By David Williamson. In the creation narrative, it is said that humankind was created in the image of God and then immediately given a task: “Let them have dominion.” (Genesis 1:26) The Creator invites – no, directs – the creature to enter into a partnership to manage creation and develop the world. We are called to exercise faithful stewardship for…
By Hannah Oliver, reprinted from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure…
Reprinted from the Oikonomia Network. What’s more impressive than a seminary that has an annual weeklong seminar on theology of work that gathers the president, administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders to talk about how we can glorify God in our work at the school? How about a project in the most challenged neighborhoods of Cape Town that empowers the…
Reprinted from the Chalmers Center. In our Helping without Hurting in Benevolence Ministry training, we share principles and tools to help you build a ministry that leads to real change. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every church. In order to create a benevolence program that works for your specific church context, you may need to make adjustments to fit your…
By Pam Tinsley, reprinted from Living God’s Mission. Over the past several weeks I’ve noticed a common theme in several sermons and reflections. “Listen, believe, and act” were the words of wisdom that my late friend Rena offered to her son-in-law years ago. In another instance, an engaging preacher reminded the congregation that “gratitude, study, and reflection” are the principal…
Reprinted from The 313. Workplace Discipleship 101: A Primer is a twelve-part introduction to the basics of following Jesus Christ (“discipleship”) in our workplace, wherever and whatever that may be – paid or volunteer, novice or veteran, blue collar, management, art, technology, child care . . . it all counts. It is available in print, e-book, and audiobook formats. And now…
By David Williamson. My wife and I cherish some marvelous art treasures, product of two exceptional artists, both from the United States and known internationally. Their work and that of a third artist have prompted me to reflect on the capacity of human work to create beauty, and the empowering Christ gives us for that calling. And that in turn…
By Isabelle Hamley, reprinted from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Happy are thosewho do not follow the advice of the wicked,or take the path that sinners tread,or sit in the seat of scoffers;but their delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law they meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-3, NRSV Happy, or blessed, is the first…
Reprinted from the Oikonomia Network. One of the most popular highlights of Karam Forum 2022 was our Friday morning session titled “Christian Entrepreneurship: Communities Thriving in a Changing World.” The session consisted of two parts. The first part presented research findings on Christians in business, with particular attention to entrepreneurs; the second featured local business leader Helen Young Hayes. (We’re…
Reprinted from the Chalmers Center. Defining poverty is not simply an academic exercise. The ways we define poverty – either implicitly or explicitly – play a major role in determining the solutions we use in our attempts to alleviate that poverty. When a sick person goes to the doctor, the doctor could make two crucial mistakes: (1) Treating symptoms instead…
