Complete Description
of the GPAW Course
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Part 1
1. Why Worldview Matters
Our decisions are influenced by our values. But where do our values come from? They come from something even more basic: our worldview. That’s why a person’s worldview matters.
2. How Worldview Shapes Culture
A worldview is a “big picture” of reality, shaped by beliefs or assumptions about God, Creation, Humanity, Moral Order and Purpose. This session demonstrates how different beliefs and assumptions in these five areas produce different values and ultimately shape different cultures.
3. The Most Convincing Lie
We live in the shadow of one man’s “big idea” that led to devaluing the material world. Examine the ripple effects of Greek philosophy, and how it has pulled the proverbial rug out from underneath followers of Christ in the workplace.
4. The Myth of the Secular World
Is there really a “secular” realm of life in which God plays no part, or has no relevance? Think again!
5. Viewing Work Through a Different Lens
An alternative view of work can replace the “sacred-secular” divide. Consider the inspiring example of John Beckett, Chairman of The Beckett Companies, who has successfully put Western Dualism behind him.
6. Have You Ever Seen a “Secular” Color?
Examine the positive ramifications of removing the “sacred-secular” divide from the field of the arts and the media. What is “good” art, anyway?
7. God’s Co-Worker
Dr. George Washington Carver successfully integrated the biblical worldview with his work at Tuskegee Institute. This session introduces a powerful tool for integrating one’s faith with one’s work: The DADI Question.
8. Personalizing the DADI Question
` As a continuation of Session 7, this session helps participants to personalize The DADI Question, by examining how Gary Starkweather, inventor of the laser printer, found God’s pleasure at work.
9. The Cost of Courage in the Workplace
At one time or another, we are all faced with the challenge of doing the right thing when it isn’t appreciated by others in the workplace. The example of Jack vanHartesvelt is particularly inspirational in this regard.
10. The ATII Question
The ATII Question is designed to help followers of Christ to “not be taken captive by vain philosophy.” This tool is very useful for assessing any information coming our way in the workplace--and elsewhere. This session helps participants to understand how the worldview of Humanism and the work of John Dewey in the field of education changed the course of American history in the “Quiet Revolution of 1905-1962,” and what we can do to reverse the process today.
11. Focusing Outward
In this session, we celebrate “compassionate capitalism” and community volunteerism, looking at examples of what it means to be “outwardly focused” through work that serves the broader community—both locally and globally—via initiatives by businesses and local churches.
12. Business As Mission
How did Indonesia come to have the largest population of Muslims among all countries in the world? It happened the same way sub-Saharan Africa is becoming Islamized today—through business and trade. Here is a vital wake-up call for followers of Christ.
Part 2
13. The Big Picture
The biblical view of God and Creation has enormous ramifications for the workplace. This session deals with three critical premises relating to the biblical view of God and Creation, and how these premises affect our approach to work.
14. Made in the Image of God
The biblical view of humans as image-bearers of God has a significant effect on how we relate to co-workers, customers and clients. In this session, Max DePree, former CEO of the Herman Miller Company, helps us to see how the biblical view of humanity has shaped his company’s approach to employees and co-workers.
15. What Drives Modern Thought?
In order for followers of Christ to effectively relate to co-workers, clients and customers, it helps to understand the “post-modern” times in which we live and work. But to understand post-modern times we must first understand modern times. This session provides a backdrop for this critical understanding.
16. The 20thCentury Turn
In this session, three characteristics of postmodern thought effecting the way people view Moral Order are examined. Interviews with people on the street reveal how people think about this matter today.
17. The Upside of Postmodern Times
Postmodernism has an upside and a downside. This session reveals aspects of both sides, and how the upside can open doors for a follower of Christ to be a spiritual influence at work today.
18. Spiritual Influence At Work
This is a continuation of Session 17, providing insight into how to be a spiritual influence at work, including building authentic relationships and working well. The great example of Don Flow, CEO of Flow Automotive, is highlighted.
19. Responding Rightly When Things Go Wrongly
When we focus on “doing the right thing,” we actually focus on the wrong thing! Putting our focus on loving Lord rather than on “being good” is to put the horse before the cart.
20. “But I’m just a hairdresser!”
What exactly is the “work of the Lord?” Does it include hairdressing? This session presents “a theology for homemakers, nurses and doctors, plumbers, stockbrokers, politicians and farmers,” as seen through the eyes of Professor Paul Stevens, author of The Other Six Days.
21. What in the World is the Kingdom of God?
What does the Kingdom of God actually look like? What does it mean to “actualize” the Kingdom of God in our daily lives?
22. But doesn’t the Bible say…?
Doesn’t the Bible say, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth?” And doesn’t it say, “Love not the world, nor the things in the world?” How do these verses fit with a theology of work that places value on fixing cars and manufacturing oil burners?
23. The Biblical Worldview Finder
The Biblical Worldview Finder is a “thought prompter” that helps followers of Christ get perspective on workplace irritations, problems and disappointments. This session explains how to receive the most benefit from this simple and effective tool.
24. Vital Friends
Followers of Christ in the workplace are wise to incorporate the assistance of “Vital Friends,” and to have a “Personal Board of Directors” for counsel. This session explains why—and how.
Downloads
Couse Content.pdf
Course Content.doc |
