Faith at Work

Welcome to our web page which looks at how we as Christians can develop our Faith at work.

Mission

To share examples of Faith at Work, that is faith in action in everyday situations and places, so that we may be encouraged as we see these evidences of God working in our lives and the lives of those around us.
To encourage workplace discipleship, where people can demonstrate their Christian faith through their work and workplace.
To provide resources, support and encouragement for every one who is striving to live out their Christian faith wherever God has placed them.

The words of Alan Ecclestone, Priest & Spiritual Writer 1904-1992 are especially true and relevant in our society today, as we reflect on what God is doing:

“All of life is spiritual, for all is part of God’s creation. There is no division between sacred and secular, work and worship, religion and politics. Spirituality is not apart from our daily lives, it is our daily lives. But it is a life with a cutting edge not avoiding the pain or fear.”

Testimonies: Is there place for God in the workplace?

The media have highlighted the fact that there seems to be pressure (real or imaginary) being brought to bear on Christians in the workplace, which suggests that it is no longer acceptable to be open about ones faith, beliefs and values. We would like to explore this aspect and are looking for opportunities to encourage Christians to share with others through the use of this web page, what it feels like in the workplace where God has placed them, is the environment open, do colleagues ask them questions or is the subject of Christian and faith a no-go area in 2010.

We are delighted to be able to begin this discussion with a contribution from Tom Crotty, who is a Senior member of the board of Ineos, the International Chemical Manufacturer, who has taken over the Manufacturing assets of a number of the businesses of ICI as well as other chemical companies. Read full article

If you are willing to share your experience with others then please get in touch with us by sending your contribution to Victoria Day at Church House

Current Projects...

The Salt of the Earth Initiative

Its aim is to bring together Businesses, Education, Communities and Churches; to celebrate the contribution which the God given assets and natural resources of salt, coal, water, have given over many years to the lives of those living in Cheshire.

Salt is a very important product as is used for domestic and industrial purposes and forms the building block of a number of other Chemical and Pharmaceutical businesses which continue to be critical in providing wealth and employment across Cheshire (Soda Ash, Caustic, Chlorine, Hydrogen, Glass and many others). It is also important spiritually – Christ teaches us to be ‘salt and light’ (Matt 5:13 – 16).

‘Salt Sunday’ is one way that Chester Diocese celebrates and thanks God for the provision of Salt as well as other assets and raw materials which have contributed so greatly to the health and wealth of Cheshire over the years.

Implicit in SOE`s vision is that eventually the revolution which Jesus started 2000+ years ago will create a society based on Kingdom values. The Church of England has launched a website for schools and identifies 15 core values which can help us put that vision into practise. (Christian values for schools website)

After Sunday - Cartoon © Dave Walker/www.cartoonchurch.com 'After Sunday'

After Sunday's Vision is of Christian disciples, who, by integrating their faith with their daily life and work, become more effective partners in God's mission to the world, so enabling their communities to flourish. They want to encourage Christian people:

To reflect on their encounter with God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit in daily work and life, discovering new ways to respond to his call
To relate the Good News of the Gospel to the contexts in which they live and work, in ways that seek to liberate and transform
To engage with the world and its challenges in ways that point to the hopeful promise of God's kingdom on earth

For more details contact 'After Sunday'

London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)

The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity was founded in 1982 by John Stott to equip Christians to make a radical difference for Christ in the contemporary world - in their workplaces, neighbourhoods, schools and colleges. LICC's role is to:

Envision and equip Christians - and the leaders, churches and organisations that serve them - with the biblical framework, practical resources and models to engage biblically, relevantly and vigorously with the issues they face in today's world.
Develop and disseminate expertise in specific areas of contemporary life.

'Take your Minister to Work'

This is a partnership project of: Industrial Christian Fellowship , Churches together in Cheshire and North Western Baptist Association . For the last two years it has been supported by the Salt of the Earth Initiative and seeks to:

Help Christians forge closer links between their faith and their working lives
Help churches & local clergy to develop a greater understanding of the world of work
Develop relationships & networking opportunities between churches and local businesses for mutual benefit
Make churches aware of the particular challenges and struggles that are faced by employers and employees within their local community
Affirm and encourage local businesses

For more details contact Revd. Phil Jump

Mission in the Economy

Mission in the Economy works together with Faith Communities, the Public Sector, the Retail, the Commercial & Business Sectors and Voluntary organizations in the economic life of Merseyside and parts of Cheshire. They have a number of part-time Chaplains, who provide a very valuable support to those working across these diverse sectors. For more details email missionintheeconomy@hotmail.com

Resources

Discipleship courses

Reports

Presentations

After Sunday: The Joy of Work? - presentation given by Peter Sincalir at the 'Joy of Work?' event
Salt of the Earth Flicker Group - ‘Engaging with Work’ resources from LICC
Weaver Hall Museum - would be able to loan out items relating to salt, some chemical industry history, social history and photographs. Contact Tom Hughes
Salt of the Earth Flicker Group - pictures relating to the Salt works

Articles

"Thank God for Salt" As Britain experiences the cold weather, Rev Phil Jump (North West Baptist Association Regional Minister) reflects on the services we take for granted, especially the role of the Salt industry. Read article

Books

LICC – Great Divide "The Great Divide?”

Mark Greene (Executive Director of LICC) writes on the biggest challenge facing the church today… and what we can do about it. This book challenges us afresh to consider the potential impact of truly biblical living in today's world. It won't be easy, but whole-life gospel living could bring revolution to our churches, our nation ... this planet. Order your copy

Links - A list of useful websites relating to 'Faith at Work' and workplace discipleship.

We are keen to encourage others from Business, Education and Communities to join us, if you would like more information or details of future events please contact (Chester diocese link contact) If you would like to give us some feedback on how we can improve the web pages please email