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Why Do We Need To Know What The Bible Says About Work?, Theology Of Work Project, William Messenger

Theology of Work Project

by William Messenger

Executive Editor, Theology of Work Project

Adapted from a talk at the Faith@Work Summit, October 24, 2014

Probably everyone interested in faith and work knows some Bible passages related to work, but did you realize that those passages are not rare highlights, but representative samples of the Bible? To put it in biblical words, “The cattle on a thousand hills” are the Lord’s, not just the temple on the hill of Zion. Once I took off my church-polarized lenses, I saw that a lot of the Bible has to do with work. It’s impossible to summarize 859 …

Best Biblical Career Advice From Joseph, Bruce D. Baker

SPU Works

The biblical character whose story best illustrates what we might think of today as a “career” is Joseph. His story fills roughly nine chapters in Genesis (37 – 45), a very large portion of the history of the patriarchs. Joseph’s path is an epic story of rising from the bottom to the top. In terms of vision, management and public service, he must be considered a standout success. But is this an example of “career”? It depends what you mean by “career.” Although the Bible does not offer much by way of prescriptive career advice, we can glean practical wisdom …

Joshua & Judges And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Alice Camille, Sean Mcdonough

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Joshua and Judges
2. Conquest (Joshua 1-12)
   • Joshua (Joshua 1)
   • The Land (Joshua 2-12)
     • Working the Land (Joshua 5)
     • Conquering the Land (Joshua 6-12)
     • Remembering God’s Presence in the Land (Joshua 4:1-9)
3. Coordination (Joshua 13-22)
4. Covenant (Joshua 23-24)
5. Chaos (Judges 1-21)
   • Failing the Driving (Out) Test (Judges 1-2)
   • The Judges (Judges 3-16)
     • Deborah (Judges 4-5)
     • The Economic Effects of War (Judges 6:1-11)
     • Gideon’s Ambivalent Leadership (Judges 6:12 – 8:35)
     • The Judges’ Failure of Leadership (Judges 9-16)
   • Israel Falls Apart (Judges 17-21)
     • The prosperity gospel unmasked in early form (Judges 17)
     • Human depravity and the complicity of religious authorities unveiled …

Psalms And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Duane Garrett, Lindsay Wilson, Russell Fuller

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Psalms
2. Book 1 (Psalms 1–41)
   • Personal Integrity in Work (Psalm 1)
   • Obedience to God (Psalm 2)
   • Foes and opponents (Psalms 4, 6, 7, 17)
   • Authority (Psalm 8)
   • Business ethics (Psalms 15, 24, 34)
   • Trusting God in the face of institutional pressure (Psalm 20)
   • God’s presence in our struggles at work (Psalm 23)
   • God’s guidance in our work (Psalm 25)
3. Book 2 (Psalms 42–72)
   • God’s presence in the midst of disaster (Psalm 46)
   • Anxiety when unscrupulous people succeed (Psalms 49, 50, 52, 62)
4. Book 3 (Psalms 73–89)
   • The workplace consequences of personal failings (Psalm 73)
   • The economic consequences of …

Samuel, Kings & Chronicles And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Jill Baker, Brian Housman, Alice Matthews

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Samuel, Kings and Chronicles
   • The historical background of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles
2. From Tribal Confederation to Monarchy: 1 Samuel
   • The perils of inherited authority (1 Samuel 1-3)
   • The perils of treating God like a good luck charm (1 Samuel 4)
   • The opportunities that arise from working faithfully (1 Samuel 5-7)
   • When children disappoint (1 Samuel 8:1-3)
   • The Israelites ask for a king (1 Samuel 8:4-22)
   • The Task of Choosing a King (1 Samuel 9-16)
   • David's rise to power (1 Samuel 17-30)
     • Abigail defuses a crisis between David and Nabal (1 Samuel 25)
3. The Golden Age of the Monarchy: …

Romans And Work, Theology Of Work Project, John Lewis, Jane Patterson

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Romans
2. The Gospel of Salvation—Paul’s Vocation (Romans 1:1-17)
3. Our need for salvation in life and work (Romans 1:18-1:32)
4. All have sinned (Romans 2-3)
5. Judgment, justice and faith (Romans 3)
   • Judgment, the source of broken relationships (Romans 3:1-20)
   • God’s justice, the solution to our false judgments (Romans 3:21-26)
   • Faith/Faithfulness, the entry to God’s justice (Romans 3:27-31)
6. An exemplary faith: Abraham trusted God’s promises (Romans 4)
7. Grace reigns for eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 5)
   • Grace transforms suffering in our life in Christ (Romans 5:1-11)
   • Grace and righteousness lead to eternal life through Christ (Romans 5:12-21)
8. Walking in Newness …

The General Epistles And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Kelly Liebengood, Al Erisman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to General Epistles
2. James - Faith Works
   • Depending on God (James 1:1-18)
   • Working for the Benefit of Others in Need (James 1:22-28)
   • Faith and Work(s) (James 2:14-26)
   • Discriminating Against the Poor and Currying Favor with the Rich (James 2:1-13)
   • Listening Well and Taming the Tongue (James 1:19-21 and 3:1-12)
   • Selfish Ambition and Investing in Others (James 3:13-4:12)
     • Selfish Ambition and Submission to God (James 3:13-4:12)
     • Investing In Others (James 4:1-12)
   • Business Forecasting (James 4:13-17)
   • Business Oppression (James 5:1-6)
   • Waiting for the Harvest (James 5:7-20)
3. 1 Peter - Serving the World as Resident Alien Priests
   • Resident Aliens and Priests (1 …

Interview: Katherine Leary Alsdorf, Katherine Leary Alsdorf, David W. Gill

Theology of Work Project

Katherine Leary Alsdorf is co-author with Timothy Keller of Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work (Dutton, 2012). She came to Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City in 2002 to establish the Center for Faith and Work to help people nurture a meaningful integration between their faith and their professional work. Prior to this ministry role at Redeemer, she spent 20 years in the high tech industry. In California, she served as CEO of Pensare, an online management education company, and CEO of One Touch Systems, a hardware/software products company. Before that, she was President of Private …

Finance Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Leonard D. Van Drunen

Theology of Work Project

1. What Finance Is
2. God’s Purposes for Finance
   • Finance Helps Reveal the Glory of God’s Creation
   • Finance Helps Us Fulfill the Creation Mandate to Be Good Stewards
   • Finance Can Be a Means of Justice and Love
3. The Foundations of Finance are Created by God
   • We are Timebound
   • We are Social
   • We are Heterogeneous
   • We Act as Agents
   • We Make Promises
   • We Are Not Omniscient
   • We Create Resources for a Future that We Do Not Know
   • We Are Risk Takers
   • Conclusion to the Foundations of Finance are Created by God
4. Financial Institutions
   • Currency
   • Intermediaries
     • Can we really love someone through intermediaries?
   • Instruments …

The Equipping Church Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Alistair Mackenzie

Theology of Work Project

1. What is God’s Mission in the World?
2. How does human work connect to God’s work?
3. What does this mean for people’s daily work?
4. How can we equip our people for God’s work in the world?
   • Equipping churches have a vision of God at work where their people work
   • Equipping churches actively hunt for examples and resources
   • Equipping churches connect daily work to worship
   • Equipping churches address the opportunities and challenges their people face at work
   • Equipping churches invest resources in equipping people for daily work
   • Equipping churches create structures to sustain this ministry
   • Equipping churches empower and collaborate with people …

The Bottom Line: Friend Or Foe? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Gunter was reeling. The board of Mastech had brought him in as CEO to move the company forward. He had been selected not only because of his proven business skills, but because he cared about people. Now the board was adamant: “You’re just being soft, Gunter. You care about people so much you’re not making the tough decisions. You’ll never improve the bottom line of this company unless you start swinging the axe. Get to it, or…um…the axe may fall on you!” The directive hit Gunter right in the gut. For a year he had been trying to build a …

Appropriating The Principles Of L'Arche For The Transformation Of Church Curricula, Nathan Goldbloom

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates several of the principles on which L’Arche is based, which are articulated in Jean Vanier’s writings: belonging, vulnerability, peace, spirituality, communion, and celebration. These six principles are analyzed with the objective of ascertaining their relevance for the Church as a whole and how they might be used to enrich and enhance programs of Christian education and spiritual formation in local congregations.

Responses To A Sunday School Curriculum On Mental Illness In The Church, Megan M. Hamshar

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores perceptions and attitudes toward mental illness in the church through a literature review of existing research in psychology, supported by a qualitative study of participants in a Sunday School series on mental illness. The four-week course was taught in a class of adults in their twenties and thirties in a Free Methodist church. The results from the study largely support the empirical literature that suggests the church holds primarily negative perceptions and attitudes toward mental illness and the persons it affects. However, the study also suggested that education may encourage self-analysis of negative attitudes and behaviors toward …

When Work And Family Collide (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Maria had been preparing for this day for several months, and now her Saturday morning piano recital was nearly here. Best of all, her daddy would be coming! Her excitement helped her overlook all the times he’d had to miss such events because of his work. Then, just a day before the recital, her dad’s boss called. Would history repeat? Would he be called out of town again? From what Maria overheard, she knew her dad was doing his best to get out of making the trip. But as soon as he hung up it was obvious he was unsuccessful. …

The Multiethnic Church As A Reflection Of God's Image: A Focus On Reconciliation In A Local Congregation, Jodi C. Gatlin

Seattle Pacific Seminary Projects

This thesis seeks to discover whether or not a focus on reconciliation in a local church can prompt the congregation to engage their multiethnic neighborhood and become a more diverse church. It argues that in the midst of a broken and hurting world the multiethnic congregation offers a reflection of the image of God and a message of hope to the world. Specifically, this project will explore the question, “Can a focus on reconciliation in the local church lead to an increase of social and cultural engagement by its congregants that produces positive change in the surrounding community?” As a …

Accountability In A Compassionate Enterprise (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Dr. Gonzales was a highly skilled dentist who came across to his patients as unusually caring and compassionate. He took extra time so clients were reassured and understood the procedures they were walking through. He occasionally provided services without charge for those who couldn’t afford them, and followed up to make sure his patients were making good progress. However there was a problem with some members of his staff. They took advantage of their boss’s tender nature, cutting corners in ways that would never be permitted in a demanding, no-nonsense workplace. They didn’t feel accountable. Dr. Gonzales needed to make …

The Frustrated Customer (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

It had been one of those long, aggravating days—the kind where the nerves of everyone in the company were on edge. At least it’s almost over, thought Carlos, the customer service representative for Ace Windows and Doors. Just as he reached for his coat, his phone rang. “I’ve tried for half an hour, and I can’t get your Model SD 92 storm door to lock properly,” said the frustrated customer. Carlos knew this complaint and knew instantly the caller hadn’t even cracked the owner’s manual. “Listen,” said Carlos, “I’ll just bet anything you haven’t read the instructions that came with …

Can You Love Your Employees? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Samantha thought the advice of her grad school professor was a little unusual—words given her as she was about to launch her career: “Don’t get too close to your co-workers,” he said. “You never know when you’re going to have to fire someone, and you don’t want to fire your close friends.” Soon Samantha was moving up the ranks at Agile, a large pharmaceutical firm, and had several associates reporting to her. Reading a book on leadership, she was drawn to the story of Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach of Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers in the late ’50s. She …

When Do You Fire Your Customer? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

The senior management of Software Dynamics, Inc. had just completed its Business Roadmap, spelling out SDI’s Vision, Mission, Values and Guiding Principles. One section described the company’s position toward its customers: “We realize we are dependent on close relationships with our clients, and will go the extra mile to assure we are meeting their requirements and serving their needs.” Shortly after, the purchasing agent for one of SDI’s largest customers asked to meet privately with Paul, SDI’s sales manager. It was soon clear he wanted more than good service, delivery and competitive pricing. He wanted a personal “commission,” a percentage …

Faith: How Open Can You Be? (Case Study), John Beckett

Theology of Work Project

Findlay debated with himself for some time, and then made a conscious decision to leave a Bible on his desk at work. Since becoming a believer he wanted to let others know about his newfound faith, and had concluded this small step could open some doors. It didn’t take long for Findlay to get a response. Into his office walked the Manager of Human Relations: “My friend, what is that? Have you become one of those?” A chill went down Findlay’s spine. He knew his next words were important, so he lifted a quick prayer for what to say. “Ahh, …

Deuteronomy And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Duane Garrett

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Deuteronomy
2. Rebellion and Complacency (Deuteronomy 1:1–4:43)
   • Israel Refuses to Enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:19-45)
   • When Success Leads to Complacency (Deuteronomy 4:25-40)
3. God’s Law and its Applications (Deuteronomy 4:44–30:20)
   • The Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21)
     • “You shall have no other gods before me” (Deut 5:7; Ex 20:3)
     • “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Deut 5:8; Ex 20:4)
     • “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God” (Deut 5:11; Ex 20:7)
     • “Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Deut 5:12; Ex 20:8-11)
       • The Sabbath and the work we do (Deut 5:12; Ex …

Numbers And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Numbers
2. God Numbers and Orders the Nation of Israel (Numbers 1:1-2:34)
3. The Levites and the Work of God (Numbers 3-8)
4. Offering God the Products of Human Labor (Numbers 4 and 7)
5. Confession and Restitution (Numbers 5:5-10)
6. Aaron’s Blessing for the People (Numbers 6:22–27)
7. Retirement from Regular Service (Numbers 8:23–26)
8. The Challenge to Moses’ Authority (Numbers 12)
9. When Leadership Leads to Unpopularity (Numbers 13 and 14)
10. Offering God our First Fruits (Numbers 15:20-21; 18:12-18)
11. Reminders of the Covenant (Numbers 15:37-41)
12. Moses’ Unfaithfulness at Meribah (Numbers 20:2-13)
13. When God Speaks Through Unexpected Sources (Numbers 22-24)
14. Land Ownership and Property Rights …

Covington Aircraft Engines, Center For Faith & Work At Letourneau University, Paul Abbott

Theology of Work Project

Paul Abbott takes Matthew 6:33 to heart as he fulfills his calling to be a Christian businessman: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” (Click here to explore what this verse says about work.) Since 1972, he and his wife, Betty, have been working at Covington Aircraft Engines, a company of 65 employees that runs on four core principles: integrity, dependability, affordability, and quality service. Since people’s lives are at stake, integrity is essential to their business.

Genesis 12-50 And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Genesis 12-50 and Work
2. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-25:11)
   • Abraham’s faithfulness contrasted with the faithlessness of Babel (Genesis 12:1-3)
   • The Pastoral Lifestyle of Abraham and his Family (Genesis 12:4-7)
   • Abraham’s journey begins with disaster in Egypt (Genesis 12:8-13:2)
   • Abraham and Lot parted (Genesis 13:3-18)
   • Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality (Genesis 18:1-15)
   • Abraham’s dispute with Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-16; 21:22-34)
   • A burial plot for Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20)
3. Isaac (Genesis 21:1-35:29)
4. Jacob (Genesis 25:19-49:33)
   • Jacob's unethical procurement of Esau’s birthright and blessing (Genesis 25:19-34; 26:34–28:9)
   • Jacob Gains His Fortune (Genesis 30-31)
   • Jacob’s transformation and reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 32–33)
5. Joseph (Genesis 37:2-50:26)
   • Joseph rejected …

Genesis 1-11 And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Andrew Schmutzer, Alice Matthews

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Genesis 1-11
2. God Creates the World (Genesis 1:1-2:3)
   • God works to create the world (Genesis 1:1-25)
     • God brings the material world into being (Genesis 1:1-2)
     • God’s creation takes work (Genesis 1:3-25; 2:7)
     • Creation is of God, but is not identical with God (Genesis 1:11)
     • God sees that his work is good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31)
   • God works relationally (Genesis 1:26a)
   • God limits his work (Genesis 2:1-3)
3. God Creates and Equips People to Work (Genesis 1:26-2:25)
   • People are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26, 27; 5:1)
   • Dominion (Genesis 1:26; 2:5)
   • Relationships (Genesis 1:27; 2:18, 21-25) …

Leviticus And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction— does Leviticus have anything to tell us about our work?
2. The Foundational Concept of Holiness in Leviticus
3. Israel’s Sacrificial System (Leviticus 1–10)
   • The Dwelling of God in the Community (Leviticus 1-10)
   • The Whole People of God at Work (Leviticus 1-10)
   • The Workplace Significance of the Guilt Offering (Leviticus 6:1-7)
4. The Unclean and the Clean (Leviticus 11–16)
   • The Permissibility of Eating Particular Animals (Leviticus 11)
   • Dealing with Skin Diseases and Mold Infections (Leviticus 13–14)
5. Holiness (Leviticus 17–27)
   • Gleaning (Leviticus 19:9–10)
   • Behaving honestly (Leviticus 19:11–12)
   • Treating workers fairly (Leviticus 19:13)
   • Rights of People with Disabilities (Leviticus 19:14)
   • Doing Justice (Leviticus 19:15–16) …

Ruth And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Daniel I. Block

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to the Book of Ruth
2. Tragedy strikes the family of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:1-22)
3. God’s blessing is the source of human productivity (Ruth 2:1-4)
4. God bestows his blessing of productivity through human labor (Ruth 2:5-7)
5. Receiving God’s blessing of productivity means respecting co-workers (Ruth 2:8-16)
6. God calls people to provide opportunities for the poor to work productively (Ruth 2:17-23)
   • God’s law calls people of means to provide economic opportunities for the poor (Ruth 2:17-23)
   • God leads individuals to provide economic opportunities for the poor and vulnerable (Ruth 2:17-23)
7. God’s blessing is redoubled when people work according to his …

Exodus And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Bob Stallman

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to Exodus
2. Israel in Egypt (Exodus 1:1–13:16)
   • The Harshness of the Israelites’ Slave Labor in Egypt (Exodus 1:8-14)
   • The Work of Midwifery and Mothering (Exodus 1:15-2:10)
   • God’s Call to Moses (Exodus 2:11-3:22)
   • God’s Work of Redemption for Israel (Exodus 5:1-6:28)
   • Moses and Aaron Announce God’s Judgment to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-12:51)
3. Israel at the Red Sea and on the Way to Sinai (Exodus 13:17-18:27)
   • The Work of Justice Among the People of Israel (Exodus 18:1-27)
4. Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-40:38)
   • The Meaning of Law in Exodus (Exodus 19:1-24:18)
   • The Role of the Law for Christians (Exodus 20:1-24:18)
   • Instructions about …

Truth & Deception Overview, Theology Of Work Project, Scott Rae

Theology of Work Project

1. Truthtelling in the Bible
   • Truthtelling is the Norm in the Bible
   • Exceptions to Truthtelling in the Bible
2. Why Truthtelling is Important
   • Authentic Communication Requires Truthtelling
   • Trust and Cooperation Require Truthtelling
   • Human Dignity Requires Truthtelling
3. Truthtelling in the Workplace
   • Financial Statements Must Tell the Truth
   • There May be Exceptions to Truthtelling in the Workplace
     • Puffery/exaggeration
     • White lies
     • Bluffing
   • When Someone Has No Right to the Truth
     • Deception to obtain information you have a right to know
     • Information you have no right to know
     • Social implications of protecting information others have no right to know
4. Conclusions About Truth & Deception
5. Key Biblical …

The Twelve Prophets And Work, Theology Of Work Project, Tim Meadowcroft, William Messenger

Theology of Work Project

1. Introduction to the Twelve Prophets
2. Historical Backdrop of the Twelve Prophets
3. Faith and Work Before the Exile—Hosea, Amos, Obadiah, Joel, Micah
   • God Demands Change (Hosea 1:1-9, Micah 2:1-5)
   • God Makes Change Possible (Hosea 14:1-9, Amos 9:11-15, Micah 4:1-5, Obadiah 21)
   • Unjust Work (Micah 1:1-7; 3:1-2; 5:10-15)
   • Working Unjustly (Hosea 4:1-10; Joel 2:28-29)
   • Individuals’ and Communities’ Work are Interdependent (Amos 8:1-6, Micah 6:1-16)
   • Work and Worship (Micah 6:6-8; Amos 5:21-24; Hosea 4:1-10)
   • Apathy Due to Wealth (Amos 3:9-15, 6:1-7)
4. Faith and Work During the Exile—Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah
   • God’s Punishing Hand at Work (Nahum 1:1-12; Habakkuk 3:1-19; Zephaniah 1:1-13)
   • Idolatrous Work (Habakkuk …