This is My Life Paper  

         The student is expected to write a paper about their own story and how their life story might fit into the big story of God's redemptive plan. The purpose of this work is for the student to articulate how their personal calling fits within what matters most to them and what are the most important things that need to happen in the world. The paper should be 5-6 pages, double-spaced, with standard font and margins. Research beyond the course readings and materials is not necessary, but please cite any sources referenced using a recognizable format such as Chicago, MLA, etc. A good paper will show evidence of preparation and engagement with the readings; it will be organized and easy to follow; it will be free from grammatical errors; it will accomplish objectives stated. The student can base their paper on the following outline below.   

• Summary Sentence – The student should write a one sentence summarizing their calling.  Set that sentence off from the rest of the text in some way that looks good to the student.

• What’s Most Important: A brief summary, in the students own words, of what are the most important things going on in the world and why these things matter. Consider the following questions: 

1. Based on what the student has learned in this class, what does the Christian story portray as the most important work going on in the world right now?2. What does the student believe is the most important work going on in the world right now?3. What is the student most hopeful about the future of humanity?4. What is the student most worried about the future of humanity? 

• My Calling

Calling refers to the students personal mission. Although a calling may line up with someone's job, it is bigger than any one job as it can be lived out in multiple ways.  To help prepare yourself to write up this section about your calling, work through these questions first:

1. What are the top three things the student is most passionate about?

2. What is the student most proud of accomplishing?

3. What does the student find most joy in doing?

4. What have wise and reliable people said about the students' gifts, abilities and passions?

 5. What are the students' values and goals in life?

 Now, the student should consider how their interests and talents can benefit the world around them.  Consider the following questions: 

1. What does the student wish God or the government or someone would fix in the world?

2. What needs in the world can the students' talents help meet?

3. Can the students' interests and talents be useful in what they think is the most important work being done in the world right now?

4. How do the students see their interests and talents making things better for me and my family?

5. How do the students see my interests and talents making things better for others?  

• My Career: A brief description of how the student hopes their job and career will help them play their part in God’s purpose and mission for the world. Consider the following questions: 

1. What are the things their career does to make life and the life of their family better?

2. What are the things their career does to make the lives of others better?

3. What are the things about their career they can be most proud of?

4. How does evil get into and distort their career sometimes?

5. Are there systematic ways their career gets caught up with making the world a worse place?

6. What can the students do to better align their career with God's redemptive plan?