A few months ago we spoke to a great group of College age students and young professionals at Stammi Church in St Gallen Switerland. They eagerly engaged in talking with us about God and their professional life... and so much so that the church recently contacted us an asked us to come back in 2018 and Speak to the whole church about…
To say that our world is changing is an understatement. We have witnessed major shifts politically, technologically, religiously, economically and morally. It should lead us to ask how Christ is building His church in these days. At one time, Christianity influenced most of the western world. Some countries have the imprint of Christianity woven throughout their early history. The Christian faith was considered at the center of society, bringing an influence on local culture and national policy. The laws made in some of these countries reflected the belief in an infinite personal God who they saw as actively a part of their origin and national affairs. The church flourished under these conditions. It gained wealth and political weight, and at times it used these to build churches, schools for training, and benevolent organizations like hospitals and orphanages to help those in need. However, at times it also used these to build a power base to become a controlling force in society. There are some who saw this dominant persuasion as God’s means of building His church and kingdom in the world.
As power increased for the church, Christianity began to be identified more by culture and politics than by true authentic faith. It no longer was viewed as a faith common to all people of different nationalities and different cultures, but instead you were a Christian because of your birth and nationality. With its powerful influence, the (more…)
We live in a world where personal, cultural, religious, and political differences among people are being highlighted through the media daily. Most people agree that these differences exist, and that they create problems which set people at odds with one another. While various efforts are being made to address and try to solve these problems, it seems that two predominant models have developed and become the center of attention. I use the word model, because it represents a particular life style or traits that are being presented and reproduced within culture and seen as normative. First there is the model of the “Melting Pot,” and then there is the one of “Polarization.” The “Melting Pot Model” encourages people to have a dialog with one another about their differences in order to understand each other’s ideas and beliefs. Another way this can work is by coordinating people together under a common project that provides them an opportunity to work together. Both ways have the expectation that when people with differences work together at something, their differences will somehow dissolve. It often can, but for a short time. The problem is… people still hold to their ideas and beliefs, and these will usually surface and create new controversy when they are confronted within a given situation. The “Polarizing Model” seeks to present an over exaggerated and extreme contrast between people’s differences. We see this daily on the news…when people strongly disagree with someone else’s views and project the idea that… either you must totally agree with me or you must treat me as an enemy whom you hate. This only accentuates people’s differences and drives them further apart. The reality is… both models, in one degree or another, are asking people to ignore or deny their differences. (more…)
God gives us some practical responses to engage when facing tough situations… walking by faith means we implement how God has instructed us. Such initial responses can prevent us from becoming embittered and cynical in difficult situations.
Recently Paul was ask to conduct the 4 part training entitled “On the Job… God’s Way” for the entry Business students at Columbia International University (CIU) in SC. Afterward he was asked to conduct it yearly. Below are some of their comments…
Paul Curtas does an amazing job of helping students see how their relationship with Jesus and work intersect. He demolishes the sacred/secular divide and demonstrates how God can use believers in the work force to be a light. He shatters the idea that there is a hierarchy to vocations, explaining that we can honor the Lord in whatever we do. -Amy DuBois (Faculty- CIU Business School )
People in the secular marketplace will be closed off to my Christian values and lifestyle in the workplace. Hearing from Paul Curtas really opened my eyes to the potential influence I could have, even in a “secular” workplace, such as the airline industry. It was so helpful to have a real life example of someone who is teaching people how to love others well from a Biblical worldview, even though they are not involved in an “official ministry.” -Eryn Marburger
“I got this book given as a gift and I love it! I am a Christian who works in the aluminum business and want my workplace not just to be a place where I earn money but instead where I can shine the light of Christ. So I was utterly delighted to receive a book which addresses the issues related to work and how to bring God’s Kingdom into this when God indeed shows up at work. This book also challenges me to use the time wisely and intentional. Paul M. Curtas has not only written well, but engages with the reader. Very worthwhile!” (Evi Rodemann- CEO MissionNet)
