Emma Temple, who works in Communications and Marketing, shares her experience of vocation with us.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a Christian, a creative, and a campaigner, living in Leeds. I moved here for university in 2012 (and thankfully found SCM in the process!). I’ve worked in various jobs since then, trying to find a use for my two philosophy degrees, and to find ways to live out my faith – both in the paid work I do, and in the communities and activities that make up my life outside of work.
What role do you currently have?
I currently have three jobs. I am employed by an ecumenical Christian learning organisation as Communications and Marketing Manager, and I have some freelance work doing digital communications for an Anglican church, as well as building justice-seeking communities with a Methodist project in Leeds City Centre.
How did you decide to work for you current organisation?
It’s funny to think of any of the jobs I do now as decisions that I made – they came my way at the right time, and I took them. I’m passionate about promoting an inclusive, active, and expansive Christian faith, and finding ways of exploring a spirituality that takes the world we live in seriously. Each of these organisations does that, in different ways. I feel very lucky to be where I am, and I could never have predicted it even a few years ago.
What attracted you to the role you currently have?
I was attracted to communications work because I love writing – the challenge of saying complex things in a clear way. I suppose it was the Ikigai approach that helped lead me to what I do now – I found what I enjoyed, what I was good at, what the world needs, and what I could do as a job.
How did you feel called to your role?
I wasn’t necessarily looking for any of the roles I do at the moment. I tried to keep an openness to opportunities that ‘fit’ me, even if they weren’t what I thought I was looking for – if I’ve learned anything about vocation, it’s to expect the unexpected! The closest I’ve come to feeling ‘called’ is spotting coincidences that have a slight sparkle around the edges. Times when it feels like the Holy Spirit is winking and nudging you on with a smile.
How does your faith help you with the challenges you face?
My faith helps me not to take myself too seriously. When I’m stressed about a deadline or a disagreement, the zoomed-out perspective I find in prayer reminds me of what really matters and keeps me rooted in joy. The activist work of trying to change the world is hard – my faith reminds me that we’re just a small moment in a long history of people working to bring about God’s Kingdom of justice and peace, and it’s a privilege to join in that work in our small ways. We aren’t doing any of this alone.
What advice would you give to someone trying to discern their vocation?
When I was starting out in my career, I thought I had to have it all mapped out – I liked to think I was in control! While it’s good to reflect on what your skills are and what you’re passionate about, the details will fall into place in their own time. Try to think less about specific job titles you’ll have, and more about how you’d like your work life to feel – do you like working alone or in a team? Indoors or outdoors? Variety or routine? You can’t predict what life will send your way, but you can get to know yourself well enough to make good judgements about what you say ‘yes’ to. And don’t be afraid to change your mind – we experience different callings in different seasons of our lives. Stay open to hearing your next one.