Groups
The world of business is by its very nature challenging, but for the believer seeking to work out their faith on a day to day basis it can also seem a very isolated and daunting environment. We have found that one of the most effective ways to make progress in pursuit of this 'call to business' is to establish small groups, a place to meet with others similarly engaged on a regular and committed basis. Through building an environment of trust, mutual support and accountability, of transparency and openness, members are then able to challenge and support one another in this journey of transformation.
Starting a group couldn't be more simple! Bring together some like-minded people (aiming also to become of one heart) who are prepared to commit to meeting on a regular basis - we would recommend weekly. The size of the group can be as few as 2 and up to 12. We have found that gender specific groups work best. A successful time slot has proved to be before work, meeting from 7-8.30 am, although of course the group you pull together may find a different one that suits better. However, these early mornings are a wonderful way to begin a working day!
Essential ingredients to include each week are:
- An environment of acceptance and encouragement, creating a 'safe place' where there can be transparency without fear of judgment or condemnation, embracing God's calling and choosing of each member of the group
- Confession - being open, willing to admit to those areas of weakness and sin in our lives and willing to be held accountable to change!
- Prayer - prioritising intercession and developing a generous, not self-focusing, way of prayer
- Study - getting into the Word of God and applying it to our lives
- Application - unpacking what it means to be a minister in the workplace and how to outwork this in our own situation
There is no set programme of study, although there are a growing range of resources to equip business people. Please see our Resources section for details where you'll also find information on other help available from A Call to Business.
Finally, it's important to anticipate multiplication! As you pray for your colleagues some will become Christians and need to be discipled, others will hear about your group and want to join. So don't look on your group as something permanent, but build in an expectation that after a few months you will multiply out into two or three groups, and so on. We recommend that you plan for this to happen in no more than one year.