Embrace Our Calling

About Embrace Our Calling

Embrace Our Calling is the podcast for Christians pursuing purpose with passion. I’m Marcus Mok, an educator in Singapore, learning to embrace God’s purpose in my own work and calling. In each episode, I share practical career tips, biblical truths, and encouragement to help you navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and embrace your God-given calling. With solo episodes and interviews from inspiring voices in Singapore, this podcast will help you grow in confidence, balance, and purpose while staying true to your faith.

Publisher

Marcus Mok

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Dec 2024

Latest episode

4 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

20 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Jul 2026

   Why This Teacher Left the Classroom For the Pulpit

   What does it actually feel like to leave a stable teaching job for full-time ministry — and how do you know God is calling you to do it?In this episode of Embrace Our Calling, I sit down with Pastor Wong Guoliang of Agape Baptist Church — a former MOE teacher and ministry leader who walked away from the security of a government career to answer what he calls a "royal summons."---About Pastor Wong GuoliangPastor Guoliang studied English Language and Linguistics before training as a teacher at NIE. He taught General Paper at the junior college level and later served in a role at MOE HQ — all while quietly sensing a growing pull toward something else. Over the years, a holy dissatisfaction took root: a deepening desire to preach the gospel that his classroom couldn't contain. After years of discernment, community affirmation, and one very significant birthday gift from his wife, he answered the call — leaving a stable MOE career to join the pastoral team at Agape Baptist Church, where he serves today.---His story is honest, funny, and deeply convicting. He talks about the parable of the talents that broke him open, the fears that kept him holding back, and the one question he now asks anyone who thinks God might be calling them into full-time ministry.---🎙️ In this conversation, we talk about:- The early signs of a calling — and how to tell them apart from just a feeling- Why Pastor Guoliang says "Then don't do it" to people considering full-time ministry- How to discern God's call — and what role community and family play in the process- What it looks like to leave a stable job for something that scares you---Whether you're a teacher, a professional, or anyone sensing a pull toward something more — this episode will challenge you to stop thinking of God's call as a gentle nudge, and start seeing it as the high privilege it really is.---📌 Chapters00:00 Intro — Meet Pastor Guoliang02:40 Early Signs of Calling Into Full-Time Ministry07:52 When the Calling Becomes Clearer09:15 The Decisive Moment14:43 Why Be a Pastor?17:20 How Does a Person Discern a Calling?19:32 The Role of Community and External Affirmation22:53 From Classroom to Pulpit25:05 What Would You Say to Someone Who Senses a Call?31:04 Closing Reflections---📚 Resources Mentioned- Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson → https://a.co/d/01grrFx8 ---🔗 Connect with Pastor Guoliang- Agape Baptist Church → https://agape.org.sg/---🌐 Connect with Embrace Our Calling- Website → https://embraceourcalling.com- Instagram → instagram.com/embraceourcalling- Facebook → facebook.com/embraceourcalling---📩 Want to go deeper on your calling journey?Download the free Personal Vision Statement guide at embraceourcalling.com---#ChristianCalling #FaithAndWork #SingaporePodcast #LeavingAStableJob #HowToKnowYourCallingFromGod #ChristianPodcast #EmbraceOurCalling

2. 

   25 Jan 2026

   Immanuel Labor: Discovering God's Calling in Every Job (Interview with Russell Gehrlein)

   Is your work meaningful? Does your job matter to God? In this episode, I'm honored to interview Russell Gehrlein, author of "Immanuel Labor," about discovering God's presence in every type of work—from math teaching to ministry to military service. Russell spent 20 years in the US Army as a Master Sergeant and nearly 20 more as a Department of Army civilian. But he's also been a math teacher, youth minister, and now an author published on major Christian platforms like The Gospel Coalition. His unique career path reveals a profound truth: God is with us in our work, not just on Sunday mornings. If you're struggling with: - Finding your God-given calling - Wondering if your "secular" job has spiritual value - Navigating career transitions with faith - Experiencing burnout or questioning your purpose- Balancing work, family, and ministry ...then this conversation is for you. In this interview, Russell shares: ✓ How to discover the "thread" connecting different seasons of your career ✓ Why "sacred vs. secular work" is a dangerous myth (and how it affected his faith) ✓ What it means to experience Immanuel Labor—God with us—in your daily tasks ✓ Real stories from military service, maintenance work, and leadership ✓ How your spiritual gifts apply to ALL your work, not just church ministry ✓ Why the Good Samaritan principle matters for your workplace ✓ A powerful message for the next generation about finding purpose Russell's story will challenge you to see your work—whether you're a teacher, engineer, parent, business owner, or military personnel—as a platform for God's kingdom. Key Topics Covered: Career transitions, calling and purpose, theology of work, Christian leadership, military faith, work-life balance, spiritual gifts, finding meaning at work, God's presence in daily work, career guidance for Christians, identity in Christ vs. career success About Russell Gehrlein: Russell is the author of "Immanuel Labor: God's Presence in Your Profession" (International Impact Book Award winner). He has written 400+ articles on faith and work, published on platforms including The Gospel Coalition, and holds a degree in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He's a grandfather of five, a devoted mentor, and a living example of how God works through us in every profession. Read his blog at https://regehrlein.wordpress.com/ About Embrace Our Calling: This podcast helps Christian young adults and professionals discover and embrace their God-given calling. Whether you're navigating career transitions, struggling with workplace stress, or seeking deeper purpose, join Marcus Mok as he explores the intersection of faith, work, and calling. 🎁 SPECIAL BOOK GIVEAWAY We're giving away 15 Kindle copies and 10 paperback copies of "Emmanuel Labor" by Russell Gehrlein! How to Enter: If you're watching on YouTube: - Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway from this interview or a question about finding God's calling in your work - Email me at marcusmok@embraceourcalling.com with your name, the link to your comment, and your location - Winners will be selected and notified via email If you're listening on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: - Email me at marcusmok@embraceourcalling.com with the subject "Immanuel Labor Giveaway" - Include your name, location, and what resonated most from this interview - Winners will be selected and notified Giveaway will end once all books are given away. Winners chosen from both YouTube comments and email submissions. 00:00 - Interview Highlights 02:00 - Introduction to Russell Gehrlein 03:00 Russell's Career Journey: Teacher → Youth Minister → Military → Author 07:11 - The Struggle With Secular vs Sacred Work 12:34 - The Birth of 'Immanuel Labor' Concept 16:54 - Military Service: Immanuel Labor in Uniform 21:56 - Seminary Education & Developing the Theology of Work 25:41 - Writing Journey: 400 Blog Articles on Faith & Work 31:20 - A Message to the Next Generation 33:34 - Special Book Giveaway!

3. 

   20 Dec 2025

   Five Ways The Gospel Redeems Your Work | Theology of Work Pt. 3

   Are you struggling to find meaning in your Monday mornings? Does work feel broken, frustrating, or pointless? In this episode, I share 5 powerful ways the Gospel completely redeems your work—not just makes it slightly better, but transforms it completely.We've explored how God designed work to be good (Episode 16) and how sin corrupted it (Episode 17). Now discover the hope that changes everything: how the Gospel gives your work a new story, shifts your focus from self to service, anchors your identity in God's love, creates sustainable passion, and shapes a distinctive work ethic marked by humble excellence.Whether you're an accountant, teacher, hawker, software engineer, or stay-at-home parent—this episode will help you see your work through the lens of redemption and discover that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.📖 IN THIS EPISODE:0:00 - Introduction: The Gospel Transforms Work0:58 - Way #1: The Gospel Gives Your Work a New Story2:43 - Way #2: The Gospel Shifts Your Focus from Self to Service4:13 - Sponsor: Shortform Book Summaries5:26 - Way #3: The Gospel Gives You True Identity and Real Rest7:30 - Way #4: The Gospel Creates Genuine, Sustainable Passion8:57 - Way #5: The Gospel Shapes a Distinctive Work Ethic11:45 - Closing: What This Means for Monday Morning🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:📚 "Every Good Endeavor" by Timothy Keller - The book that inspired this series📖 Try Shortform FREE for 20% off your subscription:https://shortform.com/eoc 🎧 Previous Episodes in Theology of Work Series:- Episode 16: Why Work Matters to Godhttps://youtu.be/PRiyWlX_toA - Episode 17: How Sin Corrupted Our Workhttps://youtu.be/y9QRrhhNiq0 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✅ Your work has a place in God's redemption story (Creation-Fall-Redemption-Renewal)✅ Work is about serving others, not self-promotion✅ Your identity is secure in Christ, not your performance✅ Gospel-fueled passion is sustainable and doesn't burn out✅ Christians can demonstrate humble excellence—working hard while holding results loosely📱 CONNECT WITH ME:🌐 Website: https://embraceourcalling.com📸 Instagram: @embraceourcalling👍 Facebook: Embrace Our Calling🙏 SUPPORT THIS PODCAST:If this episode encouraged you, please:👍 Like this video💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell for new episodes📤 Share with someone struggling with work right now🎯 WHO IS THIS FOR?This episode is for Christian young professionals and adults seeking to:✅ Discover their God-given calling✅ Integrate faith with their career✅ Find purpose beyond the paycheck✅ Navigate work-life balance✅ Overcome burnout and work disappointment✅ Experience Gospel transformation in their workplace📌 ABOUT EMBRACE OUR CALLING:Embrace Our Calling is the podcast for Christians pursuing purpose with passion. I'm Marcus Mok, an educator in Singapore, learning to embrace God's purpose in my own work and calling. In each episode, I share practical career tips, biblical truths, and encouragement to help you navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and embrace your God-given calling.TAGS:#ChristianPodcast #TheologyOfWork #CallingAndVocation #FaithAndWork #GospelCentered #ChristianYoungProfessionals #WorkLifeBalance #PurposeDriven #SingaporeChristian #CareerAdvice #BiblicalWisdom #TimothyKeller #EveryGoodEndeavor #WorkplaceMinistry #ChristianLeadership