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Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work
Grasping the dignity and significance of women and work. Women are an integral part in God’s call to work—to create and advance God’s kingdom. But work looks different for each one of us. Whether in the home, with children, or in a professional environment—or some combination of all of these—women are cultivating a world of beauty, truth, and hope. But it’s not easy. We have doubts and dreams … questions and concerns. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik provides a robust theological foundation as she engages with our most pressing
Work, whether it’s professional or in other avenues of society, is an act of cultivation that involves developing something or someone to be better. Even if you don’t receive a paycheck, you’re still working. Caring for children and homes, volunteering in our communities, leading a Bible study, or caring for aging parents is God-given work. Chelsea faithfully engages with our questions and provides practical rhythms that women can incorporate into their lives to flourish in their work.
Work, whether it’s professional or in other avenues of society, is an act of cultivation that involves developing something or someone to be better. Even if you don’t receive a paycheck, you’re still working. Caring for children and homes, volunteering in our communities, leading a Bible study, or caring for aging parents is God-given work. Chelsea faithfully engages with our questions and provides practical rhythms that women can incorporate into their lives to flourish in their work.
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2023
21 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
4 books14 followersCHELSEA PATTERSON lives and works in Washington, D.C., where she spends her days focusing on adoption and foster care policy for the U.S. House of Representatives. Her passion for adoption stems from her personal story of being adopted as a newborn from Bucharest, Romania. After growing up in North Carolina with five adopted siblings, Chelsea attended Liberty University. She has written for The Gospel Coalition, 9 Marks, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the Patheos Evangelical channel, on a wide variety of issues including culture, current events, and Christian living.
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October 28, 2023I’ve followed Chelsea’s work for a while now, and I so greatly admire her professionalism, advocacy work, and writing online. This book came into my hands at a much needed time - I have spent a lot of time this year thinking about vocation, career, and academic opportunities and how my work fits into Gods story. Several topics (stewardship, sabbath, productivity/fruitfulness) were a balm to some of the anxiety I’ve been experiencing in those areas.
This book is relatively short and surveys nine topics related to work - some are specific to the female experience in the workplace and others are much more broadly Christian. Even though this is a book written for women, I think any Christian would benefit from it. Because the book is short and covers many topics, some parts can feel more like a shallow dive in deep waters, and I wished there was more! With the structure of each chapter and the prayers, scripture, and reflection questions included, this would make a great read for a professional mentor/mentee relationship or a female small group wanting to discuss work and the gospel. 🤍
This book is relatively short and surveys nine topics related to work - some are specific to the female experience in the workplace and others are much more broadly Christian. Even though this is a book written for women, I think any Christian would benefit from it. Because the book is short and covers many topics, some parts can feel more like a shallow dive in deep waters, and I wished there was more! With the structure of each chapter and the prayers, scripture, and reflection questions included, this would make a great read for a professional mentor/mentee relationship or a female small group wanting to discuss work and the gospel. 🤍
January 28, 2024
When I first started reading, I was expecting a more original and in-depth theological discussion on work/calling and what it means to be a female in the workplace. I didn’t get that, which was disappointing, as I find myself in a season that I’d love to hear more conversations around this.
That said, I did find the book quite practical and applicable to my current season as a compilation of thoughts on work, living out your faith in the workplace, and navigating common expectations and experiences as a Christian. I wouldn’t have necessarily gone looking for a book for this specific need, but I felt like the right audience in this regard.
That said, I did find the book quite practical and applicable to my current season as a compilation of thoughts on work, living out your faith in the workplace, and navigating common expectations and experiences as a Christian. I wouldn’t have necessarily gone looking for a book for this specific need, but I felt like the right audience in this regard.
January 8, 2025
I really liked this book. It was so filled with grace and scripture. Chelsea acknowledges difficult things women may face but instead of staying in the negative she points to identity in the Father. This book is a guide for how to glorify God in all the work that we do. Encouraging women to know that they are seen and called by God to use their gifts to work hard and serve others.
“Let us joyfully take active steps toward working hard and working well, for the good of others and the glory of God.” (pg.93)
“Let us joyfully take active steps toward working hard and working well, for the good of others and the glory of God.” (pg.93)
December 23, 2023
This is an excellent resource that lays the foundation of biblical womanhood and examines the topic of work. While our seasons in life will change, our calling remains the same: the glorify the Lord and to love our neighbor. Whether your work is in the home or out, you will greatly benefit from this book. I would consider this a must-read!
September 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this book! It gave a fresh glimpse into how Christian women can live for Jesus day-to-day. The book was easy to read, the author was relatable, and I actually got some useful and practical takeaways. I’d recommend for both my friends who are moms as well as friends who are working professionals, and everyone in between.
May 26, 2024
Sobolik’s careful research, time, and intentionality in writing this book are evident. She says many true and good things, but I struggled connect her content with her thesis—Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work. This idea of cultivating caught my attention, and I wanted to meditate deeply about a women’s calling to cultivate and how it can applied to work in all walks of life. Sadly, I feel like this message is muddled and that Sobolik tries to address too many areas that do apply to work and to women but not to the idea cultivating. I think another downfall is that she quotes a lot of different authors throughout the book. Again, she is well-read on the topic, and that is evident. But I wanted to know her own thesis and analysis drawn from her study of Scripture and personal experience.
May 25, 2024
I went into this book expecting a slightly more specific discussion on the theology of gender, specifically relating to work.
It was not that.
It was, however, one of the most concise, cohesive, and practical resources for navigating the thoughts and experiences women face in any kind of work as I've ever read. A short, easy read, but packed full of goodness, truth, and LISTS 😍
Honestly, a good read for ANY Christian struggling with their job or calling. Solidly recommend.
It was not that.
It was, however, one of the most concise, cohesive, and practical resources for navigating the thoughts and experiences women face in any kind of work as I've ever read. A short, easy read, but packed full of goodness, truth, and LISTS 😍
Honestly, a good read for ANY Christian struggling with their job or calling. Solidly recommend.
April 23, 2024
A simple but practical book about working with intentionality in the workplace, the various challenges we face as Christians, and the unique calling of women to use their gifts for God’s glory.
July 27, 2024
I waffled between 1 star and 2. There is some truth in this book. There are suggestions that others may find helpful. In the end, though, if I’m honest with myself, I’m incredibly disappointed and found myself finishing by “hate reading.”
Let’s start with the good:
I appreciate that Patterson Sobolik makes an effort to talk not just in ideals, but to offer practical examples and advice.
The bad:
* Bait and switch
The back cover lauded the value women bring to the business world and in God’s kingdom. “Grasping the dignity and significance of women and work.”
In my 30+ years, I have observed a Church that both explicitly and implicitly expresses that women are to be stay-at-home moms. Women’s ministries often leave out students, those employed full-time, and working moms by meeting during the workday and not providing childcare.
I also work in a male-dominated field and deal with subtle sexism day in and day out as men interrupt me in meetings, credit other men for work I do, and ignore my expertise by inviting a man who knows less than I do on a subject to the meeting to speak to that topic.
It’s natural for me to read the back cover and expect the book to center on these themes. It didn’t.
* Lack of focus
In fact, this book didn’t seem to have a central theme. I felt like it was a series of blog posts shoved together until it was long enough to print. Patterson Sobolik moved quickly from dressing professionally to social media breaks to sexism in the workplace to managing a calendar. Rather than building out any theological vision as promised, I thought she was offering a brain dump of advice and trying to write down all the ideas she has for lessons she wants to teach her kids. This book was not aimed at adults with life experience, and I often felt patronized by her advice and churchy dialogue that tried to make advice sound like holy commands.
* Sexism
Most of what Patterson Sobolik had to say didn’t apply specifically to women. Men and women both struggle to maintain professional boundaries and prioritize family over work. Men and women both struggle with the temptation to gossip in the workplace. In fact, some of the worst gossips I’ve known have been men. Addressing these topics solely to women plays into sexist tropes.
In addition, there were some strange contradictions and borderline sexist advice. In one chapter, Patterson Sobolik spends a few paragraphs telling the reader they should dress appropriately for work, which includes projecting confidence and smiling. She didn’t necessarily say anything wrong, but I was immediately reminded of the offensive, “You should smile more,” that women hear too often. The problem with, “You should smile more,” is that women are told their role in the world is to be pretty and amenable at all times. In the very next chapter she says that judging women by their appearance devalues women and is wrong.
* Lack of a theological basis
This is mainly a self-help book. I never would have picked it up had it been presented as a self-help book. Instead I was promised robust theology. The Bible has a lot to say about work and the value of women. I wanted to learn more about the intersection of those ideas. Patterson Sobolik sprinkled in Bible verses, but at the end of the day, this book was more of her ideas on how to use iPhone features than it was a theological study.
* Lack of original thought
So. Many. Quotes.
If you cut the quotations from other authors, you’d probably cut 40+ pages from this already short 160 page book. My issue here goes back to the lack of focus, lack of theological basis, and bait and switch. Many of the quotations came from other self-help books. I felt like I was reading a college freshman’s book report rather than the well-developed theology on the dignity and value of women that I was promised.
Let’s start with the good:
I appreciate that Patterson Sobolik makes an effort to talk not just in ideals, but to offer practical examples and advice.
The bad:
* Bait and switch
The back cover lauded the value women bring to the business world and in God’s kingdom. “Grasping the dignity and significance of women and work.”
In my 30+ years, I have observed a Church that both explicitly and implicitly expresses that women are to be stay-at-home moms. Women’s ministries often leave out students, those employed full-time, and working moms by meeting during the workday and not providing childcare.
I also work in a male-dominated field and deal with subtle sexism day in and day out as men interrupt me in meetings, credit other men for work I do, and ignore my expertise by inviting a man who knows less than I do on a subject to the meeting to speak to that topic.
It’s natural for me to read the back cover and expect the book to center on these themes. It didn’t.
* Lack of focus
In fact, this book didn’t seem to have a central theme. I felt like it was a series of blog posts shoved together until it was long enough to print. Patterson Sobolik moved quickly from dressing professionally to social media breaks to sexism in the workplace to managing a calendar. Rather than building out any theological vision as promised, I thought she was offering a brain dump of advice and trying to write down all the ideas she has for lessons she wants to teach her kids. This book was not aimed at adults with life experience, and I often felt patronized by her advice and churchy dialogue that tried to make advice sound like holy commands.
* Sexism
Most of what Patterson Sobolik had to say didn’t apply specifically to women. Men and women both struggle to maintain professional boundaries and prioritize family over work. Men and women both struggle with the temptation to gossip in the workplace. In fact, some of the worst gossips I’ve known have been men. Addressing these topics solely to women plays into sexist tropes.
In addition, there were some strange contradictions and borderline sexist advice. In one chapter, Patterson Sobolik spends a few paragraphs telling the reader they should dress appropriately for work, which includes projecting confidence and smiling. She didn’t necessarily say anything wrong, but I was immediately reminded of the offensive, “You should smile more,” that women hear too often. The problem with, “You should smile more,” is that women are told their role in the world is to be pretty and amenable at all times. In the very next chapter she says that judging women by their appearance devalues women and is wrong.
* Lack of a theological basis
This is mainly a self-help book. I never would have picked it up had it been presented as a self-help book. Instead I was promised robust theology. The Bible has a lot to say about work and the value of women. I wanted to learn more about the intersection of those ideas. Patterson Sobolik sprinkled in Bible verses, but at the end of the day, this book was more of her ideas on how to use iPhone features than it was a theological study.
* Lack of original thought
So. Many. Quotes.
If you cut the quotations from other authors, you’d probably cut 40+ pages from this already short 160 page book. My issue here goes back to the lack of focus, lack of theological basis, and bait and switch. Many of the quotations came from other self-help books. I felt like I was reading a college freshman’s book report rather than the well-developed theology on the dignity and value of women that I was promised.
October 28, 2023
I have read three books this year about women and work, and this one is my favorite. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik shares some of her personal journey throughout this book, and she explores important topics and themes that many Christian women will find relevant to their working lives. There are nine chapters, and they cover topics like how our faith should influence our work, what it means to discover your calling, how to handle different work-related challenges, and how to balance meaningful productivity and restorative rest. There is also a chapter about dealing with gender and racial discrimination. Even though I would have loved a deeper dive with some of these topics, this is a great overview of many important issues.
Sobolik reflects on a biblical theology of work, and she explores why women's vocational work matters for the kingdom of God. Although that isn't an extensive focus here, readers in environments that tend to downplay or demean women's work outside the home will appreciate Sobolik's clear arguments and biblical encouragement. She also does a great job of speaking to women specifically, rather than just sharing generic advice behind a floral cover. Of course, many of her insights and encouragements apply to both sexes, but Sobolik explores some female-specific issues and gives examples all throughout the book that reflect different women's experiences.
Sobolik shares advice and illustrations that will resonate with female employees and leaders, giving a wonderful variety of examples for part-time and full-time workers, childless women and mothers, remote workers and in-office workers, and women in different types of career fields. Also, even though parts of this book are specific to corporate work, such as the advice about negotiating your salary, Sobolik also applies some of her encouragements to stay-at-home moms. I really appreciate her broad and inclusive focus, and I like how she combines deep spiritual reflections with practical advice for everyday issues.
Called to Cultivate is an excellent book for women of all ages who want to think more deeply about their vocational work. Regardless whether a woman is working as an attorney, a grocery store clerk, or a homeschool mom, there will be advice and examples here that resonate with her, and this book is full of honest, heartfelt encouragement for how to handle spiritual, emotional, and practical issues related to work. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sobolik reflects on a biblical theology of work, and she explores why women's vocational work matters for the kingdom of God. Although that isn't an extensive focus here, readers in environments that tend to downplay or demean women's work outside the home will appreciate Sobolik's clear arguments and biblical encouragement. She also does a great job of speaking to women specifically, rather than just sharing generic advice behind a floral cover. Of course, many of her insights and encouragements apply to both sexes, but Sobolik explores some female-specific issues and gives examples all throughout the book that reflect different women's experiences.
Sobolik shares advice and illustrations that will resonate with female employees and leaders, giving a wonderful variety of examples for part-time and full-time workers, childless women and mothers, remote workers and in-office workers, and women in different types of career fields. Also, even though parts of this book are specific to corporate work, such as the advice about negotiating your salary, Sobolik also applies some of her encouragements to stay-at-home moms. I really appreciate her broad and inclusive focus, and I like how she combines deep spiritual reflections with practical advice for everyday issues.
Called to Cultivate is an excellent book for women of all ages who want to think more deeply about their vocational work. Regardless whether a woman is working as an attorney, a grocery store clerk, or a homeschool mom, there will be advice and examples here that resonate with her, and this book is full of honest, heartfelt encouragement for how to handle spiritual, emotional, and practical issues related to work. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2023
What is God’s will for women? In Called to Cultivate, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik presents a gospel vision for women and work.
Sobolik begins with a solid foundation, explaining how we reflect God’s nature when we work. Women’s work matters in the kingdom of God. Sobolik shares that a woman’s highest calling is not to be a wife and mother, but to fulfill the great commandment and the great commission.
Ambassadors and Stewards
Sobolik writes to persuade, and she grounds her arguments in Scripture. She says that we should approach our work as ambassadors and as stewards, always working towards glorifying God.
This book encouraged me as well. I was reminded that the calling of every Christian is the call to follow Jesus. And while our calling will always remain the same, our assignments and seasons of life will change. Ultimately, we are called to be faithful.
Dignity and Worth
Sobolik offers practical tips on leadership and ambition. Chapter 7 is about navigating gender and racial discrimination. She tells her own story, and I am encouraged to advocate for women, championing their dignity and worth.
The book ends with a call to flourish by resting and detailing a grace-filled approach to productivity. Whether you’re working at home, working with children, working in the church, or working in the professional world – this book is an excellent help for women to doing your work heartily as for the Lord.
I received a media copy of Called to Cultivate and this is my honest review.
Sobolik begins with a solid foundation, explaining how we reflect God’s nature when we work. Women’s work matters in the kingdom of God. Sobolik shares that a woman’s highest calling is not to be a wife and mother, but to fulfill the great commandment and the great commission.
Ambassadors and Stewards
Sobolik writes to persuade, and she grounds her arguments in Scripture. She says that we should approach our work as ambassadors and as stewards, always working towards glorifying God.
This book encouraged me as well. I was reminded that the calling of every Christian is the call to follow Jesus. And while our calling will always remain the same, our assignments and seasons of life will change. Ultimately, we are called to be faithful.
Dignity and Worth
Sobolik offers practical tips on leadership and ambition. Chapter 7 is about navigating gender and racial discrimination. She tells her own story, and I am encouraged to advocate for women, championing their dignity and worth.
The book ends with a call to flourish by resting and detailing a grace-filled approach to productivity. Whether you’re working at home, working with children, working in the church, or working in the professional world – this book is an excellent help for women to doing your work heartily as for the Lord.
I received a media copy of Called to Cultivate and this is my honest review.
February 3, 2024
“When we’re able to connect our daily work to what the Lord is doing in the world, our work will have meaning and purpose, even on our hardest and most unsatisfying days.”
In “Called to Cultivate”, author Chelsea Patterson Sobolik invites women in any and all fields of work to see their jobs through the lens of the Gospel. She shares helpful insight from her own experiences while diving deep into what the Lord has taught her along the way.
Whether your job is a stay at home mama to littles or out in the workplace, this book has something for you. The more I read, the more my posture towards my own job began to shift. By the end of it, I felt a renewed sense of joy and gratitude for where God has placed me at this current station of my life in regards to my work, and I believe this book can do the same for you, too.
**Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!**
April 14, 2024
Coming in at just 159 pages, this is a short book that is filled with great wisdom. The author shares her own practical experiences in different workplaces and points to Scripture to challenge and encourage women in the work we do as unto the Lord.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“Our work doesn’t have to be flashy, in the public eye, or even remembered to have an impact on the world around us. Our quiet acts of love and service, done for God’s glory, will have reverberations throughout eternity.”
“Christians have a responsibility to steward our influence for the good of others and the glory of God.”
“The truth is we are lacking and needy, but the answer isn’t to turn to ourselves. If we are able to perfectly manage our lives, we wouldn’t be aware of our weakness and need for the Lord’s strength and guidance. We’re not supposed to live in our own strength.”
Thank you to Moody Publishers for the gifted book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“Our work doesn’t have to be flashy, in the public eye, or even remembered to have an impact on the world around us. Our quiet acts of love and service, done for God’s glory, will have reverberations throughout eternity.”
“Christians have a responsibility to steward our influence for the good of others and the glory of God.”
“The truth is we are lacking and needy, but the answer isn’t to turn to ourselves. If we are able to perfectly manage our lives, we wouldn’t be aware of our weakness and need for the Lord’s strength and guidance. We’re not supposed to live in our own strength.”
Thank you to Moody Publishers for the gifted book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 27, 2025
This was my second time through this wonderful book. I didn’t relate this time as much as I did when I read it initially, but it was helpful and uplifting nonetheless. I didn’t relate as much now because more time has passed since I was in the workforce. I think Sobolik’s work is best suited for someone who is managing a professional life alongside a personal one. That is not God’s plan for me right now. But I want to say: this is still a highly valuable read for any woman.
It is uplifting because it values the worth and dignity of the woman. It shows a different perspective than the perhaps more plentiful books by women who are staying home—and I think that different perspective matters greatly.
My favorite insight from this book is that our calling never changes (to love God and others), but our assignments change. I can relate, as my assignments have been vastly different over my adult life thus far.
Well done, Chelsea. I look forward to more from you—if the Lord so assigns.
It is uplifting because it values the worth and dignity of the woman. It shows a different perspective than the perhaps more plentiful books by women who are staying home—and I think that different perspective matters greatly.
My favorite insight from this book is that our calling never changes (to love God and others), but our assignments change. I can relate, as my assignments have been vastly different over my adult life thus far.
Well done, Chelsea. I look forward to more from you—if the Lord so assigns.
May 29, 2024
This was so needed! Goodness I love the challenge and call for women to be working and present in the season they are in, and this book really hits the nail on the head of how to do that well and in a God glorifying way. How do you honor your time and genuinely consider what you are capable of doing well in the place and time you are in? How do you prioritize the people and the work you are passionate about even if you’re not being paid to currently do those things? And how has it and how does it currently look to be a woman in the workforce who is prioritizes being respected and valued for her contribution to a workplace? All addressed and beautifully laid out in an encouraged and motivating way!
November 19, 2023
Chelsea is a really cool person and I have been following her for awhile. I liked this book because she called our work to attention and gave practical steps on how to live and work well. She highlighted several common issues and I related to so many of them. I’m thankful for her ability to humbly teach how to lift our lives up to God and ask Him to move in us and through us.
I recommend this book for adult woman who value work done well and with a higher purpose. No matter what stage of life and season we are in, our work and schedule can be used to serve God and bless others.
I recommend this book for adult woman who value work done well and with a higher purpose. No matter what stage of life and season we are in, our work and schedule can be used to serve God and bless others.
February 3, 2024
I would recommend this to anyone who could use encouragement in keeping an eternal and missional mindset in the midst of the monotony of work. However, I didn’t walk away having learned or been spurred to ponder anything new. My critiques would be that the author spent a lot of space quoting other authors, and I thought she could have talked more about how women are uniquely gifted to contribute to the workplace in special ways through their natural inclination towards being more nurturing, perceptive, etc.
January 17, 2024
I'm not certain what I was hoping for in this book, but it didn't meet or blow my expectations. Though portions of it were engaging and encouraging, much of it seemed to be pulled from other books on organization, priorities, leadership, etc. I didn't find it to hold new ideas. I guess I was hoping for something radical, something that doesn't just try to Christianize what the world is already telling women about the workplace and feminism. I didn't find it here.
May 20, 2024
I wish there was more exploration of women and working, actually fleshing out the title word of "cultivate." But I realize that the author isn't a theologian, so those aspects won't be treated in depth. However, this book is biblically rooted, and it offers practical advice for dealing with work and life.
July 17, 2024
Chelsea’s voice is earnest and thoughtful. She carefully and concisely works through aspects of work and rest. The poem at the end is truly something:
“Not in fear but hope, she simply tries
To hold and love the ones nearby
Until her Father drains the ocean dry.”
“Not in fear but hope, she simply tries
To hold and love the ones nearby
Until her Father drains the ocean dry.”
September 2, 2024
Was expecting a more in-depth theology of work/calling and being a female in the workplace. Still, it did discuss common challenges and practical advice that I’ll carry with me. Helped me see clearly how we can glorify God through changing roles at work & home through various seasons of life.
December 25, 2024
Overall it is a good book for the working woman. A lot of the information I have learned through trial and error over the years as being a Christ follower but the information was a good reminder to allow the Holy Spirit to be present in your work life . I gifted it
December 12, 2025
I'm so glad to have read this book. As a mother, I have struggled at times with my purpose, juggling time and priorities, and trying to figure out what truly matters in this world. This book has given me a lot to reflect on and has given me answers to my subconscious questions.
Want to read
December 13, 2023Recommended on TWEII
March 20, 2024
This was a wonderful book, but I wanted more.
April 29, 2024
Very basic thoughts and perspective, but a good starting point and direction for women who are early in their careers or leadership roles.
May 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book because it’s so relevant to my life as a Christian, working mom. Chelsea is wise and insightful and I really took a lot from it!
January 26, 2024
Our call to cultivate is a calling to grow💜 a rerouting on what it means to be a women in the eyes of the Lord.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews