Introduction to PAX Discussion
This is part of a series of courses each focusing on a key topic that young Christians of color want to know about yet are challenged to find relevant, thoughtful, biblically based resources that answer their questions. We have curated a diverse collection of Jesus centered art, scholarship, and storytelling, primarily created by people of color, that provides teaching, guidance, and opportunities for reflection. Many of the contributors are experts in their field, while others are everyday Christians on their own journey of discovery. Each has a valuable perspective to share on what it means to be a peacemaker and follower of Jesus in today’s world.

Vocational Discernment

Partner PAX
Learning Pillar Contemplative Activism
Rigor Level Medium

This study invites participants into a thoughtful journey of vocational discernment, exploring how faith, Scripture, self-awareness, and intentional reflection shape a life of purpose. Through biblical teaching, practical exercises, contemplative practices, journaling, and insights from respected Christian thinkers and historical examples, learners will discover how their gifts, strengths, passions, values, and life experiences reveal God's unique calling. Participants will cultivate clarity through prayer, mindfulness, and visioning while considering vocation as more than a career as a holistic expression of service through work, relationships, creativity, and community. This course equips learners to discern and faithfully pursue a vocation that reflects God's purposes and contributes to the flourishing of others.

Learning Objectives

Course Components

Introduction

  • Vocational Discernment | Introduction Introduction Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Vocational Discernment Introduction | Scripture

    apple-on-books
    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Vocational Discernment Introduction | Exercise

    apple-on-books
    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Vocational Discernment Introduction | Benediction

    apple-on-books
    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Personal Reflection + Journaling

  • Personal Reflection + Journaling | The Power of Personal Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Personal Reflection + Journaling | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Personal Reflection + Journaling | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Personal Reflection + Journaling | Benediction

    apple-on-books
    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Strengths + Skills Assessment

  • Strengths + Skills Assessment | Biblical Foundations + Understanding Our Strengths + Assessing Our Skills

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Strengths + Skills Assessment | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Strengths + Skills Assessment | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Strengths + Skills Assessment | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Exploring Passions + Interest

  • Examining Passions and Interests

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Exploring Passions + Interest | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Exploring Passions + Interest | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Exploring Passions + Interest | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Visioning

  • The Power of Vision in Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Visioning | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Visioning | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Visioning | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Clarifying Values

  • What Are Values and Why Are They Important

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Clarifying Values | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Clarifying Values | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Clarifying Values | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Mindfulness + Contemplation

  • Spiritual Leaders

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Mindfulness + Contemplation | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Mindfulness + Contemplation | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Mindfulness + Contemplation | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Exploring Life Roles Beyond Work

  • It’s More Than a Job

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Exploring Life Roles Beyond Work | Scripture

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Exploring Life Roles Beyond Work | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Exploring Life Roles Beyond Work | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Closing

  • Closing Reflection

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Closing | Scripture to Reflect On

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Closing | Exercise

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked
  • Closing | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Vocational Discernment

Taught by Dillon Okawa

This nine-session course offers a practical and spiritually grounded exploration of vocational discernment, helping participants discover how God uniquely calls them to serve in the world. Through Scripture, reflection, contemplative practices, journaling, and real-life examples, learners will examine their strengths, passions, values, life experiences, and vision for the future. Participants will gain practical tools to discern God's leading, embrace vocation as more than a career, and cultivate a purposeful life that contributes to the flourishing of both their communities and the Kingdom.

Dillon Okawa

Meet Your Instructor,
Dillon Okawa

Dillon Okawa is a therapist based in Southern California, where he practices alongside his wife. With over a decade of experience working in the local church, Dillon has contributed to leading worship, developing creative communities, fostering spiritual formation and discipleship, and promoting community involvement and connection.

He earned his Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary where he further developed his passion for helping people uncover their true selves and align their unique gifts with their desire to seek shalom in the world.

Join this course’s forum conversations