Scott in Vegas

DavidTinney.com falls into the Marketplace Ministry/Kingdom Business streams. My work has been in the Eastern Europe for the most part, teaching Kingdom Business principles and encouraging believers to start their own businesses for the past 10 years.

Blessings!
David Tinney

I am the editor of the Kingdom Business Journal. We fit into the Kingdom Principles and Marketplace Ministry category you spoke of.

Kingdom Business Journal teaches Kingdom principles for success and ministry in the marketplace. We have Christian business leaders who are contributors and we focus on the 6 core principles of business. We have also started a local Christian Business Networking group called KBJ Network.

I would like to know more about these other terms that you discussed and I will look into them more.

Thanks for the information and God bless you.

Lowell Lane
Editor
Kingdom Business Journal

I REALLY hope this helps.

I’ll never forget the day when, while on the phone with my friend Robert Fitts, he exclaimed in my ear, “I understand what you’re doing now! You’re establishing Simple Churches in the workplace!”

Yes, that was EXACTLY the mission I was on. I was hired three years ago this September to serve as the Workplace Chaplain for a chain of nursing homes with over 500 employees located in ten Texas towns. As a Circuit Riding Preacher, it was real obvious to me that I was going to have to embrace some more creative ways of ministering to so many people from so many diverse denominational backgrounds who were SO spread out. Not only that, but because these were nursing homes, I was soon to have more encounters with sick, dying and grieving people than I ever imagined.

I wanted to share with you FOUR areas of ministry that I felt were the most duplicable.

1. STAFF INTERVIEWS:
Whether you are a Workplace Chaplain, or a Witnessing Worker in the Workplace, you can probably gain something from this exercise. I felt led by the Spirit to devise a questionnaire with which I would interview every employee. With the assistance of the facility Director, one by one, I sat down with every employee in the place. It was awesome! These days, I still conduct the interview with new hires. Essentially, once we begin the interview, I let the individual know that this can take as long or as little time as they need. I assure them that this is a confidential interview and that no one but us and God Almighty will know their answers.

The 12 questions include such things as: 1) “Are you affiliated with a particular church?” If so, how long?”and 5) “A spiritual person can provide better health care. True or False?”

Very often, we never get past question #1 before I’m sharing with them that I do not “go to church” either. From there we talk about what The Church is (the ekklesia), our role as Christian employees and the fact that God isn’t mad at them and they need not feel guilty about anything. I estimate that 8 out of 10 open up to me and tears flow, even from the men. We always end with prayer. From this point, I’ve made an ally; a friend who will recommend my ministry to others. They often become my “boots on the ground” and have become unofficial assistants who call and eMail with questions and concerns regarding their facilities.

Without an actual questionnaire in hand, do you think you could do likewise among YOUR coworkers?

I do!

2. THE “JESUS SAID IT” BIBLE STUDY:
When I was 28 years old, in horrible pain, I was diagnosed with an incurable spinal disease. Finding myself up all night, I started typing the words of Jesus from Scripture; the letters in red. After that, I began placing these words into topics. What did Jesus say about forgiveness? Children? Demons? Peace? Love? Things like that.

In time, I used this information to conduct what I referred to as “Jesus Said it” Bible studies. From high school groups to college to business to church groups, most often consisting of a mixture of denominations, it’s been about 10 years since I started and I’ve NEVER had a fight break out during one of these studies. As a Workplace Chaplain who’s now 48 years old and healed, the “Jesus Said It” Bible study is all I use as Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostals and Church of Christ gather in breakrooms and pray together at the end.

It’s great! Try it!

3. PRAYER TEAMS:
A woman let it slip that each day at 6AM, she would pray alone in her car before work. A coworker asked if she’d come on inside so she could pray with her. These days, about ten coworkers gather daily to pray before work. These people get results!

I attended one of their gatherings. I found that they came from all kinds of denominational backgrounds. I started teaching them about things such as Prayer Errors, Prayer Posturing, Warfare Prayers, Prayers of Thanksgiving, Prayers of Declaration, the Hand Prayer…all kids of new things that got them all excited.

If you only knew the woman who started that prayer group. The least likely in most people’s eyes. Now, she’s looked upon as a leader, even by the Adminstrator.

Can YOU start a Prayer Team in YOUR workplace?

I bet you can!

4. THE CHURCH AT WORK LUNCHEONS:
Can you organize a pot-luck luncheon once a month? Once every THREE months? Can you invite a local minister to talk about workplace ministry? If you’re not far, invite me! I may even know someone in your area of the country who is quite qualified.

I know of groups that showed a video, had local business people testify about their own workplace mission and how they witness at work. Ten minutes or so is all you’re asking. By the time you clean up, an hour has flown by. Do NOT be late getting back to work! That can blow a good Christian witness like that – POOF! Despise not humble beginnings. Many people have a “wait ‘n see” attitude.

In time, with a person like YOU involved, people will most certainly hear you discussing the Simple Church concept, how the 1st Century Christians did things, how they were more into relationship than theology, etc. Keep planting those kinds of seeds and, before you know it, you’ve started a Simple Church where you work.

Let me know if I can assist in any way. Whether you simply desire to become a better Workplace Witness, or even if you wish to be endorsed as a Workplace Chaplain, I’m here to help.

Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
Workplace Chaplain
http://www.YourTown4Jesus.com

The irony is that I am planting a church in the process and will end up ministering to more people than when I was getting paid (well I might add), and the offerings/tithes can then go toward reaching people instead of toward my pocket.

Isn’t it interesting that the more effective a person gets at ministry, the more time they spend inside the four walls of the church?

Scott in Las Vegas
http://www.cells-twelves.blogspot.com/

Allow me to clarify – and if anyone knows this to be true, it’s me – I am a firm believer that everyone’s job is a ministry. By simply “dropping our nets on the other side of the boat,” so to speak, fully relying on our talents and training to function in our secular calling, we can ALL make a Kingdom difference. Same person, same job, different perspective. Our minds must be renewed to this truth. However, it grieved me to think of so many ex-Pastors turning to jobs as shoe salesmen and underground parking attendants, completely lacking in any marketable skills after serving in the Church for many years, but still burdened to make disciples.

Using my lengthy email list and the social network called “Facebook,” I sounded the alarm that, if you are a former Pastor (or merely a person with a burden) who would like to be endorsed by TCAW as a Workplace Chaplain, such as myself, climb aboard! I received several dozen inquiries immediately but, after two weeks, I now have 15 individuals who have already begin the 11-part certification process which was initiated upon receipt of their 500-word testimony (anyone reading this now is welcome to do the same. Send to: team1min@our-town.com).

The responses to each of the eleven topics has become a dialogue whereby I am establishing a relationship with the interested parties. No one will be left alone “out there.” There are no right or wrong answers. The process costs nothing. I am not attempting to re-shape these seasoned ministers to fit my mold. I am here to offer encouragement, edification, information and marketing assistance as they launch out in an effort to obtain Workplace Chaplaincy positions. Aside from eMail communication, continuing education will come by way of the weekly email newsletter and a monthly Conference Call.

At the end of the certification process – their responses and dialogues regarding the 11 Topics – each Workplace Chaplain will receive a Certificate and eMailed artwork for the printing of their business cards.

That’s it! This is the bread that’s been melting my butter lately!

As Robert Fitts exclaimed in my ear one day over the phone, “I see it now! You’re starting Simple Churches in the workplace!”

Yes, essentially, that’s what this is all about. That’s my secret ambition.

So, if you know anyone who might appreciate the free endorsement from TCAW, or would simply desire to further their training as a Workplace Witness, have them kick things off with that initial 500-word testimony emailed to yours truly.

There you have it. If you weren’t aware of what the Father’s been up to, you are now. It’s already WAAAAY bigger than me. I like it that way.

Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
Workplace Chaplain

Colossians 3:23-25; 23(a) And whatever you do, (Whatever job you have, stay there and flourish. Grow where you’re planted.)…23(b) do it heartily, (Work hard, no time to slack off; if you do you’re done for.)…23(c) as to the Lord and not to men, (Work at the most mundane and least glamorous jobs as though Jesus were your boss.) 24(a) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; (He’ll see to it that you get paid well.)….24(b) for you serve the Lord Christ. (Wait a minute! ….That’s the preacher’s job.)

I am so excited that the business world is getting invaded by the Kingdom! (But I’m also glad the ‘Kingdom’ is getting invaded be the business world.) This may seem disrespectful, but what I mean is that there are a lot of non-value added activities going on in the Church. In business, if you dilly-dally, congratulate yourself, loose touch with your market, stop investing in the pioneers, loose your lean edge, or hire too many ‘chiefs’, you’re done for….finished. You must stay focused on a goal or you will cease to exist. The church has much to learn; thank God these paths are merging.

When I was young, I was with a group of about 20 guys on a college campus; saved, lived, and discipled together. Then 18 of them chucked their college degrees and went into the “full time” ministry. Wait – this doesn’t seem sustainable – someone has to make some money. I know that at times Paul and even Jesus taught that those who WORK HARD at the Christian ministry, teaching, travelling, and risking their lives, deserve some pay. Let’s just apply some common sense to the system.

The context of these exercises provided tools that the Holy Spirit used to expose, heal, deliver, and shift lives, families, communities, into divine Kingdom impact. It is an honor to watch the Lord in many marketplace miracles that have a ripple effect in the lives of thousands of people in the days ahead. These are the main areas of focus we work on, but as you can imagine, when basked in prayer and the anointing of the Holy Spirit; many personal detours had to happen before we could even attempt to walk through some of these focused areas.

PURPOSE The purpose of an organization radically affects the ability of that organization to have an Impact. By having a clearly stated business purpose that is consistent with God’s purpose will lead to increased impact.

PRODUCTS Customers get to know our business through the Products and Services that we provide to them. Products create the “touch, see, and smell” factors that make an organization come alive. For non-profits and service organizations, products often take the form of programs.

POSITIONING God has positioned us in a new place – we are moved from darkness to light, from slaves to sons and daughters, from people without hope to those with an eternal hope. Our businesses should be positioned consistent with our eternal positioning and the high calling of our business. Establishing a clear positioning of both organization and products is essential. The value proposition of the organization and what differentiates it from others is essential to creating Impact.

PRESENCE Traditionally, marketing is intended to make consumers aware of their needs, and how particular products can fill those needs. Marketing creates presence—a mind-set for the product or organization—and it builds a story and experience that goes beyond the simple consumption of the product. When customers understand the story behind your products, they carry the full Impact that you intend. Kingdom marketing is a two-way street, making people experience some of God’s presence through the goods and services provided.

PARTNERING There are many benefits of partnering. Attempts at partnering have not occurred out of mutual admiration and togetherness. It has been demanded by customers and made a condition of business that suppliers cooperate. Why? Because they know that no one company can do everything well. Partnering creates better Impact for organizations and their customers alike. Biblical partnering happens so that God can receive more glory as you meet a greater set of needs, for His sake.

PROFIT The economic model of an organization is clearly essential. Transitioning profit from an accounting tool to a strategic weapon is the habit of champions. Sustainable Impact is best achieved in concert with sustainable economics. A business can have kingdom impact without profits… but not for long.

PROCESSES Processes are what make the organization work. Core business processes are all the work-steps, tasks, actions, etc. that makes things happen. They can either be handled just efficiently, or they can be deliberately directed towards the creation of Impact. Decision-making is an important aspect of business processes. With the ever-increasing information component of products, the location, speed, and quality of decision-making processes are influencing customers’ perceptions of value. Hearing God is part of the decision process. God does not want us to be legalistic, but he does want our business processes to be fair, consistent, and glorifying to him.

PEOPLE Many companies say “our people are our most important asset.” This taps into a Biblical truth that God’s business is a people business. When people—including the way in which they are organized—are thoroughly aligned with the Purpose of the organization, Impact is heightened. When people are built up as they build the company, God is pleased.

PLANNING Plans include strategic plans, marketing plans, sales plans, product plans, financial plans, human resource plans… and more. Appropriate planning is a crucial driver of Impact. Planning with God is even better. The old adage is true: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

PLACE A company’s location, the environment/image of the facilities, the corporate identity that goes beyond buildings, proximity to customers, partners, and others in one’s ecosystem…all of these can be used for Kingdom Impact. This is no less true for virtual organizations.

Roger and I are part of a “community of practice” called LK10 that embodies Jesus’ principles of ministry and mission in Luke 10.

Roger:
When I think about the kind of blessing your talking about, I can’t help but think of the word “hospitality” and how it was absolutely essential in the biblical stories of business.