Derek Thompson wrote an essay in The Atlantic called, “Workism is Making Americans Miserable.” In his essay, he speaks against a concept called workism. “Workism is the belief that work is not only necessary to economic production, but also the centerpiece of one’s identity and life’s purpose; and the belief that any policy to promote human welfare must always encourage more work.” ...
Twenty-three years ago, Kathy overheard three mothers talking about starting a school for children with special needs, and she volunteered me to help. Although I tried to escape this new calling, I sensed God wanted me to help. Last month, I co-chaired the 20th anniversary celebration of Horizon Academy. Over 800 children with learning disabilities and their families have been ...
When Michele Rigby Assad obtained a degree in Arab Studies, her family wondered how she would ever find a decent job. After a series of unlikely events, Michele was asked to become an undercover CIA operative. For a Christian southern belle without international experience, this seemed unlikely and, yes, an unconventional calling. Yet, God began to make it clear that ...
A new report called “Meaning and Purpose at Work” was highlighted in a recent Harvard Business Review article. The authors of this report had three recommendations for employers to make work more meaningful for employees. The second recommendation was to “make every worker a knowledge worker.” If we provide staff the opportunity to add creativity to their role and to ...
A new report called “Meaning and Purpose at Work” was highlighted in a recent Harvard Business Review article. This research revealed some surprising findings that we will address over the next few days. Their biggest finding was that 9 out of 10 employees are willing to trade a percentage of their lifetime earnings in exchange for doing meaningful work. An ...
Our pastor, Andrew, mentioned in a sermon that he used to hear frequently the belief that pastors and missionaries were the only ones who had a vocational calling. Now he hears more frequently a different concern. Some understand the value of people-oriented professions but wonder how accountants and other task-oriented occupations can minister to others. Andrew reminded the congregation that ...
In my 30’s, my desire was to be the President of my own bank. So, when the bank I worked for was for sale I assumed that God surely wanted that for me as well. Over a period of months, however, God began to reveal His desire, which was me teaching and equipping leaders to do business God’s way. In ...
The biggest hurdle in advancing the Faith at Work Movement has oftentimes been the church. Historically, many pastors have had a flawed theological view of work. I suspect that many believed they had a calling, but doubted anyone else was called to the workplace. Fortunately, there is some exciting movement forward. A study sponsored by Le Tourneau University found that in 2011 ...
A common question I hear when speaking about faith at work comes from those who are not CEOs. Many see how a CEO can affect spiritual change within an organization, but those who are not CEOs doubt their own ability to impact change. This kind of thinking undermines the opportunities of all people to make a difference. Philippians 2 teaches, ...
You have to admire Christopher Columbus’ adventurous spirit. He persistently pursued his dream of sailing to what he believed was the West Indies. Although he set sail with faulty assumptions of the circumference of the earth, it still took a great deal of courage to set out on a journey no one had yet traveled. According to Brainyquote.com, Columbus wrote, ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
