In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Zach Salsbury—Assistant Professor of Christian Studies and Dean of Students at Midwestern Seminary—about the dignity of ‘ordinary work.’ Zach shares his own story of wrestling with calling, early pressure to pursue foreign missions, and the liberating theological insight that God’s kingdom encompasses all of life. Together they discuss vocation, motives, discernment, and how every believer can serve the Lord faithfully in ordinary work, family, and church life without assuming a formal ministry role.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a show for everyday Christians and ministry leaders learning to think theologically about their local contexts through Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

calling, vocation, missions, kingdom of God, discernment, theological formation, work and faith, Christian life, Francis Schaeffer, spiritual motives

Takeaways

• You don’t have to become a foreign missionary to be faithful to God’s calling.

• The kingdom of God encompasses all of life—not just formal ministry roles.

• Motives matter; Christians must learn to exegete their desires and examine why they pursue certain paths.

• Local churches and mentors play a crucial role in helping believers discern calling.

• Ordinary work (design, business, parenting, maintenance, etc.) is meaningful kingdom work when done unto Christ.

• Students often need help expanding their view of calling beyond ‘ministry vs. everything else.’

• Faithful discernment requires introspection, prayer, Scripture, and community guidance.

Sound Bites

• “You don’t need to go die on the mission field to serve the Lord and His kingdom.”

• “Christ has authority over the far reaches of the earth—and also right here where I am.”

• “Work is not redeemed by evangelism; ordinary work has intrinsic kingdom value.”

• “Exegete your motives. Ask why—then ask why again.”

• “We are kingdom citizens in every task, from dishes to discipling.”