Making Disciples for the Workplace
A booklet from Grove Books
Work is central to the flourishing of individuals and nations worldwide. The ability of Christian leaders to teach well on the Christian approach to work is fundamental to the clearer offer of a whole-life gospel to believers and nonbelievers alike.
This 28 page booklet, authored by Mark Greene, ex-CEO of LICC and based on fresh research as well as tested ideas, encourages church leaders and the Christians they serve - whatever form of work they do - not only to generously share the gift of God’s whole-life gospel, but to show others how it is lived out, day by working day.
It has 5 short chapters:
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Work in an Uncertain World.
God wants to be part of our work. Knowing this brings relief, joy, peace and purpose. We have a responsibility to ensure God's people have biblical frameworks and spiritual practices that will enable them to bring his wisdom and ways to the practice of work.
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Making it Work for the Whole Church.
Work is not a topic to be addressed but a context to disciple people for. Pretty much everyone is engaged in some kind of purposeful activity that is of benefit to people and has an impact on God's world. How do they get to understand how their work fits into God's purposes?
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Three Things that Release Workers.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." Col 3:23. Workers need to have a framework for fruitfulness at work, know why their work matters to God and integrate work issues into their devotional life. How do you build these?
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Seven Ways for Leaders to Help.
Leaders need to believe that work, workers and the workplace matter to God, be curious about people's everyday lives, visit people at work, connect the Bible with people's contexts, share stories of fruitfulness in the workplace, enlist champions and encouragers and signpost workers to resources and mentors.
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Getting Sunday into Monday.
Have songs which reflect God's concern for every area of life, shalom. Have slides which picture local business sites rather than mountains or nature. Have prayers for the local economy, peak periods of work e.g. teachers exam times. Use work examples in sermons. Create a new sense of, 'Go in peace to love and serve the Lord'.
Buy the booklet here.
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A booklet from Grove Books, 18/01/2022