Many of us wrestle with questions like, “What am I called to do? How do I know if I’m on the right path?” Scripture reminds us that our first and deepest calling isn’t to a task, but to a relationship. We are called by God to be with him and to become increasingly like him.
This means every Christian has as our primary calling to be in a relationship with the living God, which is made possible only through the sacrificial death of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our loving God does not simply promise us heaven when we die. He calls us to pick up our cross daily, follow him and do the good works he has prepared in advance for us to do (Luke 9:23; Ephesians 2:10).
Recognizing the vital role women play in shaping the Church and the broader world, the National Association of Evangelicals has made an intentional investment in developing women leaders. Over the past three years, the NAE, along with the Fuller Center for Spiritual Formation, has hosted two cohorts of female leaders from across the country to help them grow spiritually, thrive in their callings, and strengthen one another in Christ-centered leadership.
Both cohorts had a rich diversity across race, denomination, career and sector. Participants included women leading their denominations, professionals from higher education, nonprofit executives, and church leaders from NAE denominations, such as the Assemblies of God and The Salvation Army. They gathered in shared pursuit of faithful leadership and spiritual growth.
Most of us think about our vocation in terms of what. What are we called to do and be? This is important, but calling also addresses the questions of with whom, to whom, how and when.
With whom. Our calling by God is always personal but never private. Our adoption into God’s family brings us into a community of brothers and sisters who shape us and stir us on to love and good deeds.
When Erin Donovan, principal and lead consultant of RootED and board chair of World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the NAE, joined her cohort, she didn’t expect it to be “one of the best gifts I’ve been given in a long time.” What she discovered was a group marked not by competition but by humility and love. “It was a joy to be in a group with other leaders whom I greatly respect but would otherwise never get the chance to meet,” she said.
To whom. Vocation is not primarily about personal self-fulfillment; God calls us to participate in his reign and rule as a blessing to others. Women have long understood that vocation extends beyond a remunerated career: We are called daughters, and many of us are sisters, wives and mothers, too. Together, the cohort explored how to faithfully balance the multiple responsibilities in our lives.
How. Spiritual formation addresses the how of our vocation. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that without love, none of our work has value (1 Corinthians 13). The 10-month cohort provided a hands-on experience to implement different spiritual practices in the context of community. Learning, practicing and sharing exercises, such as lament, gratitude and creating a rule of life, equips us to live out our vocation with faithfulness and integrity.
When. There are different seasons and changes in our vocational journey, and God walks with us and forms us through all the twists and turns.
“Little did I realize when I first signed up for the NAE Fuller Formation Groups how greatly I would value the experience,” shared Janet Sommers.
Several months into the program, Sommers unexpectedly faced a major job transition that left her questioning her vocation and future path. “The NAE cohort of godly, gifted female leaders provided a diverse community of care and encouragement, while the rich programmatic content helped guide my mind and heart during a season of change,” she said.
Sommers described the impact of the various structural elements of the cohort:
The rhythm of weekly online content, monthly small group discussions, and quarterly retreats worked well for me, keeping me actively engaged and focused. I appreciated the thematic combination of short readings, videos and reflective practices each week. My small group provided a close connection with amazing women, whose wisdom and counsel I have grown to trust and highly cherish. The retreats provided welcomed opportunities to authentically connect with others but also to spend time in silence and solitude with God — a wonderful, intentional mix that fostered both community and communion.
She concluded, “I thank God for the opportunity to participate in the NAE Fuller Formation Group. He knew what I needed before I did and graciously provided a space where I could grow spiritually and vocationally. I am deeply grateful for the experience of learning within such a welcoming and supportive community.”
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Toni Kim is the director of spiritual care for the National Association of Evangelicals. For 17 years, she served as minister at a church in downtown Boston, where she helped found the disabilities ministry Enable Boston. Kim serves on the board of governors of Regent College and visiting board for Taylor University. She is also licensed with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. She is the author of “Redeeming Shame: Learning to Live in Christ’s Freedom.” In 2021, she completed Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Public Leadership Credential. She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s degree in Christian studies from Regent College in Vancouver.
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