LDRS 399: Internships in Leadership
Discussion Questions for Gordon T. Smith’s Courage and Calling
Revised January 28, 2008
Introduction and Chapter 1: The Context of Our Lives and Work
1. What is meant by the word “calling?” What is the second meaning of calling
that Smith wishes to focus on? What is the implication of not living
compartmental lives? (What is integrity?)
2. What does Smith mean when he says that idea of “calling” “gives us the capacity
to see change as an opportunity”?
3. In what ways can change be thought of as “crises”? Can you relate this to your
own life?
4. What, according to Smith, is a theological response to the crises of work in our
world? Is there such thing as a secular vocation? Why is all of life
fundamental religious? Is it fair to say that all of life is part of a spiritual
journey?
5. How has the field of psychology contributed to our theology of self?
6. What is Smith’s book designed to do? (That might yield the same answer as the
question: What is LDRS 399 designed to do?)
