Faith@work

Shining bright or blown bulb?

Boston Summit examines Faith@Work

by John Pletcher

ive it a gentle shake, right up next to your ear. If the filament yields a tinsel sound, the bulb is blown, Son.” This was Dad’s explanation for assessing oldschool light bulbs.

Is Faith@Work shining bright? I would love to say the severaldecades-old movement emanates resilient brilliance. Alas, all is not aglow. I recently gathered with key influencers in Boston to “shake the bulb” — a time of careful evaluation.

The late-October Faith@Work Summit attracted a kaleidoscope of leaders, more than 275 of them. Organizers included David Gill of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Al Erisman of Seattle Pacific University, and Bill Peel from LeTourneau University.

Speakers delivered, in “TED Talk” style, a collage of 15-minute presentations. Practitioner “affinity group” huddles raised probing questions: What is working well? What still needs to be accomplished?

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What IS truly shining bright?

Numerous marketplace organizations, such as the C12 Group and CBMC, are consistently creating dynamic business platforms. Proliferation of such resourcing groups has strengthened significant numbers of workplace disciples. Eric Welch (Institute for Faith, Work & Economics) is leading the charge for a newly-formed National Faith & Work Association.

Universities, business schools and seminaries are wonderfully promoting faith-work connections. A growing number of schools now offer curricula on faith in the workplace. More campus groups are reaching more business students.

During the Summit, two luminous new resources were introduced. The Theology of Work Project rolled out a Theology of Work Bible Commentary and The Bible and Your Work Study Series. In addition, Regent College announced ReFrame, a film-based course designed to help people connect faith with all of life.

What needs to shine brighter?

Plenary reports from the affinity groups revealed three bulbs.

Brighter academic bulbs — With transparent self-admission, educators spotlighted the need for stronger faith-work integration throughout curriculum. Schools’ offering of one or two classes addressing workplace faith is noble, yet still insufficient. Theology of Work needs lustrous integration across wider departments.

Brighter millennial bulbs — A quick glance across the Summit crowd revealed the majority demographic — graying heads were prominent. When asked what it will take for more millennial leaders to engage, Carson Leith, Wilderness Adventure Specialist at Nootka Marine Adventures, replied, “If you want to engage me, it would need to be through a sermon series at my church, an article online that’s marketed through social media, or a small group initiative that I can join. What’s attractive to me is a conversation, not a workbook with preset fill-in-the-blank answers.” Accessibility and authenticity are essential with next generation leaders.

Brighter church bulbs — It became painfully evident that church lamps are barely flickering for faith-work endeavors. Despite a few churches’ noble attempts to convey work-faith connections, most business leaders still feel very lonely. Cheryl Broetje, owner of Broetje Orchards, queried: “Where is the spiritual formation for marketplace leaders? It is not happening through pastors and churches.” The majority of pastors are still not preaching on work-faith issues, connecting regularly with everyday workers, or leading in work-faith initiatives.

During the Summit’s panel discussion, church developer Mark Roberts postured: “There is progress now, with better conversations between church and business. The barriers are coming down.” But longtime business leader Andy Mills cautioned, “It’s not as pretty a picture as you think.”

Such candor evoked sober reali- zations. Everyday laborers desperately need to be enlightened for workplace mission. Heads were nodding in agreement. The greatest opportunity for such influence lies in local churches. Church leaders must grasp a theology of work and vibrantly blend both the Cultural Mandate and the Great Commission. +

The Summit itself was brilliant. Plans are underway for a second gathering in Dallas in 2016. Brighter academic integration is essential. More authentic mentoring with millennials will build longer-term momentum. Pastors must light the way with passionate preaching and planning for work-faith initiatives. With such glowing bulbs, we truly can beam the light of Christ every day! ◆

John Pletcher is pastor of Manor Church, Lancaster, Pa., and author of the novel, Henry’s Glory: A Story for Discovering Lasting Significance in Your Daily Work

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