Clarity in Calling.
My work is centered on helping people realize they belong in their own story – and ultimately in God’s greater story.

 

You On Purpose

• What should I do with my life?
• What’s next for my career?
• What direction is going to be best for me?

Each of us desires purpose, meaning, and impact for our lives. But how do you know what you were meant to do? And once you know… then what?

Rooted in the latest Barna research, You on Purpose offers you a clear and simple 4-step process for discovering and carrying out your calling with confidence:

  • Define: set your intention for what you want to achieve

  • Discover: dig deep into who and where you are

  • Decide: narrow your choices and zero in on your calling

  • Do: start acting on your calling, one step at a time

Each chapter dismantles a common myth about calling, replacing it with truth grounded in current research insights. If you long to discover your unique place in the world, this book will help you catch that vision and make a plan to pursue it.

 
 

“We all long to know the meaning of our lives and why we are here on earth. We want to know who we are, how we were made, and what our identity is. We want to know that we matter, that our lives have dignity. And we want to discover that special role for which we were uniquely created. In short, we want to know our calling. We wrote You on Purpose to help you discover that calling.”

In Praise of
You on Purpose

“You on Purpose is a simple, practical guide to helping you discover your God given calling and gifts. This book helps you redefine what you want your life to be about to help you live a purposeful life.” 

Rebekah Lyons, bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal and You Are Free

 

“For years, people have come to me and asked me for advice on what job to take, what career to pursue and what vocation to embrace. Finally, I have a practical book I can hand them with confidence. Stephanie Shackelford and Bill Denzel have done a fantastic job outlining a clear, faithful decision-making framework that will help a generation get out of career paralysis and the angst that comes with not knowing what to do with your life." 

Carey Nieuwhof, Author, Speaker, Podcaster

“You on Purpose is a sound book of wisdom for those searching for their life's calling and steps to walk it out. It doesn't matter what life season you're in when you pick up this book, it will change you and the path you're on for the better!" 

Lysa TerKeurst, #1 New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

 

“Working in a university setting, it is common to find students who are uncertain of their career path or vocation. Shackelford and Denzel have written an ideal text that faith-based colleges and universities can adopt for their first-year seminars, career centers, mentor programs, and senior capstones to help students identify their true calling. Packed with insightful research, thoughtful journaling exercises, and relevant examples, this practical resource invites readers on a self-discovery process that ultimately leads to a better understanding of how their passions and context inform their purpose.”

Stella Erbes, PhD, Divisional Dean and Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Pepperdine University

Featured Projects

 
 

Christians at Work: Examining the Intersection of Calling and Career

Researcher / Contributing Writer

Barna’s Vocation Project is an initiative to help people live each day with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, accomplished by discovering their life’s calling and knowing they are doing the work God created them to do.

Steph supported the research efforts of this project and contributed an article in the monograph entitled “Conversations with Practitioners: In Summary.”

Know, Be, Live: A 360 Degree Approach to Discipleship in a Post-Christian Era

Contributing Writer

Barna’s and Impact360’s Gen Z study is the basis for this project on the various challenges and opportunities with Gen Z.

Steph contributed the chapter entitled, “Parent Double-mindedness: Overprotective, Under-protective, or Both?” It explores the depths to which the parents of Gen Z children are simultaneously overinvolved and too detached. This chapter discusses a third parenting approach, rooted in the gospel, to help kids navigate the bumpy waters of growing up.

Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being: Six Practical Ideas for Christian Leaders and Parents

Lead Researcher and Writer

Anxiety, loneliness and depression are skyrocketing among Gen Z. But beyond the problems, what can be done to help?

This engaging, solutions-based report explores the role faith and Christian leaders can play in improving Gen Z’s mental health. Backed by scientific research and faith-based wisdom, it provides practical strategies to equip Christian leaders, ministries and parents to foster resilience, connection and purpose in the next generation.