“Freely you have received, freely give.” -Jesus (Matthew 10:8) As the new year begins, many of us will reconsider our budgets. In the book of Nehemiah, after a major project is finished, people are invited to rest, celebrate and give to those who are in need. As we reflect on God’s provision for us in 2014, we can also, with gratitude, remember to help our neighbors. This article is part 1 in a 3-part series examining ways we can be generous... Read more
We’re thankful for you, our readers, and hope that what you find here is transformative and helpful as you seek God’s kingdom in your everyday work–whether you’re a pastor, a parent or working in a non-Christian organization. For your encouragement, here were the four most read TOW Project blog posts this past year. 1) CEO Max Schireson Quits to Have More Time for…Work Recognizing that spending more time parenting is a re-allocation of work time, rather than working less, is as significant as it... Read more
2014 has been a momentous year for the Theology of Work Project. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to serve you with new resources this year, including the free, online Theology of Work Bible Commentary. Covering all 66 books of the Bible, the commentary explores what the Bible has to say to us as we seek to faithfully follow Jesus in our everyday work. It includes the text you’d normally expect in a commentary, along with talks, sermons and video... Read more
According to research from Lifeway Research and the North American Mission Board, 47% of adult Americans say they have been more open to considering matters of faith during the Christmas holiday season. What might this mean for those of us who spend most of our waking hours at work, with non-Christians? When considering what it means to follow Jesus in a non-Christian workplace, it is tempting for some of us to assume that the work itself isn’t important, that it is simply... Read more
The upcoming movie Exodus: Gods and Kings tells the story of the calling of Moses, by God, to deliver the Israelites out of the land where they are enslaved. The trailer depicts Ramses, Moses’ opposition, emphatically proclaiming, “I am god. I am a god.” His assertion is symbolic.–The 2014 Global Slavery Index estimates that 35.8 million men, women and children are enslaved. According to the report, modern forms of slavery include human trafficking for commercial sex, forced labour, debt bondage,... Read more
I’m prepared to contend that the primary location for spiritual formation is the workplace. – Eugene H. Peterson, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places I’ve had multiple jobs over the last several years. I don’t live on my own. And if Facebook could list an employment status, mine might often read “It’s Complicated.” Yes, I’m a millennial. A year ago, I was working as a temp and couch-surfing while I searched for a full time job. Previous layoffs and bouts... Read more
I hate my job. I hate my co-workers. I hate my boss. I can’t stand the way people are treated at my company. My job is boring.–These are complaints many of us have made at some point in our work. Jobs we hate can feel soul-sucking and even drain joy from the rest of life, outside of work. If you have a job you hate, how might God be calling you? There are two paths you could take. The first... Read more
The first time I needed a biblical foundation for my work was when I worked at a racist gas station. I was in the 12th grade. If you came to our station white, you got full service. We washed your windshield, checked your oil, called you “sir” or “ma’am,” offered you the restroom key. If you came to the station black, we filled your gas. That’s it. No windshield. No oil. No restroom. No “sir.” No “ma’am.” I felt terrible... Read more
As we approach this Thanksgiving season, we’ll look at the things of life that might make it difficult to be grateful in our work. We’ll also examine why we can give thanks, even when it doesn’t feel instinctive. This week, we consider two conditions that seem to kill our ability to be grateful, and propose some potential antidotes. The first factor (surprisingly) is affluence. According to studies by social psychologist and UC professor Paul Piff, “As a person’s levels of wealth increase, their... Read more
So often faith and work can operate in separate spheres, unbeknownst to even the most well-intentioned of us. But like the man in the parable of the hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44), God works to reclaim the whole field of our lives. When we find Jesus in our work, we again and again discover grace unfolding. We recently talked with Micheal Flaherty, president and co-founder of Walden Media, about this idea. He highlighted his experience producing the film Amazing Grace. (For... Read more
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