Work with Purpose Boot Camp

Overview

Join us for our fall Work with Purpose Boot Camp event, an interactive and practical exploration of faith and work.

Everyday work represents an incredible investment of time over the course of our lives – up to 100,000 hours. Therefore, if we take seriously the call to whole-life Christian discipleship, this must include the integration of our faith and work lives. No matter the role or the scope of influence, whether we experience work as a gift or a burden, be it paid or unpaid, the fundamental nature of work is to be part of God’s purpose for his creation. But as the church gathers on Sunday mornings, how are we equipping our faith communities to live out this purpose throughout the rest of the week?

We invite pastors and lay leaders alike to join us as we learn together, share ideas, and practically consider what the reintegration of faith and work might look like within our own unique congregations. Friday's discussions in particular will include examples, tools, and other resources for putting ideas into practice.

A Three-Part Opportunity

We have separated the Boot Camp event into 3 portions – please join us for as much of the event as you're able to attend.

1.     Thursday evening, 7-9 p.m. | Why Work Matters to God
Featuring Leith Anderson, followed by discussion between Leith and a local business leader.

2.     Friday morning, 8:30-11 a.m. | Our Church Communities and the Workplace
Featuring Leith Anderson, as well as local practitioners and theologians in workshop discussions. Breakfast provided.

3.     Friday lunch, 11:20 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. | Partnership Opportunities
Featuring the MacLaurinCSF, a Christian study center at the University of Minnesota, and grant proposal development opportunities for churches through the Made to Flourish Pastors Network. Lunch provided.

Schedule

Thursday Evening, October 2

7-9 p.m. | Why Work Matters to God
Churches, pastors, and thoughtful Christian leaders, wisely building a theology of work that begins with God - just like the Bible begins with God working ("In the beginning God created...."). With God at the beginning and God at the center of our understanding of work we quickly realize that work matters deeply to God. The very nature of work itself is good, God-like, what we are made to do, and it makes God look good. Our theology of work permeates our church communities, how pastors teach and lead a congregation of workers, and how workers live out Sunday theologies throughout their work weeks.

Presented by Leith Anderson, President of the National Evangelical Association

The session will also include discussion between Leith and a local business leader on how these ideas work in practice.

Friday Morning, October 3

8:30-8:45 a.m. | Welcome, continental breakfast, and table discussion

8:45-9:20 a.m. | Church and the Workplace
Most people don't think about church all week long but they do think about work all week long. The workplace is a primary venue for living out Christian faith and calling. Pastors probably think about church all week long, but that's because the church is the pastor's workplace. So, let's get practical on specific ways the church and the workplace can connect and especially how the church can help Christians on the job.

Presented by Leith Anderson, President of the National Evangelical Association

9:20-9:30 a.m. | Break

9:30-10:45 a.m. | Interactive Workshops: Bringing it home to our faith communities
Choose one of the workshops to attend.

·       Biblical/Theological Foundations: Transferable concepts from the Bible
Workshop hosts/presenters: Dr. Peter Vogt, Senior Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church; TeddiAnne Hasapopoulos, Bethel University MBA Instructor

·       Church Praxis: From theology to practice
Workshop hosts/presenters: Jared Heaton, Senior High Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church Cambridge; Mark Katzenberger, Youth Pastor at New Hope Community Church; Don Blue, Senior Financial Manager at General Mills and active member at Grace Church; Art Hill, Associate Dean for MBA Programs at the Carlson School of Management and active member at Grace Church; Justin Irving, Professor of Ministry Leadership at Bethel Seminary

10:45-10:50 a.m. | Break to regroup

10:50-11:00 a.m. | Closing remarks for morning session

Friday Lunch, October 3

11:20 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. | In It Together: Partnership Opportunities
An interactive discussion over lunch about opportunities to collaborate, learn together, and share resources. The discussion will include:

·       An overview of the Made to Flourish Pastors Network and opportunities for churches to receive grants for projects integrating faith, work, and economics for ministry that produces human flourishing.

·       Vision from MacLaurinCSF, a Christian study center at the University of Minnesota, on the significance of the university in the church's engagement with work and vocation.