Coram Deo: Living All of Life as Ministry – Insights from Larry McCall

In a world often compartmentalized, where work is work and faith is faith, Larry McCall, Director of Walking Like Jesus Ministries, offers a refreshing and profoundly transformational perspective: all of life is ministry. This isn't just a theological concept; it's a practical, empowering framework for every leader, entrepreneur, and growth-minded individual seeking to integrate their faith seamlessly into every aspect of their existence.

Larry McCall, a seasoned pastor and teacher, leads Walking Like Jesus Ministries, an organization dedicated to providing gospel-centered applications to life's most crucial relationships: marriage, parenting, and grandparenting. While his ministry involves extensive teaching, writing, and creating video content, his core philosophy is rooted in the Latin phrase, Coram Deo. Literally meaning “before God,” “in the presence of God,” or “in the sight of God,” Coram Deo encapsulates the belief that every moment, every decision, and every interaction is lived under the watchful eye and in the active presence of the Divine.

The Expansive Meaning of Ministry

McCall challenges the conventional understanding of ministry, which often limits it to church programs or specific religious activities. Instead, he expands it to encompass the entirety of life. Being a devoted spouse, a nurturing parent, or an engaged grandparent are not just roles; they are profound ministries. "I am serving Christ by serving my wife so that we can have a marriage that more brightly reflects the greatest love story ever, the love of Christ that he has for his bride," McCall explains. This expansive view liberates individuals to see their daily tasks and relationships as opportunities for divine service and impact.

This perspective isn't merely theoretical for McCall; it has guided significant life decisions. He recounts an unsolicited offer to become a resident professor of pastoral theology at a seminary in Canada. While the offer was tempting, appealing to his ego and academic interests, he ultimately declined. His deep-seated conviction, formed since age 17 and affirmed by his church, was to be a pastor. He recognized that his calling was to be actively involved in pastoral ministry, not just to teach about it. This decision, though difficult, was a testament to living Coram Deo – making choices aligned with his perceived calling in the presence of God.

Coram Deo in Generational Impact: Biblical Grandparenting

A significant focus of McCall's ministry, and a testament to his Coram Deo philosophy, is biblical grandparenting. This area of ministry wasn't initially his idea but emerged from a request to teach a class on the subject. Discovering a scarcity of substantive, biblically-rooted resources, McCall delved into God's Word, recognizing God's desire for intergenerational impact. He passionately believes that older generations have a vital role to play in the spiritual formation of younger generations, not just through their experience but through intentional, biblical engagement. His book, Grandparenting with Grace, is a direct outcome of this conviction, offering accessible, practical guidance for grandparents seeking to make a lasting spiritual legacy.

McCall encourages local churches to value and equip their older members, recognizing that retirement from a career doesn't mean retirement from ministry. He advocates for mobilizing grandparents to be intentionally involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren, spiritually and biblically. He also challenges the middle generation to actively seek the spiritual input of their parents and parents-in-law, fostering a culture where intergenerational wisdom is cherished and utilized.

Living Coram Deo: Every Moment as Ministry

Living Coram Deo means recognizing that every breath, every action, and every relationship is an opportunity to honor God and to live out His purpose. It transforms the mundane into the sacred and empowers individuals to see their entire lives as a powerful, ongoing ministry.

For leaders and entrepreneurs, this means leading with integrity, serving with purpose, and building businesses that reflect divine principles, all in the conscious presence of God.