The High Calling of Architects

The High Calling of Architects

A couple months ago, I spoke at a conference for young Christian architects. I know nothing about architecture, but they were warm and hospitable. I truly think they ended up teaching me more than I taught them.

I grew up in an evangelical subculture in which there was a clear hierarchy of callings. Pastors and missionaries were Team A. Everyone else was Team B. The best you could do on Team B was make money and give it to Team A, so they could do the real work of God. That’s why it was incredibly refreshing to meet these young Christians for whom that sacred/secular divide has been obliterated. They saw their work in the marketplace as a high and holy calling. To them, making useful and beautiful buildings was an extension of God’s work to remake the world.

I was reminded of these young architects when I read responses from Christian urban designers and developers on how their work “can foster deep, lasting community in a fragmented world.” Read: Bringing the City of God to the Cities of Earth.

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. To make you even more grateful for your mom, Daniel Silliman reminds us that “If You’re a Christian, You Should Probably Thank Your Mom.”