4D Formation: Exploring Vocation in Community

by Drew Tucker

Vocation is often loosely defined, reserved for use in churchy sermons and ivory towers. But with a decade of experience in vocational exploration as a campus minister, Drew Tucker has developed an accessible, empowering model for reflection that centers on discovery, discernment, development, and decision making. In 4D Exploring Vocation in Community , Tucker builds on his definition of vocation as "meaningful, life-giving work for the world ." Speaking directly to vocational explorers, he equips and empowers readers with the confidence and skills to examine, clarify, and affirm their purpose and identity, and ultimately to experience God's presence in and purpose for their lives. Tucker addresses four key aspects of vocation. First, vocation is ultimately where our purposes align with God's purpose in ways that are life-giving for us and others. Second, as we explore our vocation, we incorporate the wisdom of mentors, the teachings of Scripture, and the experiences of others. Third, in our vocations our convictions meet our neighbor in need, often calling forth difficult yet deeply meaningful commitments. Finally, much like walking a prayer labyrinth, vocational exploration involves clear practices, yet leaves room for the numinous. Incorporating wisdom from multiple religious traditions and worldviews, Tucker writes for young adults, who are often struggling with the confusing and demanding task of identity formation, and for anyone dealing with life transitions, such as career change, family transition, illness, home moves, and the like. 4D Formation gives readers the courage to risk deep exploration and an encounter with God in that journey.

175 pages, Paperback

Published August 9, 2022

About the author

Pastor Drew Tucker is University Pastor, Director of the Center for Faith and Learning, and part-time faculty at Capital University. In addition to his debut book, 4D Formation, you can find his work in places like the Our Bible App, ELCA's Faith Lens, and Living Lutheran, often writing about research passions like vocational exploration and identity formation, as well as the practice of ministry, especially in worship and preaching with young adults. Connect with Drew at @lutheranfriartucker on Instagram, @FriarTuckTweets on Twitter, or Facebook.com/AndrewJacobTucker.

A native of Ohio, Drew is a graduate of Ashland University (B.A.), Duke University (M.Div.), Lenoir-Rhyne University (S.T.M.), and is completing doctoral study at Lexington Theological Seminary.

Drew lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Michelle and their two dogs, Stanley and Jack.

Reviews

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wrote it, so....

[Jesse CK · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly thorough yet approachable look at how to think about Vocation and find meaning in your life. Tucker emphasizes that vocation isn’t just related to our career or occupation - it is much more holistic than that. He then goes on to offer lots of specific and practical tools for how anyone can decipher their Calling and gain purpose in their (professional and personal) work. I can’t help but wonder how much time, energy, and stress I might’ve saved if I’d had this book when I was younger! I highly recommend it to everyone, but especially anyone (high schoolers, college students, adults - anyone!) who’s searching for meaning in their work and life.

[Jerry Wirtley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not bought this book do yourself a favor and buy it. And then actually read it unlike most of the books we buy with the intent to read but then usually don't.

Drew Tucker does a great job of laying out a method if understanding vocation that will help all of us look at out lives and understand our place in the world. Through the 4D method, Drew, helps us all look at our lives and our vocation and identity.

This book uses historical documents and personal stories to help us discover, discern, develop, and decide. Drew reimagines and reorients the understanding of vocation into easy to understand and purpose in your life. Now don't hear that as an easy straight forward method because it's not And Drew reminds us of that but it is shown to us in easy to understand concepts.

This is a book for everyone. Buy it and read it.

[Jamie Perna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The commitment to meaningful, life-giving work in the midst of imperfection reveals a divine presence in our lives…We each have significant limitations and vast potential. None of us is perfect, and yet all of us are called.”

Filled with personal insights and practical steps to explore one’s vocation, Pastor Drew’s book is substantive, contemplative, and inspirational.

An extremely well-written and helpful read for anyone in the discernment process or simply looking for some guidance on taking their next most faithful step.

All of us have vocations that are sacred and important in this world. What’s yours?

[Sarah M. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker has done a wonderful job expanding the concept of vocation and calling for those who haven't explored the subject before, or as a young adult, are paralyzed by the idea that God has one very particular plan and purpose for my life, like I was. Tucker spends the first half of the book digging into what vocation is and what vocation isn't, then takes a practical turn to guide you through four steps that can lead you to a better understanding of your own vocation. Perfect for college students, young adults, and individuals who are going through a job change or a quarter- or mid-life crisis.

[Michelle Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking about vocational exploration often seems inaccessible and only for folks pursuing careers in ministry, but this book does a great job at opening up the curtain and defining terms so that everyone has an entry point for the discussion. After explaining the WHAT and WHY of exploring vocations, part two dives into the HOW with accessible and practical tools for anyone who finds themselves on the journey.

[Julia Conti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of book you read with a pen in hand in the hopes of really absorbing all the wisdom it offers. As someone whose vocation is a little unclear since graduating from college, I appreciated the clear explanations that the author set out, while also acknowledging the complexities of exploring vocation. A mix of definitions and practical models, this book is one that I’ll certainly be returning to :)

[Morgan Walker Annable · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will not find a book on vocation and purpose that is more practical, vulnerable, or beautiful than this one. Drew lays his heart on the page so that anyone who reads this book may be inspired and equipped to explore their vocation and purpose in this world. It's an incredible book about taking your next most faithful step.

Buy it, read it, then read it again!!