Business Commons^™

Keeping Sabbath During The Week, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

Would Sabbath-keeping be less meaningful if, on the other six days, our work disrupted human well-being or otherwise failed to honor the Sabbath Giver? This article is an abridged version of the longer peer-reviewed article "Sabbath: The Theological Roots of Sustainable Development" published in the Journal of Biblical Integration in Business available at http://cbfa-jbib.org/index.php/jbib/article/view/108/108 .

Sabbath: The Theological Roots Of Sustainable Development, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

It is the thesis of this paper that, in general, the points of emphasis by the UN Commission on Sustainable Development are in close, but not perfect, alignment with the concept of Sabbath-shalom in Scripture. Some differences also exist. Sabbath begins at Creation and is the substance and symbol of God’s care for this earth. In Sabbath we rest in God’s sustaining power. Sabbath also is integral to covenant relationships. This means that Sabbath is not merely about care for the environment but also about care for all relationships envisioned by the concept of shalom. Both the creation roots and …

Sabbath & Management, Theology & Application, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

Without detracting from the importance of setting aside one day of worship each week some scholars believe that the meaning of Sabbath contains broader principles. This paper presents a summary of Sabbath theology based on two biblical themes: Creation and Covenant. It provides support for why managers should consider applying Sabbath principles in their work. Part III shows some of the ways in which this might play out in managerial work.

Honor The King. Yes, But Emulate The King?, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

In seeking to discern God's will for their lives, top-echelon Christian leaders would do well to consider the biblical ideals embedded in the concept of kingship. The paper explores the biblical characteristics of the ideal king with the goal of identifying lessons for contemporary top-echelon leaders. It also reviews the connection between creation and kingship and the biblical concept of the Kingship of God, biblical guidance available in the selection, anointing and annual renewal of the king, and the duties and role of the king. It draws lessons regarding contemporary top-echelon Christian leaders in terms of personal traits, behaviors and …

Leading In The Face Of Conflicting Expectations: Caring For The Needs Of Individuals And Of The Organization, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper explores the tension between caring for the needs of persons and caring for the needs of the organization. Biblical themes and contemporary scholarship are used as a lens through which to better understand this tension as it relates to true integrity. Suggestions are provided for integrating the concepts into leadership training.

Sensible, Prudent & Shrewd: Building Blocks For A Theology Of Efficiency, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper examines operational efficiency from a biblical theology perspective. The paper describes operational efficiency in contemporary terms and considers six categories of constraints on efficiency. In pursuing its purpose the paper reviews six relevant biblical themes including: God‘s character, creation, covenant, shalom, blessing, and fruitfulness. Five biblical values and virtues describe how efficiency is to be achieved: truth, wisdom, prudence, usefulness, and stewardship. The biblical theme of agricultural yield provides an illustration of the instrumental virtues and values by which workers achieve and measure efficiency.

All For One & One For All: Understanding Servant Leadership, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

What’s a Leader to Do?

Here are some guidelines to help you balance the tension between the individual and the group.

1. Pray for God to give you wisdom from thoughts others have to share as well as your own thoughts.

2. Take each situation as a process that is unfolding, and remain open to consider the needs of the organization and the needs of the individual as these come to be understood.

3. See in every complicated leadership situation the opportunity to explore your own humility by sharing leadership with followers.

4. Recognize that in every complicated leadership situation, …