Jul 11, 2012
Stewardship of Prayer
This blog series has been dedicated to introducing you to the concept of Stewardship. Stewardship, as I have explained before, takes on many forms: time, family, faith, talent, prayer and treasure. In my last post, I described stewardship as it relates to talent. In this post, we will explore the concept of Stewardship as it relates to prayer.
When we devote time to prayer, we deepen our relationship with God and become better prepared to offer ourselves in service to God and others. Many people approach prayer as a tool to use only when they want or need something from God. The prayer often sounds like, “Lord, help me through this problem and I will do X, Y and/or Z for you.” This becomes somewhat transactional and is the way that I found myself praying in the past. When I took a deep look into the way in which I approached prayer, I realized that I was not humbling myself before God, but simply trying to process a business transaction.
In reality, praying like this could be considered “Acts” Christianity or nothing more than quid pro quo, Latin for “this for that.”
The past several years have just been mind-numbing with change in our communities, our country and overseas as well. We have been bombarded with WikiLeaks, stock market ups and downs, record level unemployment, a housing crisis, threats from North Korea and Iran, and political turmoil in the USA.
However, as we navigate through all of this, we still find one part of our lives that has remained constant —God’s love for us. Regardless of issues we face or turmoil we navigate, we all have been blessed with a God who loves us. We should also be grateful to God that we have shelter, food, and clean water to drink. In addition, we have family and coworkers who love us.
Another aspect of Prayer that I shamefully admit that I have only recently learned is the opportunity for us to do a self-reflection of what is in our heart. I mean, I had heard of the concept, and embraced it superficially, just lightly reflecting on it, but never really made it something that I was going after with tenacity and vigor.
I have had the blessing of being coached by some incredible prayer warriors who have instilled in me the importance of searching areas of my heart that I have yet to release to God. Places of sin, despair, worry and lack of faith. This takes time to do, and it is actually fairly upsetting when you consciously outline to yourself the areas you have left to let go to God. It’s not easy. It takes humility and the willingness to release any amount of control thinking, but it is the most rewarding and liberating aspect of being a fully devoted follower of Christ.
As we approach probably what will be increasingly greater times of difficulty, I know that I am going to concentrate on thanking God, hopefully more so in my prayers than asking God for a good deal. So, personally, over the next few months, these are a few thoughts I will be praying and reflecting on:
- When I pray, do I thank God more than I ask God for a deal?
- Do I reflect and give thanks before every meal, regardless of circumstance or location?
- What can I do for God and the advancement of His Kingdom?
- Do I believe that everything I have is a gift from God?
- Is prayer simply a task on my schedule that can be postponed or canceled?
- Am I willing to make a commitment to prioritize prayer?
- Do I believe that prayer consists simply of words and phrases, or do I believe that it impacts my relationship with God?
- Have I considered inviting friends or family to join me in prayer?
Therefore, my challenge for you is this: Do you know what you are thankful for? And are you willing to thank God for all He has done for us, even in the face of all the adversity we experience? What are you thankful for? We would love to know. Please share your thoughts here with our community of readers.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Stewardship Series
Jun 28, 2012
Stewardship of Talent
This series has been focused on introducing you to the concept of Stewardship. Stewardship takes on many forms; time, family, faith, talent, prayer and treasure. In the previous post, I described stewardship as it relates to family. In this post, I will examine the concept of Stewardship as it relates to talent.
All of us are blessed with talents. These talents are what make each one of us unique, different from one another. It continues to amaze me as I grow older the stark uniqueness and individuality of all of us, regardless of our similarities in where and how we grew up, where we were educated or where we worship or work.
We clearly are so different from one another!
I believe that our Talents are created by God and are so special that they were determined before we were even put on this earth. Because of this, I think it is important that if we were all created uniquely for a special purpose, that we respect and understand our unique Talents and differences.
Having worked in HR for over twenty years and having witnessed some of the most unimaginable demonstrations of lack of leadership, I believe the most damaging are those leaders who fail to appreciate the Talent differences among the people who work for them and the organizations they lead. God created artistic people and God created analytical people. Without the stark difference of the Talents offered by each, we would still be living in primitive conditions. We must recognize the Talents of others and make an effort to lift all Talents up, and not just some.
The most damaging act a leader can commit is one of diminishing one’s Talents not only directly to the person but to the person’s co-workers. Several years ago there was a highly talented, big-thinking, out of the box, strategic manager who was leading the accounting department for a company I served. This guy would have never been able to get the company to where it was without the Talents he was given by God. His lack of resources, people, and finances were made up for by his sheer devotion and imagination as to how to get more done with less, and make it work. Unfortunately, he fell victim to a new boss. This new boss came into the organization accustomed to having large amounts of staff, resources, and finances. He quickly dismissed anything the big thinker was doing, often ridiculing him in front of others and embarrassing him ruthlessly for weeks. Ultimately, the accounting executive was pushed to the side. To this day, I don’t think the new leader has any concept of what his lack of appreciation for Talent had done to the organization.
That organization had potential, but now it barely gets by and people hate working there. How do I know? The employees keep calling me asking for help to get out!
My challenge to you, therefore, is to think deeply and consult with your loved ones on discovering what your Talents are. What Talents make you unique? Most important, how will you use these Talents within your family, your church, and your community?
My next challenge is for you to uncover what Talents your coworkers have. What makes them unique? How do they like to spend their time when they are not working?
As we continue to grow and prosper as the body of Christ, let us do so by understanding others and ourselves at a greater level, so we can rise above our differences and continue to build the Church for a better tomorrow.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Stewardship Series
Jun 10, 2012
Stewardship of Family
This column is dedicated to introducing you to the concept of Stewardship. Stewardship takes on many forms; Time, Family, Faith, Talent, Prayer and Treasure. In the previous post in this series, I described stewardship as it relates to our time. In this post, I would like to introduce you to the concept of Stewardship of Family.
As I researched this article, I came across St. Patrick’s Church in Largo, Florida, that outlines seven signs of a stewardship family. They are:
- time together
- family prayer
- respect
- worshiping together
- supporting one another
- shared responsibilities
- service to others
I would like to write about two of these areas, time together and supporting one another. The first one, time together, means just that, spending time together with no distractions, no cell phones, no TV and no Internet. It is hard to do with a culture so inundated with distractions, but it is important. I know one family with teens that has a “no texting” policy in their car. That way, the teens and their parents can have focused conversations, without distractions.
Time together can also be accomplished by volunteering in the community. What better way to demonstrate compassion than to help the elderly or the homeless together as a family? What is especially inspiring is when we hear stories of employees’ families who support other employees’ families in times of need. This is done not in a formal way, but out of concern for another employee’s situation.
Families helping families — what a wonderful way to share your family’s kindness.
The second area, supporting one another, can easily be accomplished by sharing household responsibilities. Shared responsibilities means that no job or household chore is restricted to parents or children. In order for a family to operate, it needs teamwork, which means that everyone pitches in, using their unique talents to help better the family. Children should not rely solely on the parents to do everything, and neither should parents rely solely on their children to carry the burdens of managing the household. It is so encouraging when we experience a family where each member feels it contributes to the good of the whole. A good example would be a family where the smaller children set the table, the teens help with dishes or cleaning, and the parents show their appreciation for this.
Living in Lancaster County has exposed me to the plain life of Amish and Mennonite people. When you spend time with a plain family, you quickly realize that the family functions are interdependent, all the way down to the four- and five-year-olds. Each family member has responsibilities, chores, and oftentimes if a chore is missed, it could result in a late meal or spoiled crops!
One aspect of helping to be a good Steward of your family is to instill a motto, a word, or a saying that can help guide the family though difficult times. A few years ago we had a series at church that was based solely on the word, “Others.” The organization of this series stemmed from one family’s experience with the word. You see, this word was so important for one family; it was the one word that was passed on to each new generation. In my family I use the three words, “God, Family, Education,” to try to keep us focused on what is important.
In closing, it is important to note that families almost always default to stewardship behavior because it is natural behavior, and most family members want to support each other. It is important to know how your family relates to these forms of Family Stewardship and in what areas your family is strong and what areas need work.
Please take some time thinking and discussing this with your family, for we only have one life to share with each other.
It is important that we all feel we contribute together with uplifting attitudes and, most important, with purpose and good intentions for our families.
Please help our community of readers by sharing experiences that you have had in your attempt to be a good Steward of your family. We appreciate your comments.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Stewardship Series
May 30, 2012
Stewardship of Time
In the previous post of this series, I introduced the concept of Stewardship. Stewardship takes on many forms; Time, Faith, Talent, Family, Prayer, and Treasure. Today, I would like to shed some light on Time. We all lead busy lives, whether we are driving our children to events, helping our family members with chores and child rearing, or just managing our daily commitments. We never seem to have enough Time.
Many of us fall victim to not having Time to help others. A perfect example of this was when, a few years ago, a colleague of mine at a company where I was leading HR, told me of a similar dilemma she had faced. She was an administrative employee who worked in a very rural area of our country. She shared with me some of her volunteering experiences.
A little over ten years ago, she began volunteering her Time at a local Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Foundation fundraiser. Not long after, her friend’s child was diagnosed with an MD-related disease. This was a turning point for her. She had to decide whether to go about her life every day without doing something to help others, or she could choose to make an impact on our world by helping others, by giving something back to the community. That day, she made the decision to donate her Time in a big way to the MD Foundation and has spent countless hours doing so since then. This young lady did not stop with the giving of her Time. When she saw that men and women of the armed services stationed overseas needed help from people back at home, she helped spearhead a grass roots program called, “Thanks to our Yanks.” She drove the effort to ensure that all money collected for this program through fundraising events went directly to providing personalized care packages for the troops, versus administrative fees from other organizations. Today, this program has provided over four hundred care packages to about fifty service men and woman in Mercer County, Ohio.
Wow, one young lady in the middle of a cornfield making a very real difference! My question to you, dear Christian business leader, is: Do you initiate and encourage this type of behavior? Do you foster a workplace that builds up your community? If you do, you are helping to build a “Kingdom Minded” organization.
I am going to challenge you further today to think deeply about what you have chosen to do with your Time in the community in which you live. What type of volunteering do you do? What organizations receive your time? I can tell you that, before I was saved, I did nothing. Then I grew in my faith and started to do more for others. Now, as I write this, I know I am taking myself even further to get other Christians motivated to ratchet it up, not only in themselves but in their companies!
We would love to hear from you on what it is you are doing to build a “Kingdom Minded” organization. This is a great time for you to tell us about what you do, or a time to reflect about what you could do in the future. Please feel free to comment on this topic.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Stewardship Series
May 22, 2012
Christian Stewardship
Having been exposed to the concept of Stewardship several years ago, I have set out to define the concept from my unique experiences and perspective. I cannot take credit for the concept of Stewardship as it relates to Christianity. Although I have never been able to confirm with certainty, I believe this concept of Stewardship actually originated in the Catholic Church. However, many other denominations, including Evangelicals, have begun embracing the multifaceted concept of Stewardship. I personally like it. Not from an “easy rules to follow” standpoint, but as a nice neat package of a variety of ways we can give back to others. When I say “give back to others,” I say it because, when you think about it, it all really should be about others: our neighbors, our coworkers, the people we lead, and our families. But also let’s remember Matthew 25:40.
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (New International Version, ©2011)
In this series, I would like to shed some light on the area of Stewardship. Oftentimes when people think of Stewardship, they think of finances and the giving of their finances. This is a common misconception. Stewardship takes on many forms. The following are other examples: Time, Faith, Talent, Family, Prayer, and, finally, Treasure, which many people also interpret as finances. As Christians, we often forget how we might impact not only our coworkers, but also the communities in which we live, work and do business. In this blog series, I will be exploring the concept of Stewardship and what and how it may apply to Christ followers.
I hope you will follow along on this journey with me. You may learn a lot about yourself. I know I have.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Christian Stewardship Series
Feb 14, 2012
Good News for Tumultuous Business Times- Radio Series Launched to Inspire Christian Business Owners
Contact: Keith Wilson, Praise His Name, 740.264.4604; Mark A.Griffin, In HIS Name HR LLC, 717.572.2183.
Wintersville, OH – FEB 14,2012 /Christian Newswire/ “Praise HIS Name” in partnership with “In HIS Name HR LLC” announce the launch of a twelve week radio series highlighting faith in the Christian owned workplace. Tune in and enjoy listening to Mark A. Griffin, Chief Consultant, inspire you as he dialogues with host Dee Kovach, exploring twelve inspiring weeks of Christian Business topics.
Week 1-Why do you need to build a “Kingdom Minded” company?
Week 2-What is a “Kingdom Minded” company?
Week 3- What is an Organizational Mission?
Week 4- What is an Organizational Vision?
Week 5- What are Organizational Core Values?
Week 6- HR Practices, what are they?
Week 7-How to integrate Your Mission, Vision and Core Values into your HR Practices
Week 8-How to hire the best candidates for your company
Week 9- How to manage employees to their potential within your company
Week 10- How to get your non-performers off the bus
Week 11- Ways to effectively introduce Christ into your workplace
Week 12- How best to develop and manage your Company Culture
In HIS Name HR LLC specializes in Christian business consulting for Christian owned companies who want to integrate Christ into their workplaces through the implementation of High Performance Organization HR practices.
In HIS Name HR LLC’s mission is to provide world class business consulting by assisting our clients in their quest to be prosperous and “Kingdom Minded.” We provide progressive Human Resources programs that will increase profitability, eliminate non-value added practices, increase productivity, improve quality and, most importantly, enhance employee well being.
“Praise His Name” is the place where listeners can tune in and hear interviews, music from today’s best Christian artists, inspirational messages, sermons from area pastors, talk shows with a Christian-based theme and yes, even comedy. Praise his Name is an Internet based radio station that allows on demand listening to what you want to hear, when you want to hear it. Best of all, the station is available 24-hours a day.
Praise His Name’sMission is to be the Voice calling out on the Internet! An oasis of Peace, Truth, Grace and Love in a world looking for real answers.
Learn more about Mark A. Griffin and his quest to help the Christian owned company live their faith by visiting him at www.InHISNameHR.com, or call him 717.572.2183 or contact him on www.Twitter.com/InHISNameHR.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Events, Kingdom Company Building
Jan 6, 2012
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this wonderful non profit organization with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. ABWE is an equal opportunity employer.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism New Cumberland World Headquarters location is currently seeking a Part Time Kitchen Coordinator to join its Team.
The Kitchen Coordinator for ABWE Events: Coordinator will plan, purchase, prepare and serve meals and snacks during breaks in conjunction with event planner’s objectives and budget and agreed upon service level standards for each event.
Some of the Qualifications include:
- Good cook and baker
- Good organizational skills
- Good people skills
- Good food presentation experience
Some of the Necessary Attributes include:
- Takes initiative
- Strong relational skills
- Energetic and deadline oriented
- Strong communication skills
- Able to work alone or in a team environment
- Cheerful
- Self-disciplined
Christian Life:
As an employee of ABWE you are an important member of a Christian organization. All staff members are Christian missionaries and are required to participate in chapel services. Because of the nature of our ministry it is absolutely necessary that you possess and maintain a lifestyle that is above reproach.
Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
Attn: Mr. Neil Glotfelty
P.O. Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105
eng@abwe.org
www.abwe.org
Please no phone calls!
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Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For
Dec 9, 2011
In an economy where jobs are scarce, we are proud to be retained in assisting this wonderful non profit organization with filling this very import position. Please apply directly using the contact information below. Principles only, no agencies or recruiters thank you. ABWE is an equal opportunity employer.
The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism New Cumberland World Headquarters location is currently seeking a Donor Communications Specialist to join its Team. Reporting to the Director of Advancement this position is part of ABWE Foundation’s Advancement Team, supporting our efforts to raise over $45 million annually (primarily through missionaries), with a concentration on capital campaigns and donor relationship management designed to preserve the missionary support and to raise $2-3 million for projects and the home office. The Donor Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting the creation and distribution of regular and special communication pieces to our donor base, for both current and planned gift purposes.
Some of the responsibilities will include:
- Work with Advancement Team to provide messaging (copy and content) for all elements of the Advancement Team’s strategy for cultivation of ABWE Foundation’s donor base for current and planned gifts, including appeal mailings, reporting, donor letters, email and web content, campaign pieces, etc.
- Coordinate with Advancement Team and Donor Relationship Managers (DRMs), including the President, to develop tailored communication for specific donor types and prospects.
- Serve as project manager, editor and principal writer for tailored communication pieces to major individual and Corporate/Foundation donors around the world. Scope of work will include: providing regular, targeted program updates to high net worth donors; strategic communication pieces for unrestricted donors; and coordination of communication to specific donor groups.
Some of the qualifications of the position include:
- Minimum of 3-5 years related work experience in development, customer relations, marketing or public relations.
- Demonstrated outstanding writing and editing skills, preferably with experience writing to donor audiences at various giving levels with an attuned skill for English-language grammar.
- Experience and knowledge in writing and sending donor solicitations with various delivery methods and for maximum results and impact. Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Excel); familiarity with other design and communication software is a plus and Experience with donor database management (Raiser’s Edge, DonorDirect or similar) and content management systems (Blackbaud NetCommmunity, Microsoft CRM or similar) or related
software is a plus.
Education: Minimum 4 year degree with emphasis in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Marketing preferred.
Christian Life:
As an employee of ABWE you are an important member of a Christian organization. All staff members are Christian missionaries and are required to participate in chapel services. Because of the nature of our ministry it is absolutely necessary that you possess and maintain a lifestyle that is above reproach.
Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
Attn: Mr. Neil Glotfelty
P.O. Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105
eng@abwe.org
www.abwe.org
Please no phone calls!
Want to get future vacancies and blog updates? Subscribe here: Click
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Now Recruiting For
Aug 30, 2011
Romans 12:8 (NIV) “if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. “
Over the past several weeks I have encountered a variety of circumstances where I have witnessed extreme cases of generosity. These were situations where someone deliberately went out of their way to help a random “somebody” Not a friend or a relative but someone they did not know at all. As Christian’s we are called to help each other, not just other Christians, for when we do so we shine the light of Christ though us. Several years ago we had a campaign regarding “Others” at my church home. I learned a lot through the sermon series but I also learned a lot from hearing from people who had been a recipient of someone who had acted on their impulse to help another in need. The impact that was made to the recipient was heart changing and ultimately affected the direction on that person’s life.
What impact have you made this week to another’s life? What impact to the lives of your co-workers will you make this week? If you commit to be an encouragement to your Team, if you make an impact to those you work with but not yet know you, you are helping to build a “Kingdom Minded” company.
Help our community of readers
What experiences have you had in the workplace that made it a better day for you and your coworkers? What have you done to be an encouragement at work?
Post your comments below.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Inspiration
Aug 3, 2011
In the past several years I have had the honor of meeting with Christian professionals across a variety of states. These professionals are potential clients, business partners, Christian professionals in the radio and television industry, Pastors of small congregations and Pastors of mega Churches as well. Although we are living in historical times in the areas of the housing crisis, stock market collapse, record deficit spending, global conflict, environmental disasters of record proportion and the moral decay of our society, (wow- I know a long list!) I feel a sense of calm from the Christian community.
What is really inspiring is when you take a step back from it, and really look at it with focus, the sense of calmness is causing non-Christians to take notice, because they are being attracted to what they see as the strengthening of our belief.
As I continue to meet with these optimistic business people, one trend tends to stick out. They all remain focused on remaining true to their faith but also feel a stronger obligation because of the current turmoil to express their appreciation of their relationship with God as their stronghold against earthly desires and struggles. We have had trials in our world before. We have experienced wars, the great depression, 9-11, etc. But we have never experienced the overwhelming amount of global change and conflict as we are today. It is so strong many have chosen to not watch the news any longer, many are just tuning out!
The most important thing I find Christian Business owners wanting to do is to be able to reach their people with the faith message without offending them.
I agree this is what many of us are called to do, we just don’t know how and are often scared and intimidated to do so. That is why I am here. I am here to help you through the process, to coach you to encourage you and to develop your Human Resource processes to help you be the company you want to be, not just for you but for God.
So yes dear readers, we are blessed to know the good news. We know God will protect us and carry us through anything that lies ahead. My challenge to you is to do so with encouragement to others around you. Too continue to shine the light for all to see, make people want to be like you for what you have in your heart. Bring more people to the party, many are looking for something because of these times, and you know what to give them.
Mark A. Griffin | Blog, Inspiration
