Living Fruitfully – A Faith-Work Toolbox
How Churches Can Help Their People Grow in Workplace Discipleship
A Lecture by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist and Founder of the Third Third Initiative
Max De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary
Introduction
Resources for a strong foundation in faith/work theology and practice:
- Tom Nelson, Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work
- Paul Stevens, The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work, and Ministry in Biblical Perspective
- Michaela O’Donnell, Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World
- Theology of Work Project
- My summer Regent class – The Bible and Work: Going Deeper and Broader, June 26-30, 2023
Question 1: Once my church and I are clear that the work of all of God’s people matters to God and to God’s mission in the world, how can we help our people live this truth in their daily work lives?
Suggestion 1: Embed faith/work theology and practice in your worship services.
- This Time Tomorrow
- The Porter’s Gate
- Worship for Workers – Initiative of Fuller led by Dr. Matthew Kaemingk, with Isaac Wardell
Suggestion 2: Do a skills and occupation assessment of your congregation.
- Who are my people? What do they do?
- Made to Flourish Skill Mapping Survey Assessment
Suggestion 3: Regularly talk with your people about their faith and work.
- Example of Pastor’s Study
- Occupational cohorts – Work with your people.
Suggestion 4: Help your people develop workplace spirituality.
- Denise Daniels and Shannon Vandewarker, Working in the Presence of God: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Work
Question 2: Is there anything new in faith/work that I might investigate further and/or share with my congregation?
Suggestion 1: Work as a primary context for spiritual formation.
- Denise Daniels and Shannon Vandewarker, Working in the Presence of God: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Work
- Life for Leaders, the free, daily, digital devotional of the De Pree Center.
Suggestion 2: Work as a primary context for doing justice.
- The Missional Disciple: Pursuing Justice and Mercy at Work, a course by Redeemer’s City to City.
Suggestion 3: Work extends beyond “retirement.” Fruitfulness doesn’t end at 65.
- Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Initiative of the De Pree Center
- Flourishing in the Third Third of Life course
- Alongside Mentoring Program
Suggestion 4: The purpose of business is more than making money. Profit matters but isn’t everything.
- Jeff Van Duzer, Why Business Matters to God (And What Still Needs to Be Fixed)