The sources I consulted to create this “inventory” include:
- Robert McKee’s industry-standard Story,
- Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years,
- Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak,
- a host of books and tests related to vocation, some of which are listed below,
- and an interview with my friend and colleague, Rich Lotterhos, a human resources expert.
Some of my favorites that touch on vocation from a faith perspective include:
- Faith Works: Lessons from the Life of an Activist Preacher by Jim Wallis,
- Making Room for Life by Randy Frazee,
- In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen, and,
- Becoming an Answer to Our Prayers: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals by Shane Claiborne.
You might also find the following books on vocation helpful:
- Calling: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Levoy,
- S.H.A.P.E.: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life by Rees,
- The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Robinson, and,
- Whistle While You Work: Heeding Your Life’s Calling by Leider & Shapiro.
The tests/assessments listed below (most of which are pay-for-results) aren’t necessarily focused on vocation as it relates to service or on giving you the freedom to creatively explore your calling, but they might prove helpful if you feel you still need a more detailed understanding of yourself:
- Myers-Briggs, DISC (personality);
- Strongs Interest Inventory;
- StrengthsFinder;
- Birkman (career planning and development);
- Justice Personality Profile (social justice);
- CCAI (cross-cultural adaptability);
- The Call;
- My Passion Profile;
- The Enneagram; and,
- Various spiritual gifts tests such as this one (faith-based).