Here are more sample assignments to help inspire fresh thinking about how to incorporate a concern for vocation, flourishing and economic justice across the curriculum.
Theology/Doctrine
Have students take a statement from either the Nicene or Apostles’ Creed and link it to a current news or human interest article that centers on problems and issues related to the world of vocation, work and economics, individually and/or socially. Have them explain their choices and discuss what they learned in applying the creed so specifically to work.
Here are some possible examples:
Apostles’ Creed
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth”
Article: Brookwood Community Offers Work to People with Disabilities
“[I believe in] the resurrection of the body”
Article: Why We Need a New Theology of Work
Nicene Creed
“For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven”
Article: Election Day in the Shadow of the Cross
“We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son”
Article: The Quiet Unraveling of Work in America
Biblical Studies
Ask students to select an article such as those in the exercise above and identify 2-3 biblical passages that speak to the concerns unearthed by it. Why and how do these passages address the issue in question?
Preaching
Ask students to select an article such as those in the exercise above and write a sermon (or section of a sermon) that addresses one or more of the concerns identified. If the author of the article were in the pews, what might their response be? If possible, preach the sermon and interview congregants about their responses.
Spiritual Formation
Ask students to design the content of a prayer app to be used by people in the workplace. What prayers, scriptures, songs and readings might they include? What issues should be addressed and how should the app be organized? What kind of structure should be used? (Do people need a prayer every hour? A longer devotion at lunchtime? Music? Would they like notifications to remind them to use the app? How often do they want to be notified? Do different occupations want different structures?) If possible, have them interview several workplace Christians in the course of developing the app. They might also want to check out Pray as You Go for ideas and inspiration.
Church Music and Liturgy
Ask students to respond to “The Work of My Hands,” a liturgy for daily commutes by A New Liturgy.
- What elements of worship and prayer (praise, intercession, confession, etc.) do the creators include in their liturgy for commuters?
- Why do you think they include each element?
- How does this liturgy prepare people for work and for coming home from work?
- Are there things you think could be added?
- How could you see something like this being used in your own setting?
Jennifer Woodruff Tait is managing editor of Christian History, content editor for The High Calling at the Theology of Work Project, an Episcopal priest, an affiliate professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, and the author of The Poisoned Chalice.
