alpha workplace slides 27 june 2014 pastoring christians in the world of work

Pastoring the Workplace

DR DION FORSTER

Video:The Power of a Dream!

People often talk about the sacred / secular divide, but my faith and the Bible tells me that God is found in the earth and rocks and buildings and institutions, and, yes, in the business world.

David Miller (IBM executive)

Why do we miss it?

You were created to worship God!

You were created to worship God!

Worship: ORIGIN Old English weorthscipe ‘worthiness, acknowledgement of worth’

Monday is proof that Sunday is working!

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.”

- Genesis 2:15

“I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace.”

- Dr. Billy Graham

While God has intended for EVERY Christian to be a MINISTER…

God never intended for EVERY Christian to be a PASTOR.

How the marketplace was lost

• Flawed theology of ministry and work– 11 o’clock theology (on a Monday)

• Flawed theology on the role of a minister• Flawed ecclesiology: gathered not scattered• Flawed theologies of creation and money• Flawed mission strategies

A bit of ‘world of work theology’ and missiology

A theology and mission for the world of work

Discovery 1 - God’s discipleship plan is for more than just individuals. (Matthew 28:18-20)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28:18-20)

Individual

Family

SuburbCity

Nation

A theology and mission for the world of work

Discovery 2 – Everything has been ‘redeemed’, and so it needs to be ‘reclaimed’ (Luke 19:10)

“For the son of man came to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10)

“For it was the Father's good pleasure …to reconcile all things to Himself…whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Col 1:19-20)

Doing your work for God’s purposes and blessing!• Discovery 3 - God views every Christian as a minister,

and so work can be worship! (Col 3:23-24)

“Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, working for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that you will receive your reward from the Lord; you serve the Lord Christ.” (Col 3:23)

The ‘worship switch’… ON or OFF?

A theology and mission for the world of work

• Discovery 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places, and get salt out of the salt shaker. (Matthew 16:18-19)

“Upon this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it…” (Matthew 16:18-19).

Building the Church is what Jesus does… Taking his Kingdom and gospel all over the earth is what we’re commanded to do… - Ed Silvoso

Preaching the truth without love is like giving someone a good kiss when you have bad breath. No matter how good your kiss is, all the recipient

will remember is your bad breath!

- Ed Silvoso

• Paradigm 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places. (Matthew 16:18-19) cont….

• We need a WORLD OF WORK methodology!

• Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9).

• When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’

• ….Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you,

• • …Heal the sick who are there

and

• …tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’

I will pay you a salary NOT to preach…

A theology and mission for the world of work

Discovery 5 - True transformation must be tangible and visible.- The Gospels recalls two incidents when Jesus wept, once for a

friend, and another time for a city. His tears show how deeply he loves individuals and cities (groups, structures etc.).

- What would the most tangible and visible expression of God’s love be in your context?

- What is REALY good news to the poor?- Remember the ‘methodology’ of Jesus… Bless, Fellowship,

Minister, Preach…

A theology and mission for the world of work

God’s discipleship plan is for more than just individuals. (Matthew 28:18-20)

The marketplace has been ‘redeemed’, and so it needs to be ‘reclaimed’ (Luke 19:10)

God views every Christian as a minister, and so work can be worship! (Col 3:23-24)

God wants us to take light into dark places. (Matthew 16:18-19)

True transformation must be tangible and visible

Four keys to supporting marketplace workers

• Workers want your support!• Help your people to integrate faith and work.• Integrate faith, life and work.– Create a Biblical framework– Create and maintain faith consciousness at work– Listen to workers needs

Four keys to supporting marketplace workers

• Facilitate on site and off site support– Prayer - Service of

commissioning– Materials - Acts 29

testimonies– Counsel - Use Luke 10

Transformation– Teaching

Transform your work life! Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling!

Available in Canaanland and all leading book stores

http://bit.ly/transformwork