MODULE 105 PATHWAYS
Contact Person
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Dr. Mario Denton Crown Financial Ministries Marketplace Programme Director for Africa Africa Director for FCCI (The Fellowship for Companies for Christ International) CEO STRONG MESSAGE BUSINESS CONSULTANT Let's keep the good marketplace vibes alive. Let's network. Tel (w) + 27(0) 82 88 29903. E-mail address: mario@crown.org.za Website: www.crown.org.za and click on marketplace E-mail address: marden@mweb.co.za website: www.strongmessage.co.za Skype: mario.denton
PATHWAYS We believe the pursuit of Life, Leadership, Ministry and Business will help build Kingdom Leaders and Kingdom Companies, who will bring about transformation in the market-place. Kingdom Leader A transformed business leader called to ministry in the market-place, daily reflecting Christ in all relationships and through business excellence.
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Kingdom Company A business where the key leaders embrace in every aspect of their role the purpose of God and His righteousness. Our Strategic Plan • To make the word of God available to business leaders. • To provide resources to pastors to help them equip business leaders. A journey with Christ, in the pursuit of personal and business transformation. These pathways, when followed intentionally and fervently, will produce: Kingdom Leaders and Kingdom Companies, whose purpose is to bring about transformation in the market-place.
Spiritual maturity God created us to bring Him glory on this earth and to participate in His Kingdom work. Our work is a means of honouring the Lord as a full part of His creation plan. We are anointed to be His servants and therefore we must pursue a pathway to spiritual maturity in order to accomplish His perfect plan for our lives. Life in Balance True balance helps us pursue priorities with maximum effectiveness for His purposes. Life with Wisdom Hearing from God brings great wisdom to establish principles in every area of life. Life with Family and Others 3
A growing relationship with God results in a growing love of others. Life with God The ultimate pursuit of life is to establish and foster a living relationship with the living God. Spiritual Maturity Self-Assessment God created us to bring Him glory on this earth and to participate in His kingdom work. Our work is a means of honouring the Lord as a full part of His creation plan. We are anointed to be His servants and therefore we must pursue a pathway to spiritual maturity in order to accomplish His perfect plan for our lives. Below are twenty aspects that reveal some characteristics of spiritual maturity. Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and growth, and then tick the appropriate column. Luke 2:52: Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men. Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours: 1=Never 2=Seldom 3=Frequently 4=Usually 5=Always 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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Life in Balance My view of business is changing. I see evidence of the work of the Lord all around me. I have a healthy balance concerning people and profits. I am accountable to others and transparent to them in crucial areas of my life. My schedule and spending reflect the proper balance of relationships with God, family and work in my life. Life with Wisdom My love for the Lord changes my choices. I realise adversity builds character.
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My relationship with Christ is influencing my worldview. I pray and use God’s Word in making decisions. My wisdom stems from a growing relationship with God. Life with Family and Others My relationships are healthy and growing. My response to conflict and crisis is improving. I reflect God’s love to others. I ask for forgiveness from others, admitting my weaknesses and mistakes. I am investing in the lives of others through mentoring and discipleship. Life with God I am an active follower of Jesus Christ. My spiritual disciplines are consistent and increasing. God’s purposes are increasingly reflected in my motives. God is integrated in all areas of my life. I live my life to please God and not man only.
Spiritual Maturity Self-Assessment (continued) How did you do? The degree of “evidence” is a measure, though subjective of course, of your current maturity in Christ. Determine today to focus on at least those aspects that you can attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.
Servant Leadership God works through leadership in every facet of life. Therefore good leadership is critical to any organisation. In the leadership development pathway members will learn the essence of servant leadership and move towards honing their leadership skills. The Task of Leadership
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A leader’s responsibility is larger than what he can do by himself. The ability to recruit and energise a team is essential. The Means of Leadership How to take conversations deeper and to get to core issues. Conversations that change things. How a leader deals with conflict will dictate whether he rises or falls. The Heart of Leadership Leadership begins with the leader. Leadership is built from the inside out. If we want to lead and manage others, we must begin with ourselves. The Source of Leadership As the most influential and critical book in history, God’s “special revelation” (The Bible) to His beloved mankind is the authority on Servant Leadership. Servant Leadership Self-Assessment God works through leaders in every facet of life. Good leadership is critical to every organisation. Below are twenty aspects that reveal some characteristics of the servant leader. Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and growth and then tick the appropriate column. Proverbs 29:4: A leader of good judgment gives stability. Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours: 1=Never 2=Seldom 3=Frequently 4=Usually 5=Always 1
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The task of leadership I am inspiring staff to do their best. I encourage and support staff in using their gifts, talents and skills. As a leader, I value relationships and work hard to strengthen and preserve them. There is a prevailing sense of “we’re all in this together”. Working relationships are best described as collaborative, not competitive. The means of leadership Staff understand how their colleagues fit into the system — what they do, where they excel, and how they add value. Means of Leadership Always I allow others to hold me accountable. I seek to understand the other person before trying to be understood. When someone is critical of me I try to find out more rather than get upset or angry. As a leader, I provide a consistent, positive example of valuing and nurturing relationships and resolving conflict biblically. The heart of leadership I enjoy finding out about other people and why they think the way they do. I demonstrate humility well. I am faithful in keeping my commitments I admit my weaknesses and mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. I make decisions with input from others. Life with God I feel that I am more of a coach than a boss. e Source of Leadership Always Usually Staff at all levels are united by a common purpose, direction and set of values. I pray daily and use God’s Word when making decisions. I obey God’s principles in business. I fulfil my role as if God owned the company, entrusting the success of the business and my future to His will.
Servant Leadership Self-Assessment (continued) 7
How did you do? Determine today to focus at least on those aspects that you can attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.
Market-place Ministry Work is ministry and ministry is work. Your business or career can be the most challenging and fulfilling ministry anyone can ask for. On the Ministry Development path we will develop and implement a ministry plan that impacts employees, customers, suppliers and the market-place for Christ. Ministry Transformation The ultimate goal of market-place ministry is to see God’s transforming power work through us in our sphere of influence. Ministry Action Having a good plan motivates us to implementation. God would have us to be people of commitment, which is followed by steps of intentional action. Ministry Planning As planning is important to the proper running of a business, the process of planning is essential in fulfilling our calling as market-place ministers. Ministry Principles In doing God’s work in the market-place it is essential that we operate according to the way God works and according to His values.
Market-place Ministry Self-Assessment Do you see your business, profession or career as a ministry of God? Do you understand there is an eternal perspective in all that you do in the workplace? Below are twenty statements that highlight aspects of ministry in the market8
place. Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and growth, and then tick the appropriate column. Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours: 1=Never 2=Seldom 3=Frequently 4=Usually 5=Always 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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Ministry transformation In the company, people are moving forward in their spiritual journey. I see evidence of love, grace, peace and joy being exhibited to those who come in contact with the company. There is a culture of prayer, evident within the leaders and Christian employees in the business. Employees, customers and suppliers know the company operates on biblical principles and values. The company has an increasing testimony and impact in the industry and community. Ministry action My actions reflect that I understand we are merely stewards, NOT owners of the company or department. We have company resources allocated to assist staff in special times of need, such as financial or family crises. Through the company's Human Resources policy, staff are treated fairly and equitably in areas such as benefits and ongoing education. I am committed to fulfilling the Great Commission in my business role. As an owner I am committed to supporting the work of the Great Commission with company resources. Ministry planning I rely on the Holy Spirit to give creative direction to 9
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minister in my business role. I have a written strategy and plan to minister to staff, customers, suppliers and all others in my sphere of influence. In my role I integrate a ministry action plan with the business plan. An intercessory prayer team prays very specifically for the business and its ministry. I have specific initiatives that fulfil the ministry action plan. Ministry planning The company has a purpose or mission statement that embodies God’s eternal purpose for the organisation. The company has a core set of beliefs that reflects biblical values and principles. I understand, to fulfil my role in business, I must first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. A team prays for the employees, their families, customers, suppliers and others. I have regular and extended times with God to discover His plan for ministry in my business role.
Market-place Ministry Self-Assessment (continued) How did you do? Determine today to focus at least on those aspects that you can attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable. Ministry Planning
Organisational Excellence Business excellence is a process of making sound business decisions that result in continually improving business operations. It is an active discipline to seek the Lord’s “best practices” by examining the Scriptures, consulting with peers and industry experts to work through specific business issues and opportunities.
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Business Ethics Product Quality, Sales, Marketing, Customers, Suppliers and Competitors Business Relationships Expectations, Benefits, Personal Development and Leadership Development Business Financing Ownership Structure, Financing and Business Growth Planning Excellence Process of developing, implementing and adjusting a business plan through organisational excellence, and having appropriate accountability Organisational Excellence Self-Asessment As Christians, if we were to pursue excellence in our roles for the sake of directors, principal owners, investors or customers, we should pursue excellence much more for the sake of the true owner, God. Below are twenty aspects that focus on biblical business principles. Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and growth, and then tick the appropriate column. Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours: 1=Never 2=Seldom 3=Frequently 4=Usually 5=Always 1 1 2
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Business Ethics Management serves the employees well. I display excellence by delivering quality products and services.
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I take corrective action with the employee who undermines leadership. Company sales and marketing tactics are fair and appropriate. I treat staff, competitors, customers and suppliers with respect. Others perceive me as one who operates on a high ethical level. Business Relationships I am thorough in the hiring process. I honour and obey the laws and those in authority. Formal feedback systems exist for owners, employees, customers and suppliers. Staff growth, both professionally and spiritually, is encouraged and supported. I am patient with staff and co-workers who have potential but are slow to learn. Business Financing My actions reflect God's ownership of the business. I reinvest adequately in the business as my role allows. As part of senior management, I am confident that if the business were to close, all debts can be repaid. I take time to review the company’s financial position. Company products and service are priced fairly and consistently. Planning excellence I have extended planning times with God. The corporate vision, mission statement and values communicate biblical principles. I have personal and business mission statements. I seek input and allow others to hold me accountable.
Organisational Excellence Self-Assessment How did you do? Determine today to focus at least on those aspects that you can attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.
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Dig deeper and learn more (Optional) This section includes various support material for further inspiration and encouragement and relates to the material covered in this section -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nr Name 105 A The world of work
Date of completion
105 B Just How Teachable Are You? 105 C Evaluate Your Life And Ministry 105
Business Forums and pathways
D 105 E The Five Giants
Progress Report James 1:22-25 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not
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do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-- he will be blessed in what he does.� (NIV) Name and Number of Module ________________________________________ Participant’s Name: ________________________________________ The Biblical Truths (Principles) I learned from this module: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I intend to apply this Truth (Principle) in my business by: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------________________________
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Participant
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Acknowledgement
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Material adapted by Dr. Mario Denton Mario is the International Field Continental Programme Director – Market-place for Crown Africa, the Africa Director for FCCI (The Fellowship for Companies for Christ International) and the CEO of Strong Message Business Consultancy. He is an international teacher and industrial psychologist and uses his strong academic and corporate background and his uniquely effective coaching to help people tap into their inner being; to utilise their strengths and expand their skills to make a difference in the workplace. He and his wife, Mariene, are based in Cape Town, South Africa, and are blessed with three grown sons.
Servant Copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without permission. Regarding permission to reprint material from this material, please write to Dr Mario Denton: Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright Š 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Crown Companies Legacy Leaders 15
Providing mature business leaders an opportunity to continue to use their skills productively for the Glory of God. Do you desire to pass on the baton to business leaders to transform their business? Legacy leaders are business leaders who have a desire to continue to use their skills productively to mentor, coach and train the other business leaders, as well as train the next generation of business leaders for the glory of God. Crown Companies exists to equip and encourage business leaders to operate their business and conduct their personal lives in accordance with Biblical principles. Legacy leaders •
Are experienced in business
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Understand and are committed to the vision of CROWN Companies
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Have implemented biblical principles in their own personal life and business
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Are mature in the Christian faith and are of proven character
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Have a passion to see other business leaders succeed as determined by God’s standards
Legacy leaders may possess: •
The capability to be an encourager, coach, mentor and disciple.
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The ability to provide wise business counsel to other business leaders
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The time and or resources to come alongside other business leaders
"Teach us to number our days that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:1. 16
Legacy leaders serve in a wide variety of capacities, including: •
Mentoring individual business leaders
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Working with groups of business leaders
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Serving as an ambassador for CROWN Companies in your church and community
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Travelling abroad to assist business leaders in other countries
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others for eternity? How can you serve the Lord as a legacy leader and begin sharing all that the Lord has entrusted to you? 1. Pray now where the Lord will use you in the lives of other business leaders to impact the Kingdom of God for His glory. 2. Contact Crown Companies at mario@crown.org.za or the Crown companies office at +2721 975 0226 3. Visit our website at www.crown.org.za for more information, tools and resources and become a member to enjoy the support, counsel and fellowship of other members and the extensive material available.
Crown Companies: Reclaim the workplace for Christ 17
Is the vision of your church also to bring the people of your community into a lifetransforming encounter with the Kingdom of God? The workplace is a key battle ground for achieving the above vision. Mature and equipped believers should live their faith in the workplace. But many need help in understanding what that means, as well as support in carrying it out. If you want to live your faith in the workplace, helping to make it more effective of God’s Kingdom on earth, then we at Crown Companies want to come alongside you to support and equip you. Our mission and intention are to develop flexible training programmes and processes to assist you in this regard. Imagine a workplace where ….. •
There were biblically based, explicitly defined values
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Ethics and integrity are paramount
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Love and servant leadership governed relationships
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Pursuit of excellence was the norm
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Collaboration was sought but obedience and commitment to final decisions were followed
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Selfish ambition was non-existent
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Accountability was enforced – in a supportive manner
START WITH A WORKPLACE MINISTRY IN YOUR CHURCH Equip your workplace leaders to become ministers. Help them to become sensitive to the lost. Help the workplace leaders of your church get a vision for joining God in the workplace ministry.
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Crown Companies: Become the business leaders God intended you to be Sometimes it is a matter of survival, but you have to become the business leaders God intended you to be. The purpose of Crown Companies is to help business leaders: •
Draw closer to God
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Establish a committed and vibrant relationship with the Lord
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Develop deep, meaningful relationships with like-minded peers
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Learn what it means to run a company for Christ
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Help other workplace leaders to do the same
This is accomplished through •
Monthly leadership groups
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Workplace conferences
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Materials, resources and training on our website
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31. Search the untold riches of the Bible to find scriptural perspective for operating a company as a steward of Christ with like-minded peers and colleagues. Join a small group and facilitate discussions relevant to: •
Sales and marketing strategies
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Effective time management
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Cash flow and profit 19
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Planning goals and implementation
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Motivating people
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Problems solving
"For my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9. START WITH A SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION IN YOU AREA Do you need someone to pray with you – someone who understands the pressures of running a company, someone who cares? Do you desire to integrate your Christian faith into the daily operations of the business God has entrusted to you? For more information on a small group in you area contact Dr Mario Denton at mario@crown.org.za. "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.". Luke 11: 910.
Crown Companies: Every believer a minister in the workplace 20
Common dilemmas in the workplace •
Isolation: Feeling the pressure of being responsible for many people
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Need encouragement but rarely receive it
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Need people with whom they can communicate honestly
Equipping the workplace You have an opportunity to make a difference in the workplace to which God has called you. Meet monthly with other business leaders to receive instruction and training from other top business speakers on how to integrate your Christian life into your business. Form a small group of leaders who serve one another in a well-informed, support group where burning issues like the following can be discussed: •
Develop a strategic plan tailored for each member’s business
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Developing an action plan for ministry
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Developing your company’s mission and vision
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Product and service excellence
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Giving back to the Lord
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Long-term financial planning
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Building a high-performance team
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Hiring smart
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Sharing your faith in the workplace
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Problem solving
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Customer service
START WITH A LIFE-CHANGING SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION IN YOU AREA.
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Do you desire to integrate your Christian faith into the daily operations of the business God has entrusted to you? For more information on a small group in you area contact Dr Mario Denton at mario@crown.org.za.
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