vocation for the common good

In the ELCA, vocation names the many ways God works through our lives. At Water’s Edge Ministries, vocation is discovered not by having everything figured out, but by belonging somewhere safe enough to listen—to God, to others, and to ourselves. Here, it takes shape through four pathways: Hospitality Associates, Ministry Associates, Summer Camp Staff, and Serve Boldly Staff.
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Through our Hospitality Associate program, we partner with Ridgewater College, where young adults studying fields such as plumbing, electrical, veterinary technology, auto mechanics, nursing, and cosmetology live in community on-site at Green Lake Bible Camp. Students receive housing and meals in exchange for ten hours of hospitality work each week, providing consistent, trusted hosts for retreats and gatherings while discovering who they are becoming and how their gifts meet real needs.

This work is not separate from God’s call; it is ministry lived out through care, service, and responsibility.

As Parker Palmer writes, vocation is found where “our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” Drake, an electrician student reflected, “Being a host here is a gift. I get to work with all kinds of people, help out where needed, and grow as a person.”
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That formation is felt by others as well. Retreat guests consistently name the kindness and attentiveness of these young adults, calling them “so kind and gracious,” with one sharing, “student hosts are AWESOME—helpful, polite, and friendly.”
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The Ministry Associate program offers young adults a vocational and educational season rooted in lived ministry. Through hands-on experience serving youth, adults, and families in faith-based settings, they are supported as they discern paths in youth ministry, outdoor ministry, and nonprofit leadership.Ministry Associates partner with local congregations for weekly engagement, gaining practical experience while building meaningful relationships. They also work closely with the Program Team—supporting curriculum and theme development, recruiting summer staff, and helping plan and coordinate youth and adult programmed retreats. In these shared responsibilities, they play a key role in the daily life of both church and camp.

Also living in community, Ministry Associates are invited to listen closely—to God, to one another, and to the congregations and communities they serve—as they continue discerning how their gifts meet the world’s needs.

For many young people, a summer at camp becomes a life-changing season where work, faith, and community come together. As part of a diverse Summer Camp Staff, they take on real responsibility—leading, serving, and caring for others—while being supported by mentors and peers.

One returning staff member, Karina, shared that she “really felt like [she] had a community here,” naming both the new challenges and adventures that shaped her experience. By planting herself in the community formed this past summer, she watched not only her own growth, but the growth of those around her. In the rhythms of daily camp life, staff begin to notice what brings them joy, builds confidence, and points toward how their gifts might serve the world beyond camp.​

Serve Boldly staff who already carry a sense of vocation with youth and community involvement live their calling in a new way during the summer. They offer radical hospitality and lift up the sacred practice of accompaniment with non-profits and ministries across the country as they engage in hands-on service alongside youth groups

​As one staff member, Christin, shared, “Serve Boldly allowed me the chance to use my gifts in ways I don’t always have the opportunity to at home, such as playing guitar or connecting with other adult leaders.

I was inspired by the ministries I got to serve with. Overall, I’m walking away from this summer feeling recharged, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be filled in that way.”
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When all is said and done, one truth remains: when young adults are trusted, supported, and invited to reflect, they grow into lives of purpose—carrying their gifts, their faith, and a commitment to the common good into the world.