Duke Chapel PathWays has a vision of campus ministry at Duke University that responds to the vocational movement of God by changing the question "What am I going to do with my life?" to "What does God want me to do with the gifts that have been given to me?"

Our mission is to invite Duke students on a journey of vocational discovery to connect their deepest values, faith and gifts with the world's needs.

We are calling forth Duke University students, to give their lives to Christian service. We are inviting those with the appropriate gifts and graces to consider theological education and prepare for a life in church leadership.

In conjunction with campus ministers and servant-leaders at Duke andin the local, national and international communities, we educate students about the nature of Christian vocation and provide resources and information on vocational opportunities and experiences today. Through lectures, retreats, and other more sustained educational settings, we invite, support and encourage Duke students to consider their lives in the light of the distinct vocational activity of God.

You do not have to be seeking a career in ministry to participate in the PathWays program. PathWays will help the Duke community become familiar with a larger understanding and application of ‘vocation’ – an understanding that dismisses boundaries that traditionally separated the sacred and the secular, suggesting that, in the proper context, all work can be considered service to God. As Christians we are all called to a life of service, whether through the social roles of parent, family member or friend; the professional roles of computer programmer or university professor; or the visible ministerial roles of pastor, missionary, or educator.”

Established in 2001, the Pathways Program is funded by a major grant from the Lilly Endowment. Duke was one of 28 U.S. colleges and universities to share $55.3 million in grants awarded in November 2000 by the Indianapolis-based endowment to “create or enhance programs that encourage young people to take their faith and values into consideration as they think about their future and to seriously consider the ministry when they consider their life’s work.”