Terry L. Cross: Answering the Call in the Spirit: Pentecostal Reflections on a Theology of Vocation, Work and Life
Terry L. Cross, Answering the Call in the Spirit: Pentecostal Reflections on a Theology of Vocation, Work and Life (Cleveland, TN: Lee University Press, 2007), 164 pages, ISBN 9781596843301.
The author’s stated purpose is “expanding the definition of calling” (p. 6) as understood in traditional Pentecostal theology and to “show that a theology of calling and work requires a theology of the Spirit and giftings” (p. 17). Terry Cross informs readers that “This project [the Poiema Project, funded by a Lilly Endowment] began in a committee meeting. Originally, the faculty and staff of Lee University were the intended readers for his book”—which consists of “a discussion regarding calling within the context of [a] Christian liberal arts university” (p. 7).
Cross’ discussion regarding Pentecostal definitions and theology of vocation is not substantive—only a small portion of the text addresses these topics. The author maintains that historically, Pentecostal reflection on theology of call is limited, referring only to ministerial call. Cross does not approach the larger discussion of vocation from a Pentecostal perspective, supporting this decision based on his assertion that not much material is available.
Although the author devotes a chapter to “A Theology of Work,” one weakness of the text is the omission of definitions for those terms similar to or related to vocation and call, such as profession, career, job, etc. An inclusion and comparison of these definitions would facilitate readers’ understanding of the precise relationships among these terms, distinctions in their meanings and in the way these terms are understood in Pentecostal and other Christian traditions.
Cross states that “‘Calling’ has a rather univocal definition for Pentecostals. It usually refers to God’s communication to preachers to make full-time ministry their career” (p. 45). The “usually” here is troubling and raises the question: What if the text included a more comprehensive discussion, based on further research, of call/calling as understood in the Pentecostal tradition? Would this result in uncovering a deeper or more diverse understanding of call, even though resources for the research of call in that tradition may be limited?
The relatively sparse discussion disallows for adequate development of an understanding of the terms call and vocation from historical Pentecostal resources and raises certain questions: Did and do Pentecostals consider vocation and call as synonymous or as separate and distinct? How did/do Pentecostals view work, both in the ecclesial and social senses of the term? It would seem that additional research is needed to clarify or and to resolve, if possible, these issues.
The author’s approach to a theology of “calling” considers that “in the biblical account, ‘calling’ speaks primarily of the spiritual call to salvific relationship, not occupation. Who we are in relation to God is much more important than what we do” (p. 48). This view is arguable: one can make an apology for the biblical perspective, for example, Jeremiah 1:4-7, that presents the ontological integration of the self with God’s specific call to individual’s vocation. Therefore in vocation, one’s relationship to God is expressed through actions responding to God’s call.
A surprise was that William J. Seymour, for example, in view of his position in twentieth century Pentecostalism and his continuing influence on the developing understanding of Pentecostalism, is neither discussed or quoted nor are any of his sermon materials or other writings included in the bibliography. Seymour’s published statements on the doctrines and discipline of the Azusa Street Apostolic Faith Mission, particularly on the call to preach, provide relevant information that is important for readers’ understanding of call in the Pentecostal tradition. There is no mention of possible distinctions in the understanding of vocation in the tradition of African-American or Hispanic Pentecostalism.
The strengths of Cross’ book reside in its inclusion of biblical, theological and historical overviews concerning the development of the concept of vocation. Although similar material is available in other resources, Cross’ discussions are valuable in their attempt to relate these overviews to the Pentecostal conversation and theology regarding vocation. The text’s conclusive points, stated as steps to students and other readers, that “may assist the readers in shaping some structure to assist Christians in addressing the important issues of calling” (p. 105). From the perspective of the author’s stated purpose, the text provides, for those scholars and students engaged in more comprehensive studies of vocation, and vocation in Pentecostal context in particular, a beginning study that serves to open a broader and deeper discussion primarily for the Lee University context, as well as for others of the Pentecostal tradition in both church and academy.
Reviewed by Mara Lief Crabtree
