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Tithe Your Career: Following Jesus among the nations in the first years of your career
Tithe Your Career is an invitation and road map for Christian recent grads to invest the first two years of their career in missional and practical work among our global neighbors. Tithe Your Career offers a framework for students of all backgrounds to use your most mobile and strategic years as you seek to live a life that matters and see God exalted in your life and among all nations.
Filled with stories of recent grads who have tithed their career, Tithe Your Career walks you through the three ways your early twenties are super unique and the best time in your life to move to live in a new culture and provides a proven pathway for finding your unique place in God's global work.
Tithe Your Career is a page turner that can be read in a couple of hours, but the concepts and stories will inspire and reverberate long after. You'll have a clear picture of what's possible and a vision for how the first years of your career and God's mission can fit. This super accessible book will challenge your paradigms and vision of how your life fits in the bigger story that God is writing today in America and the global church.
Over the last decade, authors Paul Van Der Werf and Katy White have pioneered the concept of Tithe Your Career through their leadership of GoCorps, an organization that has coached thousands of college students and placed hundreds of recent grads to use their degrees alongside long-term missional teams and projects globally.
Tithe Your Career will show
superpower that you only have in your 20sThe overlooked thing that you have that puts you in the top 7% globallyHow almost all Christians have a backward understanding of 'calling'Where 99% of Christians fit in the great commissionThe five postures that American Christians can take to fit in the global church
Order your copy today!
Filled with stories of recent grads who have tithed their career, Tithe Your Career walks you through the three ways your early twenties are super unique and the best time in your life to move to live in a new culture and provides a proven pathway for finding your unique place in God's global work.
Tithe Your Career is a page turner that can be read in a couple of hours, but the concepts and stories will inspire and reverberate long after. You'll have a clear picture of what's possible and a vision for how the first years of your career and God's mission can fit. This super accessible book will challenge your paradigms and vision of how your life fits in the bigger story that God is writing today in America and the global church.
Over the last decade, authors Paul Van Der Werf and Katy White have pioneered the concept of Tithe Your Career through their leadership of GoCorps, an organization that has coached thousands of college students and placed hundreds of recent grads to use their degrees alongside long-term missional teams and projects globally.
Tithe Your Career will show
superpower that you only have in your 20sThe overlooked thing that you have that puts you in the top 7% globallyHow almost all Christians have a backward understanding of 'calling'Where 99% of Christians fit in the great commissionThe five postures that American Christians can take to fit in the global church
Order your copy today!
158 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 31, 2025
Personally, loved it. Read this after coming back from the EDM conference for student ministry leaders, and was so much more encouraged that I thought I would be! Was fun to dream and pray about the future regarding missions, and confront the word "calling" that is so heavily used when discerning what's next. Definitely challenges where your faith and trust lies while waiting for clarity on decision making. Also a great read for post grads, or any age group in my opinion :)
October 18, 2026
I finally finished the last book I received at Urbana last December!
When I was given this book in the mobilization hub at the Urbana conference, I didn't seem to interested in giving a read. Even though my calling to go on missions does not feel clear yet, I have learned lots of things from this book, particularly how the desire to have control and certainty stems from us not remembering that God tells us that his plan surpasses our understanding and we are called to wrestle with him.
Here are some takeaways that I found most special to me and my life growing closer to God.
- "We will miss out on so much of what we can learn about God and about ourselves when we expect an unquestionable level of certainty instead of entering into the wrestling that he has designed for us to endure" (pg. 94).
- **This question rly stood out to me:
"Does your desire for certainty in your calling stem from something other than faith? There are a few lies that sneak in and disguise themselves as an honourable pursuit of clarity when in reality they are rooted in something else entirely" (pg. 94)
- "Is your desire for certainty actually just grasping for peace in something that's not meant to provide it? The season before graduating college can be full of so much uncertainty it's easy to feel overwhelmed" (pg. 95). - Philippians 4:7 shows us that the peace that is ours in Christ actually surpasses our understanding.
-"Yet we are able to trust an unknown future because we have a known God, who has revealed himself in the Word and gives us all we need to discern the opportunities in front of us." (pg. 94).
-"God will complete the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6), not just in spite of trials but in many instances because of them."
-"We can trust that the trials we face today are only temporary and prepare us for an eternity better than anything else (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)."
-"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." (James 1:2).
I will now end of with this hymn mentioned in the book - "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. The things of each will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
When I was given this book in the mobilization hub at the Urbana conference, I didn't seem to interested in giving a read. Even though my calling to go on missions does not feel clear yet, I have learned lots of things from this book, particularly how the desire to have control and certainty stems from us not remembering that God tells us that his plan surpasses our understanding and we are called to wrestle with him.
Here are some takeaways that I found most special to me and my life growing closer to God.
- "We will miss out on so much of what we can learn about God and about ourselves when we expect an unquestionable level of certainty instead of entering into the wrestling that he has designed for us to endure" (pg. 94).
- **This question rly stood out to me:
"Does your desire for certainty in your calling stem from something other than faith? There are a few lies that sneak in and disguise themselves as an honourable pursuit of clarity when in reality they are rooted in something else entirely" (pg. 94)
- "Is your desire for certainty actually just grasping for peace in something that's not meant to provide it? The season before graduating college can be full of so much uncertainty it's easy to feel overwhelmed" (pg. 95). - Philippians 4:7 shows us that the peace that is ours in Christ actually surpasses our understanding.
-"Yet we are able to trust an unknown future because we have a known God, who has revealed himself in the Word and gives us all we need to discern the opportunities in front of us." (pg. 94).
-"God will complete the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6), not just in spite of trials but in many instances because of them."
-"We can trust that the trials we face today are only temporary and prepare us for an eternity better than anything else (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)."
-"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." (James 1:2).
I will now end of with this hymn mentioned in the book - "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. The things of each will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
July 29, 2025
“Here you are in your twenties with mobility and a [university] degree—a superpower and a superblessing. The big question is: does God have a special purpose in mind for your superpower and superblessing?”
This brief but inspiring book introduces us to a handful of college-educated Gen-Z Christians who decided to move overseas to invest the first two years of their careers as an offering to the Lord. They don’t consider themselves missionaries, but simply call themselves goers.
The authors make a winsome case for such a move, illustrating the many benefits of such an investment and addressing challenges and obstacles. Could this be a good path for someone you know?
Since GoCorps is a mobilization and placement organization that does exactly what this book describes, I wondered if it would feel self-promotional, and I am happy to report it does not.
On the other hand, GoCorps is worth checking out. They partner with about 15 ministries offering two-year commitments around the world (for U.S. citizens). You can also find a free book discussion guide on their website.
Older, but intrigued by the idea of tithing your career? It’s not too late. GoCorps is now launching a ministry to resource people in their thirties through their eighties. It’s called OnCorps.
This brief but inspiring book introduces us to a handful of college-educated Gen-Z Christians who decided to move overseas to invest the first two years of their careers as an offering to the Lord. They don’t consider themselves missionaries, but simply call themselves goers.
The authors make a winsome case for such a move, illustrating the many benefits of such an investment and addressing challenges and obstacles. Could this be a good path for someone you know?
Since GoCorps is a mobilization and placement organization that does exactly what this book describes, I wondered if it would feel self-promotional, and I am happy to report it does not.
On the other hand, GoCorps is worth checking out. They partner with about 15 ministries offering two-year commitments around the world (for U.S. citizens). You can also find a free book discussion guide on their website.
Older, but intrigued by the idea of tithing your career? It’s not too late. GoCorps is now launching a ministry to resource people in their thirties through their eighties. It’s called OnCorps.
March 4, 2026
easy read and super interesting!!
Read
May 9, 2025Read this in two hours and it was great! Definitely going to recommend this to people. Perfect for college students and young adults who follow Jesus!
July 15, 2025
Tithe your Career is a thought-provoking challenge to Christian college graduates to consider giving 2 years of their lives to the Lord in cross-cultural ministry. Both Paul and Katy represent GoCorps, a ministry which links college graduates with cross-cultural opportunities, so the book is really the rationale for this valuable ministry!
I appreciated the emphasis on the incredible blessings that college graduates have been given: the "superpower" of mobility (before marriage and homeownership make moving overseas more difficult), the "superblessing" of a college degree (putting them in the top 7% worldwide), and the "superstrategic" moment of doing something like this at this key time in their lives.
Not only do they make the case for WHY young adults should go cross-culturally for a couple of years, Paul and Katy also spend quite a bit of time on the HOW they should go. These are excellent chapters in the second half of the book. They emphasize the need to go over with a spirit of humility, a learner's attitude, a goal of serving, and intentional friendship building, among others. These are very practical tools that will make the experience so much more effective and personally fulfilling. There is also a very healthy perspective on answering the question, "How do I know if this is right for me?" I won't spoil the review with their answer, but it was a very biblically compelling perspective on that question that often stymies young people considering cross-cultural ministry.
I appreciated the emphasis on not having to be a "super Christian" to make a cross-cultural move. How true this is. However, I do think they could have spent a bit more time talking about ways to prepare yourself practically and spiritually to be well-suited to overseas ministry. My experience working in cross-cultural ministry for many years has shown me that a person's willingness to go must also be balanced with suitedness to the task, whether that be physically, professionally, or spiritually. While the authors acknowledge that the sending agency will point out if and when there are areas of growth that are needed before taking a cross-cultural step, I think some practical steps in the preceding years and months could also be emphasized (developing healthy spiritual rhythms, working through addictions or emotional struggles, building cross-cultural relationships here in the USA, etc.) While it is true we are *all* works in progress, especially in our young-adult years, there are still practical ways that young people can prepare themselves now for an effective ministry in a cross-cultural setting down the line.
Overall though this book would make a great gift for a college student going into their senior year or just graduating. I am already thinking of people I plan on giving this book to. Thank you to Katy and Paul for their time and energy putting this great resource together, and for the GoCorps ministry!
I appreciated the emphasis on the incredible blessings that college graduates have been given: the "superpower" of mobility (before marriage and homeownership make moving overseas more difficult), the "superblessing" of a college degree (putting them in the top 7% worldwide), and the "superstrategic" moment of doing something like this at this key time in their lives.
Not only do they make the case for WHY young adults should go cross-culturally for a couple of years, Paul and Katy also spend quite a bit of time on the HOW they should go. These are excellent chapters in the second half of the book. They emphasize the need to go over with a spirit of humility, a learner's attitude, a goal of serving, and intentional friendship building, among others. These are very practical tools that will make the experience so much more effective and personally fulfilling. There is also a very healthy perspective on answering the question, "How do I know if this is right for me?" I won't spoil the review with their answer, but it was a very biblically compelling perspective on that question that often stymies young people considering cross-cultural ministry.
I appreciated the emphasis on not having to be a "super Christian" to make a cross-cultural move. How true this is. However, I do think they could have spent a bit more time talking about ways to prepare yourself practically and spiritually to be well-suited to overseas ministry. My experience working in cross-cultural ministry for many years has shown me that a person's willingness to go must also be balanced with suitedness to the task, whether that be physically, professionally, or spiritually. While the authors acknowledge that the sending agency will point out if and when there are areas of growth that are needed before taking a cross-cultural step, I think some practical steps in the preceding years and months could also be emphasized (developing healthy spiritual rhythms, working through addictions or emotional struggles, building cross-cultural relationships here in the USA, etc.) While it is true we are *all* works in progress, especially in our young-adult years, there are still practical ways that young people can prepare themselves now for an effective ministry in a cross-cultural setting down the line.
Overall though this book would make a great gift for a college student going into their senior year or just graduating. I am already thinking of people I plan on giving this book to. Thank you to Katy and Paul for their time and energy putting this great resource together, and for the GoCorps ministry!
February 11, 2026
I loved this so much and was very encouraged and challenged. Appreciated the way they acknowledged ethnocentrism and the harm missionaries have done while also highlighting the truth that this doesn’t mean missions is an inherently bad thing! This book challenges us in many things, namely that of humility and faith.
“Our picture of God will always be limited if we only see him through our own cultural lens” sooo good.
There is something more! Treasure buried in a barren field.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12.
“Our picture of God will always be limited if we only see him through our own cultural lens” sooo good.
There is something more! Treasure buried in a barren field.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12.
October 29, 2025
A must read for families of faith with young women and men in high school and college! A vital resources for any mobilizer! This is the game changer for this generation, and the much-needed corrective to an American church that has lost its way in taking up the great commission charge and global worldview that God calls us to. There are great theological works on God's mission in the world, there are practical guides for doing mission work on the field. This work brings it all together! It helps the young woman and man of faith understand the call, gain a global perspective, and sets them up well to use a variety of giftings and skills for Kingdom work... and to actually GO well.
July 25, 2025
A practical and endearing read that inspires and definitely cause a stirring to submit to the Lord in my career. While I personally am not in my “early career” I found this book relatable, inspiring, and full of beautiful stories from people that challenged their own desires and paved a path for the Lords plan.
January 4, 2026
This is a sweet little book! A simple but effective call for college seniors and post-grads to consider using the first two years of their career to advance the gospel overseas. I’d put this in the same vein as Radical (Platt), and would recommend to any student wanting to understand how their degree & skill set can be used strategically in a ministry/evangelistic context!
November 27, 2025
This is a great book! It’s an easy read with challenging material that makes you think and rely on the Lord. I recommend any Christian to read this book to see how they can use their passions and desires to further the Kingdom of God.
August 31, 2025
good thoughts
October 21, 2025
This book is dangerous in the best way possible. It’ll mess up your life plans… for good. If enough people read it it’ll change the course of a generation. Read it. Go.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews