Introduction
· As the President and CEO of Carter Elevator for a number of years, the mission of his company was not only to provide elevator services to companies and do business with excellence, but to elevate Christ in the marketplace.
· Sharing your story or testimony is so encouraging to individuals - it is how others overcome and can be encouraged by all that God has done, is doing, and will do in your life.
· We must not neglect our families, but rather have a healthy balance as it relates to work.
Books Doug recommended reading...
· *The Call - Os Guiness
· *Your Work Matters to God - Doug Sherman
· Case of Civility - Os Guiness
· In His Steps - Charles Sheldon
*Highly recommends these books in terms of faith at work
Calling
· Personally - We are called to God personally.
· Secondary - We are called to a vocation.
Don't Compartmentalize Your Faith
· What opened Doug's eyes to faith being compartmentalized was when he was working with an architect who also was an elder in the church that Doug attended.
· They came up against a situation that they did not have answers on and Doug said, "Let's pray that God would give us wisdom."
· The architect responded, "That is alright to do on Sundays, but this is the real world."
· His passion to reach business leaders and help them understand that our faith does not need to be compartmentalized started to take root after that conversation with the architect.
Being INTENTIONAL
· We can be encouraged and equipped but never have an impact on our environments.
· The key in having an impact and seeing transformation is being INTENTIONAL.
How to Take the Kingdom of God to Work?
INTENTIONALLY.
We are in one of the most rich times in history for the gospel - the unrest, the shaking throughout the world, the fear, the worry in so many people's lives gives us the opportunity to meet needs, build relationships, open doors.
Taking the Kingdom of God to Work
1. Check your foundation
o Walk with Jesus
o In the Word
o Regular Prayer
o Wearing the full armor of God
Family - have balance
o Be an active participant in Church - Body of Christ (support, preparation, accountability
2. Check your resources
o Skills, abilities, gifts, strengths, weaknesses
o Passion
o Spiritual Gifts
o Position
o Relationships
o Reputation
3. Check your Opportunities
o Current local and global economic situation
o Corporate culture
o Employees
o Co-workers
o Vendors
o Suppliers
4. Make Your Plan
o Vision/Purpose
o Goals
o Action Steps
o "Attempt something so great for God that it is doomed to fail unless God is in it."
5. Be Prepared to...
o Tithe your reputation.
o Stay in touch with God.
o Be obedient. It may cost us something. God desires obedience.
FCCI / Christ@Work as a Resource
· Christ @ Work - US ministry
· Crown Companies - International ministry
· Business Proverbs - daily emails from Steve Marr (register online for free daily email - www.fcci.org)
Overview of FCCI
· FCCI is an international fellowship of Christians in business, committed to personal and business transformation, as they integrate their Biblical faith into sound business models. FCCI is currently active in over 23 nations, under various names, but united by a single vision, formidable learning resources, common models for business leadership groups and an annual International Conference.
· Christ@Work is the US ministry of FCCI.
· Pathway to Purpose is a journey with Christ, with business leaders in peer relationships focusing on Life Development, Leadership Development, Organizational Development, and Kingdom Development.
· When God is at work in those areas, there is a progression towards developmental objectives of Spiritual Maturity, Servant Leadership and Organizational Excellence, to develop Kingdom Companies
· Life Development, God at work, develops Spiritual Maturity
· Leadership Development, God at work, develops Servant Leadership
· Organizational Development, God at Work, develops Organizational Excellence
· Kingdom Development, God at Work, develops a Kingdom Company
FCCI Groups
· FCCI groups gather weekly or monthly to encourage and equip one another to pursue God's purpose for their life in business, locally and globally. In an environment of authenticity and peer accountability, members learn to apply biblical principles to life and business; to thrive personally, professionally and in serving others. The result: transformed leaders, transformed businesses, and transformed lives.
· There are currently two levels of group involvement:
o Business Leadership Group (BLG) - groups of six to twelve, members meet weekly to share counsel and support with trusted and like-minded peers, to pray together, prepare, participate and praise God in community. BLG goals include helping one another be Christ at work; in our homes, our careers, our community and our world.
o Council of Business Advisors (CBA) - monthly half-day groups help members lead their businesses for Christ by giving them practical, hands-on advice on how to shape their organization, set it up for long-term success and build vital a winsome culture. A strong focus on balance and personal development pervades CBA tools and processes.
Conferences
· "Answering YOUR Call" 2009 Conference - Ritz Carlton, Naples, Florida
· Speakers: Os Guinness, Horst Schulze, Dr. Henry Blackaby, Kent Humphreys, Walt Wiley
· Register online at: www.fcci.org
Contact Information for NC FCCI Staff
Steve Campbell has been instrumental in helping Called2Business with workshops, small groups, and speakers. Steve is the Eastern US Regional Field Director for FCCI / Christ @ Work. His email is steve@fcci.org if you would like to learn more about FCCI / Christ @ Work, membership, resources, etc. Steve works with business leaders throughout Eastern North Carolina.
Be INTENTIONAL. Shine in 2009!