On Tuesday 29 August 2017, Trinity Theological College had the privilege of hearing Dr Robert Banks speak on the topic of ‘Affirming and Equipping Church Members for their Vocation in the Marketplace’ organised by Faith and Society Forum. The seminar came at a timely moment, considering the recent surge in discussions centring on ‘marketplace theology’ or the idea of conceiving our jobs as vocations granted by God.

In this respect, Robert Bank’s talk came in handy. He started the seminar by reminding the audience of ways in which our basic framework of understanding concerning work and vocation could be built up. This included having a good biblical understanding of work and vocation, a theological understanding of God as worker, and an acquaintance with historical as well as contemporary contributions towards this topic.

It was, however, the suggestion of practical ways and ideas to affirm the everyday calling of Christians that took up the bulk of the presentation. Dr Banks provided stimulating insights as to how, through the utilisation of our existing ministry platforms, congregational members could be encouraged in their vocations. Examples include deliberate singing and praying during our worship services about the role of work in our Christian living, having an annual commissioning of our marketplace members according to the various occupational sectors (teachers, lawyers, businessmen, those in the retail industry etc.), displaying a photo gallery of our marketplace members within the church premise, workplace visits by the pastors, to name a few.

Dr Banks ended his presentation by issuing a key reminder: all that he has shared presupposes a paradigm shift in three aspects, namely, the way lay people view their calling and mission, the way churches view themselves and operate, and the way pastoral and teaching ministry is directed. The seminar concluded with a question and answer session.

We wish to thank Dr Robert Banks for the many insights and suggestions he gave at this seminar. At the same time, we affirm and thank the Lord for the desire he has placed upon Dr Banks — to constantly present theology and our Christian faith as an ‘everyday living theology’.

By Rev Edmund Fong