by Svetlana Papazov
Church for Monday book encourages believers to act in an entrepreneurial manner and partner with God in his working the world. It demonstrates through many examples, how the church is uniquely designed to model Creator God, the Ultimate Entrepreneur. It makes the case that a church equipping for Monday is a missional church that fosters the creative streak placed in every one of us, practices corporate public faith,innovatively contextualizes the gospel for the postmodern world, and seeks holistic spirituality by uniting worship on Sunday to mission on Monday.
This type of church, called Church for Monday, have grown in the awareness that as the gap between practicing Christians and the unchurched has dangerously widened, the 8-to-5 window (the work day), has become a mission field as important as the 10/40 window (a geographical are a with high concentrations of unreached people for Christ), because at work is where the majority of the unchurched spend the majority of their waking hours.
This book asks: “What type of church prepares for that type of world?” and offers the local church a practical re-tooling to equip believers for the workweek on Monday, regain relevance in the lives of the lapsed and non-Christians in its community, and re-establish the Church’s witness in the public arena.
by Mark McClain
“I can’t wait to get to work!” When was the last time you felt that way? Have you ever?
Mark McClain has and still does. He and his leadership teams have focused on creating companies that make the quality of their employees’ work experiences of equal importance to the quality of the solutions those employees create. With Joy and Success at Work, McClain has produced a manual that shares how he and his teams have done it―and how you and your team can, too.
Speaking directly to the lack of fulfillment that too often accompanies work―with generous portions of humor and irreverence―Mark McClain deconstructs the modern business environment, then puts it back together.
Shot through with pithy tales from his own experiences, Joy and Success at Work is Mark’s honest take on what team building can be, and done right, what it produces: Great places to work that support people’s broader lives, rather than sucking the life out of them.
#78 Emotional Intelligence 2.0
by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves
In today’s fast-paced world of competitive workplaces and turbulent economic conditions, each of us is searching for effective tools that can help us to manage, adapt, and strike out ahead of the pack.
By now, emotional intelligence (EQ) needs little introduction—it’s no secret that EQ is critical to your success. But knowing what EQ is and knowing how to use it to improve your life are two very different things.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 delivers a step-by-step program for increasing your EQ via four, core EQ skills that enable you to achieve your fullest potential:
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Self-Awareness
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Self-Management
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Social Awareness
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Relationship Management
by John Van Sloten
A Walmart greeter, a nurse, and an astronaut walk into a church…
They each bring with them their own exhaustions and exasperations, their own uncertainty about whether and how their work matters to God. Good news: All work matters to God, because all work reflects some aspect of the character of God. God created the world so that it runs best when it mirrors Him, and we ourselves find the most fulfillment when we recognize God behind our labor.
John Van Sloten offers a fascinating and innovative reflection on vocation: Our work is a parable of God; as we work, we are icons of grace.
by Steve Garber
All kinds of important choices are made during the college years. Young men and women explore what they really believe about the nature of the world and the purpose of life. They choose their work. They build friendships and often choose to marry. They develop goals and adopt habits that may last a lifetime. Yet late modernity is not a welcome environment for emotional, intellectual and spiritual formation. Society is increasingly fragmented. And the educational system itself, fragmented and specialized, may disintegrate more than it integrates.
How do parents, professors, campus ministers, youth pastors and others help students, during one of the most eventful and intense periods of life, learn to connect what they believe about the world with how they live in it? Steven Garber vigorously engages just that question in this revised edition that includes a new chapter on what he has learned about lifelong formation in the years since the book first appeared. Drawing on the history of ideas, ethics, sociology and popular culture, he offers must-reading on the critical lifework of making sense of life.
by Lee Hardy
An in-depth historical, philosophical, theological–and practical–exploration of work from an evangelical perspective. Hardy discusses several historical views of work from the ancient Greeks onward, highlighting the Christian concept of vocation as articulated by Luther and Calvin; these expositions lead to practical applications regarding the personal issue of career choice and the important (but often neglected) social issue of job design.
by Mark Greene
Daily life may never be quite the same. In this horizon-expanding, spirit-lifting, heart-warming book Mark Greene serves up a liberating view of how God can and does work in and through us in our daily lives. Whether you’re a student or retired, at the gym or at work, at the school gate or in the supermarket, here is a fresh and original framework for fruitfulness which will open up a host of possibilities to make a difference for Christ among the people you naturally meet in the places you find yourself day by day. Brimming with true stories, the combination of fresh Biblical insight, humor, and practical steps will not only spark your imagination; it will enrich your sense of wonder at the greatness and grace of the God who not only gave his life for us, but invites us to join him in his glorious, transforming work. And who helps us as we do.
by Darrell Cosden
Does a person’s day to day work have any ultimate value from the perspective of Eternity? Should our work be seen as a discipline through which we connect spiritually with God and others? Is ordinary work the primary way that people can participate in God’s mission to make all things new? What is the heavenly good of earthly work? In this book Darrell Cosden takes us on a spiritual and theological journey of discovery exploring these questions. Creatively, constructively, and sometimes provocatively, he shows us that the heavenly good of earthly work really makes the gospel good news for ordinary people by offering the possibility of a genuinely purpose-full Christian life.
by David W. Gill
It’s About Excellence: Building Ethically Healthy Organizations For too many businesses and their leaders today, business ethics is just about staying out of jail. “Litigation, indictment, and penal system avoidance” is not just the first but the only reason they think ethics is important. It’s about “damage control.” It’s not by accident that these damage control ethics programs are generally under the guidance of legal and compliance departments. Of course companies need a damage control, crisis management, trouble-shooting component in their ethics and management toolbox. But if that’s all there is, something of critical business value is missing.
It’s About Excellence tells the larger story. Ethics is about identifying and pursuing excellence and business achievement. It’s about getting clear on an inspiring corporate mission and vision, building a value-embedded culture, and pursuing principle-guided practices. Ethics is not a patch-and-repair add-on here; it’s something woven through the whole organization, created and owned by the whole workforce.
by Luke Bobo
We all long for our lives to have meaning and purpose, yet we live in a segmented way — our faith is separate from our work, home is separate from church, and more. As whole persons, this is not the way God designed us to live. Instead, our lives should exhibit coherence in all areas as we seek to flourish in our personal lives, within our communities, and churches.
Whatever You Do explores how we can pursue a more integrated faith and life through six important theological areas that provide a scaffolding to help us live meaningful lives, which is a fundamental human longing. As humans, we long for truth and understanding of the world around us. Scripture provides us with a foundation for how to “live, move, and have our being,” as Paul writes in Acts, which leads to our own flourishing, the good of our neighbors, and the glory of God.
While the six theological foundations are not exhaustive, they cover a wide range of biblical themes that are essential for a Christian worldview. These foundations include the Bible’s Big Story, God’s Mission, Personal Wholeness, The Goodness of Work, Economic Wisdom, and the Local Church. These six authors examine how the themes of Scripture influence and shape every area of our lives, including our work.
by Matt Perman
Productivity isn’t just about getting more things done. It’s about getting the right things done–the things that count, make a difference, and move the world forward. In our current era of massive overload, this is harder than ever before. So how do you get more of the right things done without confusing mere activity for actual productivity?
When we take God’s purposes into account, a revolutionary insight emerges. Surprisingly, we see that the way to be productive is to put others first–to make the welfare of other people our motive and criteria in determining what to do (what’s best next). As both the Scriptures and the best business thinkers show, generosity is the key to unlocking our productivity. It is also the key to finding meaning and fulfillment in our work.
What’s Best Next offers a practical approach for improving your productivity in all areas of life. It will help you better understand:
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Why good works are not just rare and special things like going to Africa, but anything you do in faith even tying your shoes.
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How to create a mission statement for your life that actually works.
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How to delegate to people in a way that actually empowers them.
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How to overcome time killers like procrastination, interruptions, and multitasking by turning them around and making them work for you.
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How to process workflow efficiently and get your email inbox to zero every day.
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How your work and life can transform the world socially, economically, and spiritually, and connect to God’s global purposes.
By anchoring your understanding of productivity in God’s purposes and plan, What’s Best Next will give you a practical approach for increasing your effectiveness in everything you do. This expanded edition includes a new chapter on productivity in a fallen world and a new appendix on being more productive with work that requires creative thinking.
by Dennis W. Bakke
In Joy at Work, Bakke tells how he helped create a company where every decision made at the top was lamented as a lost chance to delegate responsibility–and where all employees were encouraged to take the “game-winning shot,” even when it wasn’t a slam-dunk. Perhaps Bakke’s most radical stand was his struggle to break the stranglehold of “creating shareholder value” on the corporate mind-set and replace it with more timeless values: integrity, fairness, social responsibility, and a sense of fun.
by Max Depree
Leadership Is an Art has long been a must-read not only within the business community but also in professions ranging from academia to medical practices, to the political arena. First published in 1989, the book has sold more than 800,000 copies in hardcover and paperback. This revised edition brings Max De Pree’s timeless words and practical philosophy to a new generation of readers.
De Pree looks at leadership as a kind of stewardship, stressing the importance of building relationships, initiating ideas, and creating a lasting value system within an organization. Rather than focusing on the “hows” of corporate life, he explains the “whys.” He shows that the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality and the last is to say thank you. Along the way, the artful leader must:
• Stimulate effectiveness by enabling others to reach both their personal potential and their institutional potential
• Take a role in developing, expressing, and defending civility and values
• Nurture new leaders and ensure the continuation of the corporate culture
Leadership Is an Art offers a proven design for achieving success by developing the generous spirit within all of us. Now more than ever, it provides the insights and guidelines leaders in every field need.
by John Hawkins
Shows how personal spirituality and spirituality in the workplace can be both substantive and practical. Hawkins draws from his years of entrepreneurial experience and organizational leadership to provide instruction that is both credible and insightful to people who want to rethink and redirect their leadership in their marriages, families and careers.
by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
The Leadership Challenge is the gold-standard manual for effective leadership, grounded in research and written by the premier authorities in the field. With deep insight into the complex interpersonal dynamics of the workplace, this book positions leadership both as a skill to be learned, and as a relationship that must be nurtured to reach its full potential. This new sixth edition has been revised to address current challenges, and includes more international examples and a laser focus on business issues; you’ll learn how extraordinary leaders accomplish extraordinary things, and how to develop your leadership skills and style to deliver quality results every time. Engaging stories delve into the fundamental roles that great leaders fulfill, and simple frameworks provide a primer for those who seek continuous improvement; by internalizing key insights and putting concepts into action, you’ll become a more effective, more impactful leader.
by Bill Pollard
Bill Hendricks goes beyond personality types to explore and explain the fullness of human giftedness and the concept of personhood. Using the “Discover Your Design” test, The Person Called You provides a specific, comprehensive, and accurate understanding of the phenomenon of human giftedness from a Biblical perspective. It moves past the limited scope of other gift discovery tests to look at each person’s unique God-given designs and motivations. This book helps the reader understand their deep uniqueness as a human being and purpose in life from a variety of angles –work, marriage, parenting, education, and one’s relationship with God.
The Person Called You is for anyone who knows they aren’t quite where they ought to be – and not quite where they will flourish best – and wants to who they were created to be. It’s a presentation of hope – hope that there actually are answers to some of life’s most perplexing questions.
by Bill Peel and Walt Larimore
You can take your faith to work in appropriate, engaging ways. Workplace Grace offers a simple, non-threatening approach to evangelism. Whether your work takes you to a construction site, a cramped cubical or the corner office, every Christian plays a significant role in the Great Commission. Between Sundays, you can be a pipeline for God’s grace in the most strategic mission field in the world: your workplace. Workplace Grace is for Christians who are not gifted evangelists, yet they want to make a spiritual difference at work and see their coworkers and friends come to faith in Jesus Christ. After adopting Workplace Grace strategies, Christians who once felt awkward sharing their faith now say, “A load of guilt has been taken off my shoulders.” “I never knew sharing my faith could be so simple.” “I can do this!”
#93 The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything
by Stephen M.R. Covey
Stephen M. R. Covey, widely known as one of the world’s leading authorities on trust, asserts that it is “the most overlooked, misunderstood, underutilized asset to enable performance. Its impact, for good or bad, is dramatic and pervasive. It’s something you can’t escape.” Thankfully, it’s is also the thing that can dramatically improve your personal and professional success.
Why trust? The simple, often overlooked fact is this: work gets done with and through people. The Speed of Trust offers an unprecedented and eminently practical look at exactly how trust functions in every transaction and every relationship—from the most personal to the broadest, most indirect interaction. It specifically demonstrates how to establish trust intentionally so that you and your organization can forego the time-killing, bureaucratic check-and-balance processes that is so often deployed in lieu of actual trust.
This 2018 updated edition includes an insightful afterword by the author which explores ten key reasons why trust is more relevant now than ever before—including how trust is the new currency of our world today.
by Lake Lambert
For many Americans spirituality and business seem to be polar opposites: one is concerned with lofty questions of ultimate significance, the other with mundane matters of the daily grind. Yet over the last two decades the two have become increasingly linked, and as the barriers between them are broken down, many see this as a revolutionary shift in American business culture.
Lake Lambert III provides a comprehensive examination of the workplace spirituality movement, and explores how it is both shaping and being shaped by American business culture. Situating the phenomenon in an historical context, Lambert surveys the role of spirituality in business from medieval guilds to industrial “company towns” right up to current trends in the ever-changing contemporary business environment. Using case studies from specific businesses, such as Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby, he analyzes the enhanced benefits and support that workplace spirituality offers to employees, while exposing the conflicts it engenders, including diversity, religious freedom, and discrimination issues.
The American workplace today is experiencing dramatic upheaval and change. Spirituality, Inc. offers important insights into the role of religion in this transformation. With employees seeking new ways to strike a proper life-work balance and find meaning in their everyday lives, spirituality in the workplace is a trend that will become increasingly important in the American business landscape. Spirituality, Inc. provides a critical overview of this phenomenon that does not ignore the movement’s many positive contributions to the workplace, yet does not overlook the potential for abuse.
by Lester DeKoster
Our daily work – whatever our job is – gets the largest single block of our lives. But time on the job is for too many of us time at the rat race – with the rats winning. Is this “it”? I used to think so, but one day two things dawned on me together: 1) if life is to have a meaning, I would have to find it, not hope to create it for myself; and, 2) living must get its meaning, first of all, on the job because that’s the drain down which the best hours of every week dribble away. I write this little booklet so you can share, if you want to, in the discovery that it is daily work, whatever your job, that gives meaning to life, not because you will now decide to put meaning there but because God has already done so. Come see.
by R. Paul Stevens and Alvin Ung
Instead of regarding work as a diversion from the spiritual life, R. Paul Stevens and Alvin Ung are convinced that it is an arena and an incentive for spiritual growth. However, they acknowledge that this is not without its challenges.
Work in Progress examines life in the workplace through an innovative exploration of both the seven deadly sins and the ninefold fruit of the Spirit. This approach provides a framework to reveal how the Spirit has given Christians powerful gifts to overcome struggles the face in the challenges of daily work in a globalized world. The authors interact both with one another and with the wisdom of great spiritual writers of history in order to draw out real-life dilemmas and to suggest practical tips for becoming vibrant disciples in the workplace.
In addition to filling a critical need for a resource on spiritual growth at work, Work in Progress has an intercultural approach ― the authors are from Canada and Malaysia ― that is particularly dynamic and engaging.
by General Stanley McChrystal
In this book, McChrystal shows not only how the military made that transition, but also how similar shifts are possible in all organizations, from large companies to startups to charities to governments. In a turbulent world, the best organizations think and act like a team of teams, embracing small groups that combine the freedom to experiment with a relentless drive to share what they’ve learned.
Drawing on a wealth of evidence from his military career, the private sector, and sources as diverse as hospital emergency rooms and NASA’s space program, McChrystal frames the existential challenge facing today’s organizations, and presents a compelling, effective solution.
by Gino Wickman
Do you have a grip on your business, or does your business have a grip on you?
All entrepreneurs and business leaders face similar frustrations—personnel conflict, profit woes, and inadequate growth. Decisions never seem to get made, or, once made, fail to be properly implemented. But there is a solution. It’s not complicated or theoretical.The Entrepreneurial Operating System® is a practical method for achieving the business success you have always envisioned. More than 2,000 companies have discovered what EOS can do.
In Traction, you’ll learn the secrets of strengthening the six key components of your business. You’ll discover simple yet powerful ways to run your company that will give you and your leadership team more focus, more growth, and more enjoyment. Successful companies are applying Traction every day to run profitable, frustration-free businesses—and you can too.
For an illustrative, real-world lesson on how to apply Traction to your business, check out its companion book, Get A Grip.
by Jim Fischetti
As a leader, your job is to make your people and your organization better. It’s safe to say you have no intention of leading a stagnant organization, yet organizational decay can creep in and go unnoticed unless you’re actively working to combat it. What begins with a few missed goals and declining productivity can evolve into a widespread malaise that robs your people of their passion and causes them to create uninspired work. For every organization in this situation, the real culprit is a lack of vision. If leaders want their people to achieve results that will drive the organization forward, each employee must understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. In Vision to Results, Jim Fischetti teaches you how to create an actionable vision for your organization that brings everyone’s role into sharp focus, as well as implement a continuous accountability system that addresses problems before they arise, keeping your organization healthy for years to come.
#100 Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do
by Studs Terkel
Perhaps Studs Terkel’s best-known book, Working is a compelling, fascinating look at jobs and the people who do them. Consisting of over one hundred interviews conducted with everyone from gravediggers to studio heads, this book provides a timeless snapshot of people’s feelings about their working lives, as well as a relevant and lasting look at how work fits into American life.
OTHERS WE RECOMMEND
The list continues to grow as we get great recommendations from the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Family. Here’s a few others that have come in since we put together the list.
We probably listen to a few too many podcasts around here, but in case you need a few, below are some of our favorites. Some come from a faith driven perspective and some are staples for any entrepreneurs.
with Henry Kaestner, William Norvell, and Rusty Rueff
Fine, we’re unavoidably biased. But if you’re new to the site and missed the link, Henry, Rusty, and William host a weekly podcast, specifically dialed in for Faith Driven Entrepreneurs. We host leaders like Tim Keller, Chip Ingram, Andy Crouch, Nancy Duarte, Peter Greer and entrepreneurs like David Morken (Bandwidth), Steve Green (Hobby Lobby), Phil Vischer (Veggietales), Bryant Ambelang (Naturesweet)and many others.
Our mission is to tackle the pressing questions faith driven entrepreneurs wrestle with, so they can find the encouragement and support as they get ready to head back out on the journey.
with Henry Kaestner and guest hosts in the movement
Alright, we’re unavoidably biased one more time. But we think this podcast is great too! As we’ve been on this journey, we’ve seen entrepreneurs in great need of Encouragement, Content, Community and Investors.
Faith Driven Investor is a growing movement of business leaders, fund managers, investors, and pastors that are driven by their faith and who believe that God owns it all and that he cares deeply about how we steward our investments. Our vision is for a world where Christ’s followers can pursue excellent investments that allow for financial returns and Gospel-centered transformation. This new podcast will be a resource for Entrepreneurs to understand what it is to find like minded investors that will be strapped to the mast with them. It’ll also be for Entrepreneurs who have experienced success and might be looking to re-invest in the next generation.
with Guy Raz
Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world’s best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.
with Andy Crouch
Andy Crouch talks with founders about the way their backgrounds have uniquely prepared them to work on the problems and opportunities they’ve chosen; about the triumphs and setbacks of their startup journey; about the moments of epiphany that led to changes in the trajectory of their work; about their challenges with pride, identity, and misplaced ambition; about the role of sacrifice in the work of restoration; and about how their Christian imagination and practices have shaped their work.
with Jason Calacanis
Jason Calacanis and a rotating group of guest experts bring you this weekly take on the best, worst, most outrageous and interesting stories from the world of Web companies. Calacanis, a podcasting pioneer, gives you an insider’s look at what’s happening in the tech industry with his trademark blunt style and good humor. Looking to start your own company? Need strategies for improving your business or motivating your team? Just want to catch up on what’s happening in Silicon Valley and beyond?
with Ken Coleman
Hosted by Ken Coleman, the EntreLeadership Podcast features lively discussions and tips on leadership and business by some of the top minds in the business, like Mark Cuban, Seth Godin, Jim Collins and Simon Sinek.
from Truth at Work
This podcast provides a unique look at how high capacity Christian leaders live out their faith in the marketplace, how their faith influences how they deal with the issues they face as leaders, and how they address all the demands they face. We profile the leadership of some of America’s top Christian CEOs, business owners, corporate executives, athletic coaches and personalities, authors, and thought leaders.
with Andy Stanley
Well published author and preacher Andy Stanley interviews leaders to talk about, you guessed it, leadership.
You can’t go wrong with any of these episodes, but we’d highly recommend his two-part interview with Dave Katz, CFO of Coke Consolidated.
with Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller
Short-term wins are easy. Sustained achievement is another story. On Lead to Win, join New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller to discover how current research combines with timeless wisdom for lasting success. From personal productivity to personal development, self-leadership to team leadership, and intentionality to influence, get the insights and tools you need to win at work and succeed at life.
with Emerson Eggerichs
We know your impact in business, depends greatly on things being good at home. Finding a place to be encouraged, refueled in you marriage is critical. Emerson Eggerichs, PhD, pastor, best-selling author (More than 2 Million Books sold), talk about Love and Respect—a Relationship Secret Hidden in Plain Sight—a simple principle connecting theology and psychology.
This podcast highlights discussions between pastor and clinical psychologist, father and son, that are certain to serve and encourage males and females alike. No one and no relationship, whether inside or outside the home, is off-limits.
with Donald Miller
If you’re frustrated because you struggle to get the word out about your product or service, the Building a StoryBrand podcast will help. Fans of the podcast are ecstatic about the fun and entertaining way Donald Miller brings you practical advice about clarifying your message so customers will listen.
Don and the StoryBrand team are the world’s leading experts in harnessing the 2,000 year-old proven power of story formulas to get people talking about your brand. Get your message out, grow your company, stand out in the marketplace, and have a blast doing it!
with Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram
The Liberator Podcast is the official leadership podcast from GiANT Worldwide, a global leader development company. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or leadership junkie, this podcast is designed to be a resource for you on your journey of personal development.
Regular hosts, Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram, are the co-founders of GiANT Worldwide, and have dedicated their careers to equipping leaders and teams throughout the world. Everything discussed on the show is based on real-world problems and solutions, not theory.
from Quartz
It’s the question of our times: How is technology impacting our humanity? “Should This Exist?” invites the creators of radical new technologies to set aside their business plan, and think through the human side: What is the invention’s greatest promise? And what could possibly go wrong?
Show host Caterina Fake (Partner, Yes VC; Cofounder Flickr) is a celebrated tech pioneer and one of Silicon Valley’s most eloquent commentators on technology and the human condition.
from Christians in Commerce
Christians in Commerce works to encourage and equip Christians to be God’s presence in the workplace by the power of the Holy Spirit, exercising faith, integrity, and excellence. Nine to Five podcasts are conversations with Christians aligning their careers with God’s mission and being Christ in their workplace. Listen to them during your commute, or whenever convenient.
with Reid Hoffman
How do companies grow from zero to a gazillion? Legendary Silicon Valley investor / entrepreneur Reid Hoffman tests his theories with famous founders. Guests include Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg & Sheryl Sandberg, Netflix’s Reed Hastings, Google’s Eric Schmidt, Spanx’s Sara Blakely. With original music and hilariously honest stories, the show sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard.
John and his wife Ashely dedicated themselves to the resurrection of place in the historic downtown of Opelika, Alabama. Like many small mill towns around the country, Opelika’s main street had deteriorated to a state of hopelessness and disrepair. One historic house in 1998 began a twenty-year journey of redeeming a city. Today, their work of restoring over 150 properties and launching 40 small businesses in those ten square blocks has become the gold standard for small-town revitalization in the state of Alabama. Opelika’s story, an account of beauty from brokenness, mirrors their personal story. Through the sharing and walking out of their personal testimony of reconciliation, they have given hope to hundreds of couples facing divorce and have inspired thousands of business leaders who aspire to live out their faith through their work.
Convene Podcast
from Convene Now
Are you looking to learn from seasoned business executives? The Convene Podcast takes deep dives into a variety of Christian business leaders’ fields of expertise. Tune in to learn more on how to integrate better business practices and faith into your current work.
with Darren Shearer
The Theology of Business Podcast is the show that helps marketplace Christians partner with God in business to help you disciple your company, your industry, and your community.
with Diane Paddison
4word is the only global organization for Christian women in the workplace led by women. 4word leads, connects and supports women in the workplace to help them achieve their God-given potential with confidence. 4word achieves this mission through 4word’s Digital Community, 4word Local Groups and the 4word Mentor Program.
from The Theology of Work Project
The Theology of Work (TOW) Project exists to help people explore what the Bible and the Christian faith can contribute to ordinary work.
with Jim and Martha Brangenberg
Tune in to hear how Christians, just like you, are integrating their faith and work. Full of practical tips, inspiring testimonies, and biblical truth, the iWork4Him Podcast will encourage and equip you to make your workplace your mission field – a place where ministry can happen all day long! Whether it’s a coworker, a vendor, or a customer, you may be the only Jesus they ever get to meet. You have a Kingdom calling, and it starts right where you are!
with Seth Buechley
Faith forward business leadership. Learn in this podcast from Seth who is focused on connecting high-potential leaders with the ideas, resources, and people they need to grow their enterprise and have lasting leadership impact.
with Shae Bynes
The Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur Podcast seeks to inspire and teach entrepreneurs of faith to operate their businesses completely yielded and in partnership with our awesome and limitless God. Topics: Christian Business, Kingdom Business, Marketplace Ministry, Faith and Business.
from Theology of Work Project
Through conversation, scripture and stories, the Making it Work podcast invites God into work’s biggest challenges, so that you can live out your purpose in the workplace. This podcast is brought to you in partnership by The Max De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary and the Theology of Work Project. Hosts: Leah Archibald, Mark Roberts
This is a new show that we’ve just learned about. Hosted by Michael Sipe its a place where Christian business leaders share wisdom and inspiring stories of God at work in their lives, with their families, in the companies they run, and in the lives of those they employ. Michael is the author of The AVADA® Principle and founder of 10x Catalyst Groups® at 10xgroups.com.
Really enjoying connecting with Ellis recently and encourage checking out his new podcast that he’s spinning up … “Are you a Christian who is bringing glory to God through excellence in your work or business? Are you looking for a community of like minded people who realize their work is actually a means of worship? Have you ever felt isolated from everyone as a Christian entrepreneur? In this show, Ellis brings on amazing Christian entrepreneurs and business leaders to talk about godly ambition, what it takes to be successful in business, how to stay grounded in your faith, the kingdom of God, real estate investing, how to create wealth, financial education, and so much more!”
faith collides
Faith Collides is a podcast hosted by Grace Huang about stories of industry leaders who open up about their faith in the context of their highs and lows at work. And in case you’re wondering what ‘Faith’ means on Faith Collides, it’s how faith impacts working professionals.
A New Lens
‘A New Lens’ is a podcast that features conversations between Jeff Shafer, CEO of CommonGood Capital, and investors, RIAs, fund managers and philanthropists about their experiences within different impact investing themes as well as explore the power of stewardship and capital.
Generous Business Owner
Many business owners think they have to wait until after they sell their company to do significant giving. Each week, listen as Jeff Thomas, Alan Barnhart, Jeff Rutt and their guests discuss practical ways to be more generous NOW. Whether your business does one million in revenue or one billion, this podcast is for you.
Is your business scaling quickly?
Would you benefit from a full-time, paid group leader and coach from a CEO Network? Maybe a Peer Advisory Group, like C12, Convene, Truth at Work, FCCI, and others, is the next step to help you improve the bottom line and scale your impact.
There is something very powerful about getting together in community and encouraging each other in the pursuit of faith, family and vocation. There is also something remarkably special about being able to share your entrepreneurial journey and all that it entails (How do I hire? Where should I get funding? How do I balance this crazy season I’m in with family responsibilities, etc.) with others that are, or have gone through similar things.
Founded in 1992 by Buck Jacobs in Tampa, Florida, C12 has grown from three local Peer Advisory Groups to the nation’s largest network of Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives.
C12 is a leader in the movement of God in and through the marketplace. Located in major metro area across the Americas and Asia, the C12 Group serves businesses with 5 to 5,000+ employees and annual revenues ranging from $1 million to $1 billion+.
Founded in 1996 by Brian Thatcher and a group of five CEOs and business owners, Convene was created to meet a vital need. God gave Brian and his partners a passion for successful business leaders that were isolated and lacked the tools, support and relationships they needed to build profitable businesses.
At the same time, they helped them integrate their faith with their work to make a great Kingdom impact. Here’s a great video Convene recently we did that outlines the importance for community in the life of an entrepreneur.
Truth at Work is one of America’s leading and fastest growing ministries to business leaders. Since 1998, they have developed products, programs, and services to serve thousands of Christian business and marketplace leaders.
If you’ve been blessed with a business stewardship, then your business should be about more than just the bottom line. FCCI gives you the tools, training, and life-on-life experience you need to integrate your faith through your business.
Pinnacle Forum was inspired by Dr. Bill Bright, Founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International, who challenged a handful of leaders in Phoenix, Arizona saying, “I believe the only way we can change our culture is to find a way to network our high influence leaders and inspire them to use their influence for God.”
Their mission is to encourage and equip influential leaders through confidential Forums, supported by a national network, to engage in personal and cultural transformation that honors Jesus Christ.
FaithTech is a growing movement of Christians interested in all things faith and technology. Their vision is to become a global hub for FaithTech conversations, integrations, and innovations. They now have communities in 3 cities in Canada and two in the States (Chicago and the Bay Area).
4word is the only global organization for Christian women in the workplace led by women. 4word leads, connects and supports women in the workplace to help them achieve their God-given potential with confidence. 4word achieves this mission through 4word’s Digital Community, 4word Local Groups and the 4word Mentor Program.
We are a group of men who gather together in more than 50 cities to encourage each other in friendship and faith and to support each other to be better husbands, fathers — and better men — in the marketplace and in our communities. Friendship at NCS happens through our regular meetings in local Chapters across the country.
A few times a month, we gather in restaurants or other common ground to be together with other guys and hear a speaker — one of our own or a guest — share a personal story that enlightens, encourages or challenges us.
CBMC’s mission is to present Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to business and professional men and to develop Christian business and professional men to carry out the Great Commission.
LeaderImpact is a volunteer-led movement of leaders dedicated to having a lasting impact. Together they challenge all leaders to accomplish more through developing their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. Through groups, events, excursions, and communication our worldwide network is growing and making an impact in cities, nations, and the world. This free group is great for all type of leaders—whether in business, sports, politics, or anywhere else.
Ziwani is a platform for business leaders to share inspiring stories and innovative local resources while equipping one another for Kingdom impact.
As business leaders on the African continent, we can fundamentally shape our marketplace and transform society through business practices that are biblically aligned.
Other Great Groups to Check Out
The Nashville Institute for Faith and Work is dedicated to helping individuals and groups integrate their Christian faith into their day-to-day work in a way that brings about human and organizational flourishing in Nashville and beyond.
We love seeing the Entrepreneur Support Group that they started, which is a confidential time with other CEOs and Pastorally trained executive coach and curriculum focused on Christianity and Entrepreneurism.
The Christian CEO Institute is a Christian Business Association comprised of Christian Business Leaders in the Dallas, Texas area. Join us for help in solving your most critical business challenges by providing coaching and accessing critical resources to grow your company and integrating your Christian faith in the workplace.
We love the work that Michael and the team at CBN do. They are “ A network of Christ-followers seeking to prosper in professions, make trustworthy connections, serve people with excellence, and maximize God-given potential.” While not specific to just CEO’s this is a great group for people to connect with depending on their vocation.
Built for CEOs and owners of strong and growing companies, Acumen is a mastermind community designed for passionate people who work with vision and strive for impact.
Acumen is designed for CEOs and Owners who want to sharpen their edge, growing their companies with strategy and a foundation of integrity using an affinity-centered model.
At Acumen, our CEOs and Owners gather bold insights, experience big and brave results, and make lasting impact. The partners of Acumen are driven just as much by our values as we are by our vision.
by Jeff Van Duzer
You knew we weren’t going to be able to stop at 50, right?
Jeff Van Duzer grew up thinking business was the source of much damage and evil in the world, the work of greedy capitalists polluting the environment. Thirty years later he was dean of a business school.
In the course of that remarkable transformation, Van Duzer found cause for both hope and concern. He discovered many business people achieving a great deal of good for society as well as a lot of illegal and unethical behavior.
This book explores the nature and meaning of doing business and finds it calls for much more than most think. Van Duzer presents a profoundly Christian approach that integrates biblical studies with the disciplines of business and economics. Looking beyond the place of ethical principles and the character of the individual, Van Duzer displays a vision of business that contributes to the very purposes of God.
by Chris Evans
Do you feel as though you have to choose between growing spiritually and growing professionally? Does it seem like the pursuit of profit conflicts with honoring God’s principles? Does your work environment undermine your faith and core values? Join successful entrepreneur Chris Evans as he explores how to develop the fruit described in the Bible and uncovers a natural and sustainable way to grow and demonstrate your faith at work.
Written in a clear, easy-to-read style, Fruit at Work gives the specific meaning of each word, provides biblical examples, and shares workplace stories where the fruit of the Spirit is having a dynamic impact. Fruit at Work is for people at any level of employment who seek a spiritual life that resonates not only in their personal lives, but also in their work. Evans provides guidance for tough situations such as managerial decisions, the need for approval, patience with coworkers, job loss, distraction, team dynamics, and job satisfaction.
Here is a new vision for work relationships―one based in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
by Dan Cooper
Business owners and organizational leaders use instinct, crowdsourcing, market factors, compromise, and experience to make decisions. All of these are valid, but can still yield a limited perspective and dull overconfidence. This can result in poor decisions, expensive losses, and deep wounds.
Through their own entrepreneurial ventures, and in their work helping thousands of business leaders grow—personally and professionally, Dan and Drew help you:
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Understand timeless leadership principles of Proverbs with application for today
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Gain clarity on how to make wise decisions
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Accelerate business growth and remove needless limitations
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Become a better leader of yourself, your business, your employees, and your community
by James Davidson Hunter
The call to make the world a better place is inherent in the Christian belief and practice. But why have efforts to change the world by Christians so often failed or gone tragically awry? And how might Christians in the 21st century live in ways that have integrity with their traditions and are more truly transformative? In To Change the World, James Davison Hunter offers persuasive–and provocative–answers to these questions. Hunter begins with a penetrating appraisal of the most popular models of world-changing among Christians today, highlighting the ways they are inherently flawed and therefore incapable of generating the change to which they aspire. Because change implies power, all Christian eventually embrace strategies of political engagement.
by Pat Lencioni
In what may be his edgiest page-turner to date, Lencioni thrusts his readers into a day-long conversation between rival CEOs. Shay Davis is the CEO of Golden Gate Alarm, who, after just a year in his role, is beginning to worry about his job and is desperate to figure out how to turn things around. With nowhere else to turn, Shay receives some hard-to-swallow advice from the most unlikely and unwanted source―Liam Alcott, CEO of a more successful security company and his most hated opponent.
by Liz Forkin Bohannon
There’s no lack of people out there telling you to find your passion and dream big. But why does it seem like when we try, we so often end up more lost and overwhelmed than when we started?
Liz Forkin Bohannon wants you to rethink everything you’ve been told about finding your passion and following your dreams. Why? Hate to break it to you, but you’re likely never going to “find your passion.” Because your passion and purpose are something you build–actively–day by day. In her signature tell-it-like-it-is fashion, Liz shares 14 actionable principles that will teach you how to do just that.
With total transparency, Liz shares hilarious and heartbreaking stories of her journey of screwups and successes that illustrate the mindsets and principles that will give you a jolt of energy, inspiration, and direction toward your True North. By embracing your Inner Beginner, dreaming small, choosing curiosity over criticism, and so much more, Liz’s story and the principles of Beginner’s Pluck will have you on your way to building a life of purpose, passion, and lasting impact. Ready to rise to the occasion? It’s time to make this life everything you want it to be.
by Ben Horowitz
While many people talk about how great it is to start a business, very few are honest about how difficult it is to run one. Ben Horowitz analyzes the problems that confront leaders every day, sharing the insights he’s gained developing, managing, selling, buying, investing in, and supervising technology companies. A lifelong rap fanatic, he amplifies business lessons with lyrics from his favorite songs, telling it straight about everything from firing friends to poaching competitors, cultivating and sustaining a CEO mentality to knowing the right time to cash in.
Filled with his trademark humor and straight talk, The Hard Thing About Hard Things is invaluable for veteran entrepreneurs as well as those aspiring to their own new ventures, drawing from Horowitz’s personal and often humbling experiences.
by Tom Nelson
What does the good news of Jesus mean for economics? Too often, Christian teaching and ministry have focused only on the gospel’s spiritual significance and ignored its physical, real-world ramifications. But loving our neighbor well has direct economic implications, and in our diverse and stratified society we need to grapple with them now more than ever. In The Economics of Neighborly Love pastor Tom Nelson sets out to address this problem. Marrying biblical study, economic theory, and practical advice, he presents a vision for church ministry that works toward the flourishing of the local community, beginning with its poorest and most marginalized members. Nelson resists oversimplification and pushes us toward more complex and nuanced understandings of wealth and poverty. If we confess the gospel of Jesus, he insists, we must contend anew with its implications for the well-being of our local communities. Together we can grow in both compassion and capacity.
by Horst Schulze
Horst Schulze knows how to win. As the co-founder and former president of Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., Schulze fearlessly led the company to unprecedented multi-billion dollar growth, setting the business vision and people-focused standards that made the Ritz-Carlton brand globally elite.
Schulze’s principles are both versatile and utterly practical to leaders of every age, career stage, and industry. You don’t need a powerful title or a line of direct reports – you have everything you need to use them right now.
If you’re searching for the blueprint to beating the competition and out-performing everyone around you, look no further than Excellence Wins. Schulze pulls no punches as a masterful guide to becoming the very best in a world of routine compromise.
by Joel Manby
Before Joel Manby won the respect of America with his appearance on the CBS reality TV series Undercover Boss, he was a highly successful corporate executive. After the show aired, many of the 18 million viewers wrote to him about the profound impact of his servant leadership. In Love Works, Joel Manby introduces us to the power of agape love in the workplace.
After years of leading thousands of men and women, Manby has proven that leading with love is effective, even in a business environment. Manby challenges leaders to allow integrity and faith to guide leadership decisions, outlining seven time-proven principles that break down the natural walls within corporate cultures, empowering managers and employees, disarming difficulties, and cultivating an atmosphere that builds long-term success. Manby also leverages the undeniable truth that love builds healthy relationships at home—why not use the same behavior to build healthy relationships at work?
by Wayne Grudem
Can business activity in itself be morally good and pleasing to God? Sometimes business can seem so shady-manipulating the “bottom line,” deceiving the consumer, or gaining promotions because of whom you know.
But Wayne Grudem introduces a novel concept: business itself glorifies God when it is conducted in a way that imitates God’s character and creation. He shows that all aspects of business, including ownership, profit, money, competition, and borrowing and lending, glorify God because they are reflective of God’s nature. Though Grudem isn’t naïve about the easy ways these activities can be perverted and used as a means to sin, he knows that Christians can be about the business of business.
This biblically based book is a thoughtful guide to imitating God during interactions with customers, coworkers, employees, and other businesses. See how your business, and your life in business, can be dedicated to God’s glory.
by John Ruhlin
Radical generosity is the against-the-grain secret weapon of real influencers, and it will allow you to boost referrals, retention rates, and ROI like few other strategies.
But be warned, gifts with strings attached backfire. There is a right, and wrong, way to give. Through poignant personal stories and data-backed evidence, Ruhlin breaks down how anyone from mail clerk to managing director can master the magic of Giftology; with these and more:
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Mastering reciprocity, the hidden bottom line booster Laser-targeting whom to give a gift and when to use thrift Uncovering your client s inner circle and becoming part of it
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Give wholeheartedly to Giftology and reap the rewards of an expanding business and fruitful relationships, professional and personal alike.
by Chris Chancey
Refugee Workforce weaves dynamic stories of refugees and the companies who have engaged them with hard facts to provide readers with a compelling case for hiring refugees in the American workplace.
Refugee Workforce was born out of the experience of launching a staffing company serving resettled refugees in Clarkston, GA. Author, Chris Chancey and his family moved to the fringe of Clarkston, known as the most diverse city in America, in 2013 and started a business, Amplio Recruiting, to connect refugees with open positions in the Atlanta job market a year later. For the past 5 years, Amplio has grown steadily now operating in Houston, Dallas, and Raleigh in addition to Atlanta while helping over 4000 refugees gain access to full time employment. Observing the interaction between the companies Amplio serves and the dependable refugee community, helped Chris begin to recognize the tremendous economic value generated from resettled refugees. They were not a charity case as often portrayed in the media and they were not terrorists with ill intentions as some may wish to believe. They represent a workforce of people with a strong motivation to work, add value to a local company, pay taxes and provide for their families. The most underrated workforce, if we choose to recognize it, is the one best positioned to stimulate America’s future economic growth.
by Michael Cardone
Faith. Prayer. Generosity. Servant leadership . . . While such words rarely make the cut in today’s business acumen, CARDONE Industries has put them into action for nearly four decades to build one of the nation’s most successful manufacturing firms.
With more than 5,000 employees worldwide, Michael Cardone Jr., president of CARDONE Industries, argues that no matter the economic climate, leaders can establish sound principles that will strengthen any company’s bottom line.
Cardone writes, “Deep within, I know I am a ‘businessman with a soul,’ and as a natural extension of myself, I want to create a ‘business with soul.’” And what he started with his father 40 years ago is more profitable, better focused, and stronger than ever.
by Gary Chapman and Paul White
Dramatically improve workplace relationships simply by learning your coworkers’ language of appreciation.
This book will give you the tools to improve staff morale, create a more positive workplace, and increase employee engagement. How? By teaching you to effectively communicate authentic appreciation and encouragement to employees, co-workers, and leaders. Most relational problems in organizations flow from this question: do people feel appreciated? This book will help you answer “Yes!”
Take your team to the next level by applying The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.
by Bill Pollard
The Soul of a Firm is about people and values. It demonstrates the difference they can make in the ultimate success of any organization, not simply because of their work ethic and commitment to success, but because of the impact that all of us can make in the lives of those we have the opportunity to associate with and serve. Leadership in the firm has a responsibility to the ethical, professional and personal development of every individual in the organization. This can be accomplished only through the belief that all of us are created in the image and likeness of God, and a philosophy of understanding based on respect for the dignity and worth of every individual.
by Glen Jackson
What does preeminence really mean in the business world? How is it sustained and how do you know when it has been reached? What are the tangible benefits to your business when preeminence is a reality? To achieve preeminence, one must first understand why it is a timeless and often misunderstood term.
Glen Jackson, co-founder of marketing agency Jackson Spalding, has taken a first look at these timely questions, including why preeminence matters, and more. In Preeminence: What It Means and How to Sustain It, Jackson taps more than 30 years of marketing experience from his work alongside a variety of exceptional brands to share seven distinct pillars all preeminent companies have in common.
by Dan Doriani
Whether you’re teaching children in a preschool, operating a cash register at a fast-food restaurant, or performing complex surgeries in emergency situations you have the power to change the world. God knows the good you do when you serve him faithfully at work, even if you don’t see it yourself.
The product of twenty years of thought, Work: Its Purpose, Dignity, and Transformation ennobles and motivates men and women in their labors. Providing historical background and inspiring stories of God-honoring workers, Daniel Doriani explains the Bible’s teaching on the nature, glory, misery, and eventual restoration of work. You will learn what it means to be faithful at work, even in risky places, and what steps you can take to transform your workplace and the world through the reformation of work.
by Jay Stringer
Jay Stringer’s (M.Div, MA, LMHC) original research found that unwanted sexual behavior can be both shaped by and predicted based on the parts of our story―past and present―that remain unaddressed. When we pay attention to our unwanted sexual desires and identify the unique reasons that trigger them, the path of healing is revealed.
Although many of us feel ashamed and unwanted after years of sexual brokenness, the book invites the reader to see that behavior as the very location God can most powerfully work in their lives. Counselors, pastors, and accountability partners of those who experience sexual shame will also find in this book the deep spiritual and psychological guidance they need to effectively minister to the sexually broken around them.
by Albert M. Erisman
For people in the workplace, there is a great deal to learn from Joseph in the book of Genesis. He spent time both at the top and at the bottom–as a leader and as a slave in Egypt. In this new book about faith and work, author Albert M. Erisman shares lessons learned from the frontlines of business, government, and education, and how they connect to Joseph’s life. Through the author’s own work experiences and interviews with business leaders across the world, you’ll learn that Joseph dealt with issues that are still common in the business world today. Studying his life can offer guidance and encouragement in any workplace.
by Steve Graves
After more than three decades of examining the realities of what real senior leaders do when they are most effective, here is where I have landed; there are five key tasks for every senior leader. Just five. Every senior leader must set direction, set speed, set risk, set resources, and set culture. Those five universal tasks represent where every senior leader should invest at least 80 percent of their time internal to the company if they want to succeed. Neglect any of those five and you and the company will suffer. Nail those tasks and your leadership and organization will thrive.
by Pete Ochs
Pete Ochs defines what it means to live a high impact life and provides the reader with the vision, hope, and courage they need to define their purpose, embrace their passion and maximize their platform (vocational calling). If you want to live for something greater than yourself, to really make a difference in this life, this book is a must read.
Pete reached worldly success early in his career, but the pursuit of pride, pleasure, and possessions soon became a never-ending spiral of dissatisfaction. In this challenging and aspirational new book, join Pete on his journey of personal transformation and discover how you too can implement strategies in your own life to help you flourish.
With anecdotes from other transformed leaders, Pete will provide the tools to transform your life and have a great impact as you create economic, social, and spiritual capital for the common good.
#73 Win at Home First: An Inspirational Guide to Work-Life Balance
by Cory Carlson
Many of us focus on winning at work. Whether it is from our own fear or the expectations of others, we put pressure on ourselves to succeed. Then, with whatever time and energy is left, we give to our family and to ourselves. In the end, no one wins. Marriages suffer, kids are neglected, teams are not developed, and you are not fulfilled. There is a better way. You, your home, and your work can thrive. This book will help you discover how to:
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Craft a personal and family vision
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Achieve work/rest balance
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Have a close marriage of fun and intimacy
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Build into your kids to set them up for success in life
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Prioritize for even greater impact at work
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Equip and empower your employees
Succeeding at work doesn’t mean you have to fail at home. You can do both. Here’s how.
by Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae
Is business just a way to make money? Or can the marketplace a venue for service to others? Scott B. Rae and Kenman L. Wong seek to explore this and other critical business issues from a uniquely Christian perspective, offering up a vision for work and service that is theologically grounded and practically oriented. Among the specific questions they address along the way are these:
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What implications does the Christian story have for the vision, mission or sense of purpose that shapes business engagement?
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What parts of business can be affirmed and practiced “as is” and what parts need to be rejected or transformed?
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What challenges exist as attempts are made to live out Christian ideals in a broken world characterized by tight margins, fierce competition and short-term investor pressures?
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How do Christian values inform specific functional areas of business such as the management of people, marketing and environmental sustainability?
Business can be even more than an environment through which individual Christians grow in Christlikeness. In this book you’ll discover how it can also be a means toward serving the common good.
by Os Guinness
Os Guinness has penned a classic reflective work on life’s purpose. Far bigger than our jobs and accomplishments and higher than our wildest ideas of self-fulfillment, our calling does more than give purpose and meaning to our lives-it completes God’s plan for us.
