Does “real kingdom work” only happen when we volunteer at church or get paid from a nonprofit organization?

By SI Filings
Sep 24 2019
Theology of Work
Vocation
Worldview

"'My dream is to one day ...quit my job and do real kingdom work.' ...But at the same time, I cringe at the false dichotomy I hear in statements like this. As if 'real kingdom work' only takes place when one is volunteering at church or getting a paycheck from a nonprofit organization." - Daniel Darling

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There are 4 Comments

Bert Perry's picture

Bert Perry -

Darling is arguing mostly that we need to hear more about the dignity and value of work, and that's great.  Another thought for "real kingdom work" is that it can, and should, occur in our ordinary social interactions--including, but not limited to, those at work.  All too often, it seems as if the usual mode is "just hand out a tract", which psychologically just doesn't work for a lot of us.  

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.

Kevin Miller's picture

Kevin Miller -

Darrell Post wrote:

I cannot do any kingdom work because Christ has not yet returned to start his kingdom. I can do church-age work however. 

Isn't every believer going to be a part of God's kingdom? By evangelizing, are we not seeing people added to those who will enjoy this kingdom?

Darrell Post's picture

Darrell Post -

"Isn't every believer going to be a part of God's kingdom? By evangelizing, are we not seeing people added to those who will enjoy this kingdom?"

Yes, I was just responding to the common terminology used by those who think we are in the kingdom now.