For decades we've modeled our pastoral vocation on that of corporate CEOs. We often see our task as rallying people and resources to advance the goals of our institutional ministry. In my just released book,Futureville, I unpack the neglected theology of vocation and its implications for the way we think about the pastor's calling for the called. -Skye Jethani

"Right, now pay attention." Few people spoke to James Bond with more condescension than his quartermaster—known simply as Q. Bond's interactions with Q were often my favorite scenes in the 007 movies. They followed a predictable formula. Having been given his orders by M, the head of the British secret service, Bond then reported to Q to receive the gizmos, gadgets, and guns necessary to accomplish his mission. Bond's casual disrespect for the quartermaster's work created a playful tension between the two and provoked Q's frustrated calls to, "Pay attention, Double-O-Seven!"

The ...