The Purpose of Work

Faith & Fellowship Magazine
Written By Tim Mathiesen

March/April 2025

The Purpose of Work

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Featured
Our Vocation and God’s Mission
Vocation, 2025-02, Mission of God, Disciple-Making
Our Vocation and God’s Mission
Vocation, 2025-02, Mission of God, Disciple-Making

I have a friend who owns his own business. A few years ago, he was wondering out loud, “What could God do through my simple business? What does this have to do with sharing the gospel with my neighbors?”

Vocation, 2025-02, Mission of God, Disciple-Making
The Bible on Vocation
Vocation, 2025-02, Theology
The Bible on Vocation
Vocation, 2025-02, Theology

Gene Veith, in his article “Vocation: The Theology of the Christian Life,” cites the passage and comments, “Thus, God assigns different kinds of life for each Christian and then calls each Christian to that assignment.”

Vocation, 2025-02, Theology
My Part in God’s Business
Vocation, 2025-02, Partner in Mission
My Part in God’s Business
Vocation, 2025-02, Partner in Mission

My career journey has been one of continual change and unexpected results that I can only credit to God.

Vocation, 2025-02, Partner in Mission
You Can Only Golf So Much!
Vocation, 2025-02, Disciple-Making, Partner in Mission
You Can Only Golf So Much!
Vocation, 2025-02, Disciple-Making, Partner in Mission

Today, six years into retirement, Steve would say that he still hasn’t gotten much rest. And he’s arrived at this unexpected conclusion: “You can only golf so much!”

Vocation, 2025-02, Disciple-Making, Partner in Mission
Rooted is Making a Difference!
Unleash New Leaders, Rooted Gap Year, North American Mission, 2025-02
Rooted is Making a Difference!
Unleash New Leaders, Rooted Gap Year, North American Mission, 2025-02

Later that day I left for the airport, thinking to myself, and now sharing with you, “Rooted is more than great; it’s special.”

Unleash New Leaders, Rooted Gap Year, North American Mission, 2025-02
I Never Wanted to be a Pastor
Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Unleash New Leaders, 2025-02
I Never Wanted to be a Pastor
Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Unleash New Leaders, 2025-02

I loved listening to people and speaking into their lives. I loved seeing the Bible brought to life in people. I loved teaching. I loved Jesus and his promise to heal, reconcile, and transform. But I didn’t want to be a pastor. 

Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Unleash New Leaders, 2025-02
More Christian Education in Chad
International Mission, Chad, Christian Education, Unleash New Leaders, 2025-02
More Christian Education in Chad
International Mission, Chad, Christian Education, Unleash New Leaders, 2025-02

With the success of a first school, Gethsemane de Meube, established in a village in Chad, there has been an increasing desire for more schools in other villages. In response, the CLB has started a second school: Gethsemane de N’Djamena-Bousso.

International Mission, Chad, Christian Education, Unleash New Leaders, 2025-02
A Word of Gratitude and Celebration for President Brad Hoganson
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Recognition, 2025-02
A Word of Gratitude and Celebration for President Brad Hoganson
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Recognition, 2025-02

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, I want to express our profound gratitude to President Brad Hoganson and “the first lady of Hillcrest,” Traci Hoganson, for their faithful commitment and transformative service to our school.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Recognition, 2025-02
Tim Mathiesen
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A Word of Gratitude and Celebration for President Brad Hoganson
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The Valuable Investment of Time