Working Wonders
Who is this course for?
It's for parents and teachers of elementary and secondary-age children/students who want to help their sons, daughters and students to be successful in their work. In the end, it's for the kids! This course will deepen relationships significantly.
Why?
Knowing how to work is a lost art these days, but knowing why we work is an even greater mystery! Any young person who unlocks this mystery before graduating from high school will be far ahead of the curve, no matter what work they do in the future.
What kind of work?
Their current work at home and school, as well as any other work in the community. From taking out the garbage, to doing homework, to mowing the neighbor's lawn on the weekend. It certainly applies to their future work as well! Every kind of legitimate work on the planet.
What's the game plan?
- Each group is limited to 6 participants plus a facilitator. This is to allow for maximum discussion and sharing time when together.
- Groups meet on 6 occasions, with 2 weeks between meetings.
- The format uses the "flipped classroom" approach, whereby participants study the course content on their own, through reading an e-text (and viewing short video clips), then reflecting on that content in the group setting, and discussing the implementation of key concepts with their children/students at home or school.
What effort is required of me?
- Plan on attending all 6 meetings, fully engaged--because others are counting on you.
- Read about 35 pages in the e-text between meetings (you'll have 2 weeks to do this). For more details about the e-text and to view sample chapters, click here.
- Practice using specific teaching tools with your children/students at home or school between meetings.
- Share with your group how things went when using the various teaching tools with your children/students at home or school.
How do I sign up?
- Each Working Wonders group is formed by individuals who take the initiative to get a group going, and will either facilitate group meetings themselves, or find someone else to fill this role.
- Step-by-step instructions explaining how to successfully lead each group meeting are provided. For a copy of the Working Wonders Facilitator’s Guide, click here.
- The cost of the 180-page e-text with video clips (God's Pleasure At Work), plus the 48-page, full-color Participant Guide, and The Lost Purpose for Learning booklet is $35. Click here to order.
the High School Course
What grade level?
Recommended for 10th and 11th grade.
What's the main thrust of the course?
An introduction to work, economics and human flourishing from a biblical perspective.
Is there a textbook?
Yes, there is an e-book with over 50 video clips embedded throughout the text to make the learning experience more vivid and memorable. The text is called, God's Pleasure At Work & The Difference One Life Can Make.
This e-text comes with a 48-page, hard-copy, full-color Participant Guide, for reinforcing the main ideas and to for providing easy access to the course concepts for many years to come.
For more details about the text, including sample chapters and an independent review, click here.
Comments from students:
- "… I learned so much more than I could've imagined…I learned so much personally that I cannot wait to use in the future and share with others. I believe all Christians should read this book and soak in all the goodness just like our class did over the course of this year."
- "I really love how this book shows us that we should not look at life as sacred and secular, but rather everything that we do can either be for the glory of God or contrary to His will.”
- "…[this material] truly gave a unique and important insight into work and a Christian's role in the community. Not only should they work for God's glory in the church, but they should strive to succeed and give full effort to their Monday to Saturday job as well. Even those who believe they cannot offer anything for the kingdom have an influence and ability to impact the people around them. The world looks at Christians expecting to see hypocrisy; it is our job to make them see Jesus in the way we serve, love, and work."
- "…I have benefited so much from this class. The Theology of Work materials have been very insightful and instructive. Dr. Overman delivers his points clearly, with accuracy to Scripture. I would highly recommend the Theology of Work material and class to everyone at [name of school]. I have also been greatly blessed by our classroom discussions...A semester well spent."
What's the cost and how do I order the text and guide?
The cost for the God's Pleasure At Work Curriculum Pack, including the 180-page God's Pleasure At Work e-text with over 50 video clips, 48-page (hard-copy) Participant Guide and 53-page (hard-copy) of The Lost Purpose for Learning is $35. To order, click here.
The WRAP
What?
"WRAP" stands for: "Worklife Restoration and Advancement Project"
It is a 2-year commitment on the part of Christian schools to have the entire teaching staff trained in the fundamentals of biblical worldview contextualization and theology of work, with practical application in every subject at every grade level.
The WRAP gets down to "the DNA level" of Christian schools, where things like curriculum mapping and "biblical worldview contextualization" happen.
Why?
If students fail to see how academics fit into theology of work, they will tend to see the Bible as relevant to personal matters, or affairs of the church, but not relevant to business, law or civil service. Because of this, many will leave their faith at the workplace door as adults, and the world suffers for it. Students who fail to see their school work as God’s present calling for them will be hindered from experiencing the highest purpose and meaning in learning. Christian schools often see "biblical worldview integration" as a goal, but it is actually a means to a greater end. The WRAP clarifies that greater end. For more, read Dr. Overman's essay, The Lost Purpose for Learning.
How?
For details about how the WRAP works, and the costs for various training options, click here.
School principals or superintendents wishing to speak directly with Christian Overman about the WRAP may go to the Contact page and request a phone or Skype appointment.
To read what teachers and principals participating in the WRAP have said, click here.
Live Speaking Engagements
In Person or Real-Time Video Streaming
In-person speaking engagements are possible in the Pacific Northwest only, within a 3-4 hour driving radius of Seattle, Washington.
Live-streaming video speaking engagements are possible anywhere in the world with sufficient Internet capacity. Contact Worldview Matters® for more information about this option here.
Topics, Themes and Formats
- 1-hour, 1/2 day (3-hour), 1-day (6-hour) or 2-day (12-hour) in-service training workshops for Christian schools on the topic of biblical worldview contextualization, theology of work, and lesson planning, are available, approved by ACSI for 1 CEU per each 6-hours. Webinars tailored to the needs of your group are also available.
- Contact Worldview Matters via the Contact page of this website and let us know what you are considering. Christian Overman will be happy to personally discuss your needs with you to work out a customized plan for your school or organization.
References and Fees
For references, click here. See also the "What People Are Saying" section on the Home page.
For a partial list of past speaking engagements, click here.
Fees range from $200 for a 1-hour session, to $1,200 for a full-day training workshop (plus materials and travel expenses, when applicable). Contact Worldview Matters® through the Contact page to discuss the nature of what you have in mind.