Doing Business Differently

In this opening session, participants are introduced to the foundational principles of conducting business in a God-honouring way. This session sets the stage for the journey ahead, providing an overview of the course structure and goals.

Identity in Christ is not only the springboard for God-honouring Christian endeavour, but also our protection against the fear of failure and the idolatry of success. In this video, Adelaide shares how her identity in Christ led her to make tough decisions and how God honoured her faithfulness.

By the end of the first chapter of the Bible, God had established work right at the centre of human life and worship. The “why” of work has always been bigger than a paycheque. Dr Nthabiseng’s story is an example of how God can turn personal tragedy into a clear calling in business. In her case, it was to address the issue of affordable quality healthcare.

Jesus called his followers ‘salt and light’. His hearers rubbed salt into meat as a preservative and used oil lamps to dispel darkness. Nothing could have said, ‘engage the world’ as powerfully as this. Craig’s story helps us to see that engagement with the world often comes at a cost, because redeeming a community means meeting real needs.

In His sovereignty, God has chosen to fulfil His purposes through ordinary people like us. There could be no greater burden placed on the need to lead with excellence than this. From humble beginnings, Martin’s faithfulness with the little that God entrusted to him led to positions of great influence where excellent leadership brought order out of chaos.

The goods we produce and the services we provide are all expressions of God’s common grace – His goodness to all, regardless of faith. As such, we can never settle for average. Through his passion for rugby, Joey’s testimony helps us to see what being ‘salt and light’ (Matthew 5:13) in the workplace can look like – and it all begins with doing excellent work.

As those formed in God’s image, creativity is part of who we are. Finding expression for our creativity for the common good, however, is a deliberate act of worship that we must choose. Karabo challenges us as Christians to be people who see the world as it should be, and through courage and faithfulness, work towards creating that world.

What we call generosity, is in fact a reasonable response to the revelation of who God is and what He has done for us. The world of business allows us to respond spectacularly. According to Willem, “Your true significance is how much value you add to other peoples’ lives.” He shares how giving can go beyond money, and the difference business can make in society.

When we understand that God has created and gifted us for a particular purpose, the steps we take to embrace that calling will seem courageous only to those looking on. “It takes courage to see things as they really are.” Dr Rudzani’s gracious but powerful testimony challenges us to ‘earth’ our vocations in the truth of the Bible and the truth of our context.

If success is defined as fulfiling God’s plan for our lives, then it is impossible to succeed without seeking him, and learning from those he selects especially for that purpose. Mergon CEO Pieter Faure reminds us that seeking God is not a once-off event, but a continual exercise in humility, patience and trust.

If it is true (and it is) that God loves us and that in all things (even your business) he works for the good of those who love Him, why would we not want to obey him? God still leads his people to do seemingly strange and unexpected things. For Kerryne, obeying God’s counter-intuitive voice has led to success in business.