Leadership, Calling, and Economics

The course combines two semester-long courses from the Institute of Faith, Work, and Economics. The first semester lays the foundation for understanding our calling and the Biblical view of work. It guides students through an in-depth, thoughtful, biblical exploration of calling, vocation, and personal gifting, to prepare them for a life of leadership and service. Students will read a variety of materials that examine calling as it generally applies to the Christian life and as it applies to specific areas of life, such as work, family, and community. The rich biblical insight, powerful reading assignments, thought-provoking assignments, and practical exercises of this course make it fundamental to the young Christian's endeavor to understand God's calling in his or her life.

The second semester guides students through an in-depth, biblical exploration of the basic principles of economics. Using a variety of readings, students will learn how thinking economically can provide a framework for living that fits God's design, brings him glory, and allows them to experience fulfillment in their lives. What makes this course unique is its emphasis on learning the biblical foundations for economics as a necessary component of making God-honoring decisions. Students who take this course will see how living out biblical economic principles empowers them to live faithfully as Christians, to flourish and to contribute to the flourishing of their families, communities, nation, and ultimately, the world.

Note: this class fulfills the 12th grade “Economics” credit requirement in the Kepler Diploma track, and is ideal for upper level high school students.

Course Objectives:

1. Gain a robust biblical understanding of the meaning of “calling” and learn to apply the concept of calling to all spheres of life.
2. Evaluate their God-given gifts and skills, and find confidence in their unique talents.
3. Identify principles and practices of effective servant leadership through an inductive study of the lives of men and women who have impacted history and their communities.
4. Understand the economic way of thinking as a path to better stewardship.
5. Grasp the importance of good decision making for serving God and his creation.
6. Understand the grounding of economic thinking in biblical principles.
7. Be provoked to always ask “Why?” and “At what cost?” when evaluating different economic paths.

Texts:

• The Christian Almanac by George Grant and Gregory Wilbur
• Understanding Your Calling - Institute of Faith, Work, & Economics
• God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life by Gene Edward Veith
• How Then Should We Work? by Hugh Welchel (free copy included with the Understanding Your Calling curriculum)
• Biblical Foundations for the Economic Way of Thinking - Institute of Faith, Work, & Economics
• Common Sense Economics - Gwartney, Stroup, and Lee
• Entrepreneurship For Human Flourishing by Chris Horst and Peter Greer