Do I have to compromise what I believe to do the fundamental parts of this job? There must be integrity between your actions and beliefs. Lack of consistency between these two will starve your soul and leave you exhausted. There must be integrity between your actions and your job description, or you may soon find yourself out of a job. In almost all cases, my guess is the answer to this question is “No”, you will not have to compromise what you believe. You will have to more fully develop what you really believe, become a student of legal issues on campus, and seek to be wise with your words and actions.

When I started my career at a state school, I thought I would have to compromise what I believe about sexuality and students’ freedom of choice. Instead, I’ve spent a lot more time learning how to be relaxed and intriguing, rather than trying to be the voice of being right.

The question of composure

When “hot button” issues come up, can you remain composed? Often, Christians need to be trained more when not to speak than when to speak. Both with hot button issues and conversations about faith, our temptation is often to word vomit, rather than to listen and wait to be asked.  Some of us are quick to speak up because we so badly want to voice how we’re different than other Christians, some because we believe our positions are particularly articulate. Remember, try as you may to control what you say, you cannot control what people hear or how they interpret what you say! It probably doesn’t need to be said that an argument only causes harm, no matter who wins.

When you listen, you may be asked. It is a great skill to learn how to articulate nuggets or appetizers. Here’s an example: I’m sitting at lunch with some colleagues and the topic of religion comes up (not uncommon). I listen as my friends say it’s ridiculous that churches believe people are going to hell. At one point, a friend turns to me and asks what I think. I pause, and think (because I’ve been listening, not preparing what I want to say). Then I say, “I think God wants to be with us and will let into heaven anyone who, in His good opinion, can stand it.” I get a few nods. I did not compromise what I believe, I didn’t alienate anybody, and I didn’t get into an argument.  What I did do, was offer an articulate, respectful perspective that hopefully made them think. Jesus never forced anyone to change. What He did do was challenge the heart. He planted seeds and then let the growth be up to the Father.

The question of candid

Talking about your faith can be very personal, though it is also something that is central to your identity. The argument could be made that, as a Christian, it is the identity (see Galatians 3:28). The question is, how candid do you want to be about your faith? Being candid implies more than telling the truth when asked, it is being straightforward about your identity as a believer. A good employer will recognize that institutional fit is as important for you as it is for them. So, how open do you want to be about your faith in your formal and informal interviews?

Being candid is a double-edged sword. On one hand, being honest and upfront about anything (your strengths and weaknesses) may earn you the respect of your future colleagues. On the other hand, you also run the risk of being quickly labeled and stereotyped, and start your career in an uphill battle.

Here are a few questions you may expect to receive during an interview in which you could bring up your faith. Think about your answer to each, specifically how you would or wouldn’t bring faith into your answer:

• Tell us about yourself. Why do you want to work at this institution?
• What makes you happy?
• If a student came to you and said, “I think my roommate is gay, and I want a room change” what would you say/do?
• How will you adjust to living in (new town)?
• Discuss a time you responded to a student crisis? How did you respond?
• Tell us how you have exhibited your commitment to diversity?
• How do you believe a person can go to heaven?

Okay, that last one was a joke. I can’t counsel you toward secrecy, but I can counsel you towards caution, wisdom, and preparation. I believe that the bottom line is simply to be genuine. If your faith is integrated into the fabric of your being (as it should be) it will be displayed in a genuine and natural way. It will come across as neither pushy nor apologetic. I think that is the goal. It’s important that they know who you are, (again, neither pushy nor apologetic) and then let God do the rest.  We must put our best foot forward; we just must remember that it has to be our foot.

The question of center

Finally (most importantly), how will you be centered in this new job? Is this where Jesus would be? How do you think God is reaching these students and staff? Is this where you feel called? As you begin to see what God is already doing, God’s vision for your participation in His activity at your new job will become clearer. Remember, God saves, not us. God redeems, not us.  He is the center, not us.

More than anything, I hope this is a time for you to grow closer to the Father. As you increasingly rely on Him, I believe He will show you His heart and vision for your participation in His activity. There are numerous examples of people in the Bible who were called to foreign lands. Remember, it’s the calling that’s sacred, not necessarily the location. I don’t know who God is calling but I think he’s calling more than are going.

Beau works in housing at a large public institution in the Rocky Mountain region. You can read his blog at deartony.wordpress.com.