A theology of work presentation session twoEdward Bryant
Session two of a four part series on the Biblical Theology of Work. This session addresses the "why" of work, discussing the common and "better" motivations for work.
This study endeavors to cover the receding of the waters, the landing and location of the ark, the significant dates associated with the flood, and the function and meaning of the raven and the dove. All of these subjects and more are examined.
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
A theology of work presentation session twoEdward Bryant
Session two of a four part series on the Biblical Theology of Work. This session addresses the "why" of work, discussing the common and "better" motivations for work.
This study endeavors to cover the receding of the waters, the landing and location of the ark, the significant dates associated with the flood, and the function and meaning of the raven and the dove. All of these subjects and more are examined.
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
This is the fourth sermon in the Growing Deep Growing Strong series. it explores how we tap into God's power through prayer which is guided by God's purposes and bold.
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism”Rick Peterson
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism” Jeffery Anselmi http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=60867&Sermon%20The%20Purpose%20of%20The%20Church-%20Evangelism%20by%20Jeffery%20Anselmi
Discusses how the Christian worldview provides resources for affirming the dignity of work; guiding one's ethical decisions in work; reforming your vocation to have a Biblical perspective on humanity & creation; finding balance between work, rest, and other responsibilities; and showing how work has eternal value and reward.
This is the fourth sermon in the Growing Deep Growing Strong series. it explores how we tap into God's power through prayer which is guided by God's purposes and bold.
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism”Rick Peterson
The Purpose of The Church #5 “Evangelism” Jeffery Anselmi http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=60867&Sermon%20The%20Purpose%20of%20The%20Church-%20Evangelism%20by%20Jeffery%20Anselmi
Discusses how the Christian worldview provides resources for affirming the dignity of work; guiding one's ethical decisions in work; reforming your vocation to have a Biblical perspective on humanity & creation; finding balance between work, rest, and other responsibilities; and showing how work has eternal value and reward.
I do not have the copyright for this PPT.
NOTE: I DO NOT OWN THIS PRESENTATION. THEY ARE JUST NOTES FOR ME AND MY CLASSMATES.
CREDITS TO UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS (Philippines) -THEOLOGY
Understanding and discerning our times s3b [recovered]Vaughndj
Section 3B in our series, Understanding and Discerning our times through Biblical Prophecy past present, and future with the focus on the kingdom of the Antichrist in our current times.
Who is responsible for our problems by dk ansahdkansah
Everyone is blaming God for their choices, I seem not to side with peoples view yes created good and evil and man is told not play evil and does it to own hurt and blame God? This is wonderful piece to exercise your mind reason with good. I dare to read all of it and come to a conclusion.
One of the great stumbling blocks to evangelism and faith is the doctrine of predestination. Calvin was the most vociferous advocate of it, and he built it around his belief in total depravity. But was he right. In this talk, Tony explains where Calvin went wrong because his frame was limited. Tony turns to Ephesians 1 and builds a much grander picture of what predestination means.
The Bible tells us,
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth . . . The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork." (Gn 1:1; Ps 19:2)
Creation is the foundation of God’s saving plan and the beginning of salvation history which culminates in Christ (cf. CCC 280). Christian Faith teaches that all three Divine Persons act together as ONE GOD in creating, redeeming and sanctifying.
Creation and Original Justice
Implications of the Fall
Freedom, Sin, and Virtues
Similar to CVC 406 Session 3 Theological Foundations of Work (20)
These are the slides for our free course. You can find the course on Udemy at:
https://www.udemy.com/academic-program-development-and-accreditation/
and the YouTube Course Playlist at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXa3JWoXGD0VhgBZxVBfZUmt49heXPnhh
Instructional Design for Online and Blended Learning Course SlidesCity Vision University
These are the slides for our free course on Udemy at:
https://www.udemy.com/disruptive-innovation-in-higher-education/
You can find the course videos at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXa3JWoXGD0WFaRBmLZAyhGPII1SGMEaL
Here are how the course will work:
1. The course will start with a template for you to conduct needs analysis and research for your course.
2. You will then design learning outcomes and use our templates to develop a learner-centered syllabus to meet requirements of accreditors and a course introduction.
3. You will then use our Course Blueprint template to build each week of your course. While you do that, you will use the OSCAR course evaluation rubric to evaluate your course for best practices.
4. We will share all we know about how to use the latest technology, videos and screencasts to improve the engagement of your course.
5. For those who come from faith-based institutions, we will provide sections on how to integrate faith into learning in your course. For those who do not come from faith based sections, you can skip this section.
6. You will use the course blueprint you developed to create and publish your course using Canvas.
Disruptive Innovation and Accreditation in Christian Higher Education for the...City Vision University
Talk on Disruptive Innovation and Accreditation in Christian Higher Education for the Majority World at ICETE Panama on November 1, 2018 by Andrew Sears
What Disruptive Innovation Means for ABHE Schools Presented at Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) National Conference in Orlando FL, February, 23, 2018.
Majority World Christian Leadership Development and Disruptive InnovationCity Vision University
This workshop was presented by Andrew Sears with ProMeta in Colorado Springs and William Carey International University. The focus was on how we need a new system for Christian education based around the needs of the majority world. You can also find slides on SlideShare.
GC4 and Alternative Models for Christian Accreditation for the Majority WorldCity Vision University
This presentation explains the purpose of the Global Christian College Credit Consortium (GC4) and looks at Alternative Models for Christian Accreditation for the Majority World.
It was presented as a part of the Aqueduct Project Webinar on "The Role of the Accreditation Agency in the Task of Global Pastoral Training” on Friday, April 21, 2017.
The Redemption of Technology Workshop (Theology of Technology) by Andrew SearsCity Vision University
This was a 5 hour workshop presented to the Boston Fellows program covering the following topics: Vocation, Theology of Technology, Theology of Work, Media Addiction and Life Balance.
Principles for Building a Modular Global Christian Educational EcosystemCity Vision University
As we move to a world driven by platforms, the strategy of Christian higher education needs to adjust. This presentation lays out a vision for how Christian higher education might adjust its strategy to compete in a global world dominated by platforms. Learn more at: http://www.globalchristiancollege.org and http://www.cheia.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdbfvMWl-_o
If this were a "flipped classroom," here would be my discussion questions:
Do you buy this vision and strategy? How can it be improved?
If you do buy this, how can we become change agents to get the larger movement of Christian higher education to adapt its strategy? Who are the key influencers that we need to reach? How can we help bring the change that is needed?
The intended audience for this presentation is change agents rather than skeptics. I realize that there would need to be a different presentation targeting skeptics, but honestly, I think the best way to win them over will be not through presentations, but by creating new wineskins that demonstrate that this works.
Learn how to balance your use of media and technology through this lesson using a media nutrition pyramid. This lesson provides templates that will help you log your media use, graph into a pyramid and then develop your own media nutrition plan. Available on TED Ed at: http://ed.ted.com/on/VoRBADci
Slides from Andrew Sears's presentation on What Disruptive Innovation Means for DEAC Schools at the Distance Education Accreditation Commission Conference in April 2016 .
Discussion of how the Christian worldview can help you find your calling, from City Vision University's Vocation, Calling, and the Purpose of Work class.
Discusses the meaning and importance of worldview in general as well as the Christian worldview specifically, and introduces how the Christian worldview can be applied to the joys and challenges of work
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Safalta Digital marketing institute in Noida, provide complete applications that encompass a huge range of virtual advertising and marketing additives, which includes search engine optimization, virtual communication advertising, pay-per-click on marketing, content material advertising, internet analytics, and greater. These university courses are designed for students who possess a comprehensive understanding of virtual marketing strategies and attributes.Safalta Digital Marketing Institute in Noida is a first choice for young individuals or students who are looking to start their careers in the field of digital advertising. The institute gives specialized courses designed and certification.
for beginners, providing thorough training in areas such as SEO, digital communication marketing, and PPC training in Noida. After finishing the program, students receive the certifications recognised by top different universitie, setting a strong foundation for a successful career in digital marketing.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
1. Theology of Work: An Online Course Outline for City Vision College Offered in six week-long sessions as study notes for the course. Presented by Fletcher L. Tink, Ph.D Professor
11. There is the need to regain our purpose, to strive to rebuild the garden by reconnecting to: Ourselves Each Other Our World God So What is the Solution?
12. Has the Cross Made a Difference? Yes!!! It has rectified and reconciled the relationships between . . . Jew and Greek (ethnic and racial groups) Slave and Free (social and economic standing) Male and Female (gender differences) Gal 3:27-29 God’s Redemptive Plan in Christ and the Cross
13. Has the Cross Made a Difference? YES!!! The world is being redeemed from the curse imposed at the Fall (Gal 3:13) From the cursed ground From the futility of work From the troubled relationship between man and woman. God’s Redemptive Plan in Christ and the Cross
14. Has the Cross made a Difference? YES!!! When we walk through the cross, we catch a glimpse at the character of the Kingdom as seen in Isaiah 65:17-25 Infants live rather than die People live much longer They own their own houses, and have land to plant food, and have sufficient God’s Redemptive Plan in Christ and the Cross
15. They will not build only for others, but also for themselves They will not work in vain or have children that are sold into captivity The Strong and the Weak will leave peacefully together People will not work at cross purposes with the New Creation. The Redemptive Plan of the Cross
16. Each person starts as a member of the world kingdom As we come to the cross, we are graciously redeemed As we pass through the cross, we see God’s Kingdom in a new light, how things ought to be. We return into the world, knowing that the curse is removed and that we work and live as lights to the world. Passing Through the Cross
17. The Fall introduced the active presence of Evil in the world. Evil is expressed in Scripture in three dimensions: It is caricaturized as: The World The Flesh The Devil Three Dimensions of Evil
18. The “World” refers to the human-based systems of the world that are corrupted by sin, selfish intent and institutional and corporate abuse. We call this “Systemic Evil”. Evil in Three Dimensions, cont’d
19. The “Flesh” refers to personal choices made that express the human bent to sinning. This we call “Personal Evil”. The Devil refers to the active role of the demonic, or of Satan himself. This we call “Cosmological Evil”. The Three Dimension of Evil, Cont’d
20. Ironically, the Christian Church is all too naïve and piecemeal in that various factions seem to see Evil at only one of these dimension: 1. For instance, “evangelicals” tend to focus on “Personal Evil”, with personal conversion being central, and Christian discipleship pinpointed at the follow-up. Redemptive services such as Rescue Missions and Rehabilitation Houses and tight personal accountability are seen as resources to help individual overcome their evil tendencies. Evil in Three Dimensions
21. 2. On the other hand, members of conciliar (churches formed out of historical church “Councils”, i.e. Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic) churches, and mainline denominations tend to focus primarily on “Systemic Evil”, believing that institutions, over time, become corrupted and self-serving and that it is the Christian prerogative to confront, challenge and call them back to Christian values and accountability. This is done through direct and indirect influence, political pressure, advocacy and confrontation, the ballot box, and more radical symbolic gestures similar to those exhibited by the Old Testament prophets, i.e. Jer 19, Jer 32, Is 20, Ez 4, Hos 1 Evil in Three Dimensions, cont’d
22. 3. The third evil is what we call the “Cosmological Evil”. This is the active direct attack of Satan in a very personal and powerful fashion. It is expressed in demonic possession or demonic oppression. Scripture describes Satan as a “roaring lion seeking who he may devour”. Often, it is noted that the Pentecostal churches have a stronger sense of this “evil” more so than other Christian traditions. The antidote to the power of demonic evil is exorcism, prayer and fasting, “Joshua” marches, and sometime radical suffering or martyrdom. Evil in Three Dimensions, cont’d
23. The Bible expresses all three of these dimensions in Ephesians 2:1-2: ”As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins [Personal Evil], in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world [Systemic Evil] and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air [Cosmological Evil], the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (NIV) Evil in Three Dimensions, cont’d
24. Therefore the presence of “Evil” within the work environment is the result of . . . 1. Personal decisions that corrupt the quality and nature of work, i.e. sloth (laziness), jealous competition, theft, etc. 2. Institutional corruption in a dog-eat-dog environment, bottom line profits over people, unjust wages, etc. Examples: The divorce between profit and “value added”; the divorce between “value added” and fair distribution; the divorce between means and ends 3. The active presence of Satan expressed in evil people or “people of the lie” (Beelzebub). For a good description of this, see Scott Peck’s book entitled, “People of the Lie”. Evil in Three Dimensions, cont’d
25. We live in the “in-between” stage of history, in a fallen world still under a long process of accountability before God. The Kingdom of God which is here, but “not yet”. Any understanding of “work” that neglects the reality of the curse, is naïve and romanticized. Yet we are called to help redeem “Work” as a promise of future redemption. Scripture Verse: “In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.” Hebrew 2:8b (NIV) The current condition of “Work”
26. Conflict in the office, i.e. “to go postal” Oppressive working conditions, i.e. sweat shops, conditions in mines, asbestos poisoning Employer-employee tensions, management/union conflicts Poor quality results, i.e. dangerous children’s toys from China Scams and pyramid schemes. i.e. Madoff Bribery, i.e. Bogdanovich, governor of Illinois Safety failures, i.e. airline maintenance issues Corporate greed, i.e. bank failures Examples of the “Fallenness” of Work
27. Good and Evil are tangled together now in very complex ways. For example: Profit doesn’t always measure true value The distribution of value and wealth isn’t always fair Maintaining fair economic balance is hard to maintain It is a tough challenge to make what we value equal to what God values in business Relationship of Good and Evil
28. The Two Mandates Given to Humankind by God The Creation Mandate: Gen 1:27-30: Called to have dominion over the earth. The Redemption Mandate: The Great Commission of Matt 28:19-20. Called to witness the saving grace of Christ and to work in His Kingdom. Review of the Two Mandates
29.
30. We who were once “nothing”, are something, a “royal priesthood” a “light to the world”. We are transformed and transformative agents of change.
31. The Creation Mandate is still in place and is reaffirmed as our missionWork, after the Fall
34. We are given the Great Commission (Redemption Mandate)
35. We have been given all the resources we need to do both jobs: the Creation Mandate and the Redemption MandateWork after the Fall, cont’d
36. We Need a New Worldview that Drives our Behavior, Not the Culture that Drives Our Behavior This Worldview needs to be central out of which values, behavior and culture radiate. This Christian Worldview comes from the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to put on the “Mind of Christ” In contrast, a Worldview fashioned by the culture is subjectively created by our individual immediate environment and our limited experiences. Need for a New Worldview
37. We acquire the “mind of Christ” through the following: Listening to what Jesus tells us in words and stories, and living them out, and having them direct our actions, i.e. the Sermon on the Mount, the Olivet Discourse, the Parables, the Post-resurrection instructions to his disciples Acquiring the “Mind of Christ”
38. Looking at how Jesus and the Father did their work and emulating them in our actions and behavior; for example, seeing how Jesus and God gave their power away to empower others, in a spirit of humility, loving and forgiving, always desiring reconciliation, providing for their needs and resources with gifts and talents, trusting of others, allowing them to fail, etc. Acquiring the Mind of Christ, cont’d
39. As Christians, we not only follow Christ but we put on the “mind of Christ” This means for us to: 1. Love the Father 2. Love and think of others first and build them up 3. Faithfully be stewards of the Father’s calling for our lives 4. Be compassionate 5. Seek justice Exercising the Mind of Christ in Us
40. 6. Be kind 7. Be merciful 8. Be pure in heart: honest, responsible, of highest integrity, vulnerable and accountable to others 9. Be a peacemaker 10. Be joyful in the Lord, knowing that He loves us, knows us by name and cares for us, as we do with those with whom we work Exercising the Mind of Christ
41.
42. We are never working alone. He is our partner.Understanding the Missio Dei
43.
44. We are, ultimately “servant-leaders”, serving God, but also leading in the sense that we recognize that God has placed us in this job context to be “light”, to be “salt”, to be “change agents” both within the job setting and to the larger community it touches.Understanding the “Missio Dei”
45. Therefore, every Christian is called to be a minister, a member of the “priesthood of all believers” (Martin Luther). Ministry can be defined in three ways: “It is the active engagement of Christians as co-regents with God in the life of the community, for the purpose of identifying, introducing, exhibiting and celebrating the Kingdom of God in all manner of spirit-enhancing forms. These forms include those of specific evangelistic intent (the Redemptive mandate), both individual and corporate. For example: Composite Definition of Ministry
46. Those of “Remedial Intent”: that is, providing care for the needy, restoring the damaged, reconciling the shattered, recycling the discarded, in short, fulfilling the mission of Jesus as expressed in Luke 4:18-19 and of Christians in Matt 25:35-39. This expresses primarily the Redemptive Mandate, though many businesses and organizations also need “fixing up” or healing as suggested here. Composite Definition of Ministry, cont’d
47. Those of Creative Intent: that is, the building of community and institutions (both profit and nonprofit) that seek to better life, or add value to it by embellishing (beautifying) it. This would be primarily fulfilling the “Creation Mandate”. Composite Definition of “Ministry”, cont’d
48. 3. Those of Confrontational Intent: that is discerning the evil forces at work and countering them with spiritual engagement, confrontation, advocacy, intercessory prayer and fasting, spiritual warfare (manifest in ‘signs and wonders’) and incarnational suffering. This too would primarily fulfill the “Creation Mandate” Composite Definition of “Ministry”
49. There is a danger that in popular language “community” is limited to the world of the “Church”. The Church is often seen as nothing more than a . . . 1. Building or a 2. Legal Institution or a 3. Program When, what it really is, is the sum total of “people called by God”, to represent Him in the world. The Body: The Nature of the “Community” at Work
50. Words and Music by Richard K Avery and Donald S Marsh, 1972 “I am the Church, you are the Church, we are the Church together. All who follow Jesus all around the world, yes, we’re the Church together.” “The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple; the church is not a resting place, the church is a people. A Children’s Song on the Church
51. “We're many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces, all colors and all ages, too, from all times and places. “And when the people gather, there's singing and there's praying; there's laughing and there's crying sometimes, all of it saying: “At Pentecost some people received the Holy Spirit and told the Good News through the world to all who would hear it.” Children’s Song on the “Church”
52. According to the song, the Church is PEOPLE!!! People gathered and dispersed, taking their whole being and their message of Good News wherever they go. The Church is “Centripetal”: pulling people together and . . . “Centrifugal” flinging people out into the world as witnesses of His grace The Message of the Song
53. Between Christ’s resurrection and His return, the Church is a unique institution of God’s presence, the “body of Christ”: It is the God’s especially designed collection of people interlocked into relationship, commissioned to proclaim the redemption of the world through Christ. What is the Role of the Church?
54. 2. It is the “tithe” of creative and redemptive activity intended to infiltrate the unholy with its character of holiness. 3. It is where Christians are equipped to serve God’s Kingdom in the world at large. What is the Role of the Church?
55. Yet, the sad reality is that the Church often fails to engage the world, living contentedly or in hostility in its sub-cultural Christian ghetto. The Church fails to engage the world because . . . It often regards only its own work as “ministry” It regards value creation in the sphere of economics as merely a neutral or negative activity with no intrinsic or eternal value. So What’s Wrong with the Church?
56. Or it spiritualizes the Bible so that it disconnects from the ordinary world. It lives in fear of the seductive influence of the world on its membership, fearing contamination, or betrayal. Its pastors have limited or no experience in the real world to know how to equip members for engagement So What’s Wrong with the Church
57. On the other hand, the non-church workplace fails to engage the Church because it believes that. . . Business is morally neutral and not accountable to the Church. Business is too busy or too absorbed to deal with trivial Church pursuits Business stimulates demand for things of inferior value that might be insignificant to God and higher purposes. So What’s Wrong with the World?
58. 4. Business never gets around to addressing issues of unfair distribution. 5. Business ignores the importance of relationships and is only interested in the bottom line. 6. Business fears the hypocrisy of Churches in that it feels used not for its own value but for the monetary gain that it potentially represent to the Church So What’s Wrong with the World
59. Implicitly there is an unspoken hierarchy of “ministries” in the Church, all which see themselves as serving the Church rather than the world. For instance, from highest value to lower: Missionary Denominational administrator Pastor Theological professor Church staff person Church volunteers Secular jobs The Hierarchy of “Callings” in the Church
60. Yet, in the parable of the talents, in Luke 19:11-27, Jesus gives highest priority, not to clergy, but to money investors who used wisely their finances. They earned added responsibilities, not in the Church, but in administrating cities, certainly a non ecclesiatical reward! The Parable of the Talents
61. The Gospel of Matthew highlights Jesus’ use of 23 similes and metaphors to describe the Kingdom of God: 17 of these take place in workplaces 7 speak of farming 6 take place in the home 4 speak of handling money 2 talk of caring for animals, or caring for children, or going to a wedding. The remainder talk about riding a camel, fishing warehousing, weather forecasting, baking bread, or buying pearls NONE take place in a synagogue or temple!!! Matthew Highlights Secular Occupations
62. Jesus describes the work of the Spirit as it “blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit”. (John 3:8). Everyone “born of the Spirit” suggests an unpredictability or spontaneity of the Spirit, not confined in institutions or programs or even the Church. Ironically, Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus that night was probably in a neutral location away from the Synagogue as it was with the woman at the well in the chapter in John 4. The Spirit: Working Outside of the Box
63. Repeatedly throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit seems to descend on the most unsuspecting candidates. For instance: Exodus 31:1-2: This was the first time that the Holy Spirit filled anyone in Scripture. Bezalel and Oholiab, temple artisans, were filled . . . “giving Bezalel great wisdom, ability and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master of every craft.” The Spirit Outside the Box
64. 2. Matthew 1: Christ was born to an unsuspecting young girl, Mary, made pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ironically, in that same chapter is recorded the genealogy of Jesus, including four women’s names. To mention their names in a genealogy was, in itself, a scandal, given the gender divide during that era of Judaism. But the names themselves compounded the scandal as all four women bore the stigma of violence and social class. The Spirit Outside of the Box
65. Tamar was raped by her father. Rahab was a non-Jewish prostitute. Ruth was a Moabite widow, a member of a cursed tribe. Bathsheba was concubine and co-conspiritor with David, to the murder of her husband. Yet the Holy Spirit appropriated their scandals into the story of redemption! The Spirit Outside of the Box
66. Most prominent leaders in Scripture neither held clerical (Church) positions nor seemed highly qualified to perform their significant leadership tasks that ultimately transformed or redeemed their worlds around them. For example . . . Noah, farmer and ship-builder, preserved the human race. Abraham, agricultural mogul, designated to become the father of many nations. Moses, murderer, sheepherder, with a speech impediment, delivered his people from slavery, and inculcated the Law into their culture. Leadership, where you least expect it!!!
67. Joseph, arrogant teenager, slave, accused of moral failure and prisoner, becomes the agent of salvation for his family, Egypt and the surrounded nations. He was also the architect and creator of cities. David, sheep herder and “runt”-kid in the family. Later, despite being an adulterer and murderer, he served as an effective ruler and “friend of God” Nehemiah, cupbearer in the enemy royal court, rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem Esther, beauty queen, becomes the deliverer of her people Daniel, exiled from his own land, works his way up to the position of court administrator, deftly succeeding four tyrant emperors Leadership Where You Least Expect It
68. Joseph, carpenter, earthly father of Jesus Matthew, tax collector, Gospel writer Luke, medical doctor, Gospel writer Mark, mission-casualty, but becomes Gospel writer Peter, fisherman, becomes early proponent of the Gospel Paul, tentmaker and terrorist, uses his profession to access both rich and poor towards the Gospel mon, the Zealot, a terrorist turned follower Paul, a terrorist turned missionary, but continued tent-making. Leadership Where You Least Expect It
69. Conclusions: The narrative of the Bible shows clearly that professional ranking has little to do with God’s calling. He chooses all to be ministers and uses all talents and gifts in vocation to serve as transformative agents of the Kingdom wherever we are placed. It is our responsibility to learn how to leverage influence and presence to extend the Kingdom of God through whatever our vocation may be. The Church ought to be the arena of preparation for that calling. God calls all to ministry