Concordia Nebraska’s Dr. Jennifer Janousek contributes chapter to recently-published Concordia Publishing House book Faith at Work

In 2019, Rev. Dr. David Loy, Dean of Christ College at Concordia Irvine, contacted Concordia Nebraska Professor of Health and Human Performance and Master of Public Health Program Director Dr. Jennifer Janousek with a unique opportunity. Loy wanted to know if Janousek was interested in contributing to a book that would be an edited collection of Christ-centered writings aimed at currently-practicing professionals and graduate students in professional programs.   

“He explained that this was a grant-funded book project, and the goal was to provide a Lutheran perspective about the Christian faith, professions, and human flourishing,” explained Janousek. “David reached out to Lutherans teaching at Concordia University System schools to write chapters on their respective disciplines. Each chapter would discuss its profession from the perspective of the Lutheran doctrine of vocation and give an overview of how the doctrine of vocation and the role of the profession in society and the economy at large inform ethical issues that arise within the conduct of the profession. I was asked to author the public health chapter.” 

The field of public health faces numerous challenges, from pandemics to health disparities. By drawing on the Lutheran vocation, we can inspire a more compassionate and service-oriented approach to addressing these issues.

Janousek began working on the project in 2019 and had the opportunity to visit Concordia Irvine in the summer of 2019 to meet with Loy and the other authors to share first drafts of their writing. The project stalled in 2020 due to COVID but was completed in early 2023.  

The book, titled Faith at Work, was published by Concordia Publishing House and was designed for current and future professionals to demonstrate how faith and work are intrinsically linked for the Christian. The book includes 14 essays written by expert Lutheran faculty and is split in two parts. The first part, Vocation and Human Flourishing, investigates the theological and economic perspectives on work, while the second part, Professions as Vocations, addresses specific fields of work. Professions addressed include counseling, nursing, teaching and law. 

“This is my first project of this kind,” said Janousek. “Working on this book was a collaborative effort, and I am grateful to Dr. David Loy and my fellow contributors for their insights and support. Together we have created a resource that I hope will be valuable to a variety of professionals and graduate students in public health, education, business, nursing and more! I hope that readers will come away with a renewed sense of purpose and a great appreciation for how their faith can guide their work.” 

Janousek said her inspiration for writing her contributed chapter “Serving God in Public Health Professions” came from her deep interest in both public health and her faith.  

“The core message of my chapter is that the Lutheran concept of vocation, which emphasizes serving others, aligns perfectly with the goals of public health. By integrating these values, public health professionals can find deeper meaning and motivation in their work,” she said. “The field of public health faces numerous challenges, from pandemics to health disparities. By drawing on the Lutheran vocation, we can inspire a more compassionate and service-oriented approach to addressing these issues. Writing this chapter allowed me to reflect on my own journey and experiences in public health. It was a rewarding process that reinforced my commitment to both my faith and my profession.” 

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