I knew Kirk when he was an undergrad at the University of Virginia. He was one of the student leaders of a big campus ministry at UVa, then served as a missionary to Bolivia. He and his wife, Amanda, are called by God to serve the poor in their hometown (and mine), Houston.

I subscribe wholeheartedly to the Reformed understanding of vocation: when you serve God with your all in whatever line of work that He has called you to, the work is a sacred task done for Him. Pastors and missionaries are no more "holy" than a plumber, accountant, teacher, etc.

I believe this.

I also listen to friends, acquaintances and strangers, and read many more accounts via media, and hear the motivations that drive so many.  In a minority of instances I've listened, grimacing, as friends tell me that they hate their prestigious, high paying jobs but just do it to support their lavish lifestyle.  Not a peep about "calling," only the compulsion to an expensive way of living.

Just because someone IS serving in finance, medicine, law, etc., doesn't mean that the person is called. People sin (I do everyday), people rebel, people pursue their own selfish ends.  So let's not have any pushback that merely validates or cements the status quo.

All of this is context for the following video. Kirk is a sinner, too. He is no more holy than financiers.  But Kirk and Amanda are called to give their lives away for the poor of Houston, and they are working at this task with all the might that the Holy Spirit supplies, for the glory of God and the joy of His people.

See their work, Agape Development.