I was troubled by a reference in Jana Childers' "Benedictory.” … I quote: "These days as young women and men go off to MBA programs and Silicone Valley jobs and entrepreneurial careers, we are grateful that there are still some who make space in their lives and their psyches to hear God's call."

I am a seminary grad and a working pastor of 34 years. That doesn't mean I was listening for God's call better than followers of Jesus who ended up serving in full-time ministry in the wider marketplace. As long as seminaries and church professionals think that only those pursuing "the ministry" through a few sanctified fields of work (namely pastors, missionaries, and church paid educators, generally informed by a seminary education) [are “called”], we will continue to cut ourselves off from the great biblical and Reformation understanding of the priesthood and vocation of all believers. I love being a pastor, but I don't think my particular calling makes me any more open to God's call. God calls followers of Jesus into every field of work and stream of life. Let the Church be free of this two-class system for once and for all. All believers are called to serve the same Lord, whatever the field of work. Institutional seminary thinking has gotten in the way of the Reformation.

Harry J. Heintz, pastor

Brunswick Church

Troy, N.Y.