Chapter 6: Work:
Cooperation with God’s Reconciling Mission
Early jobs in the fast food industry where the turnover is 300%.
STRANGELY QUIET. The church has not developed a concept of work. It has been silent and has let the cultural norms be accepted.
THE SLOW CHURCH APPROACH TO WORK. First, we have to recognize that we are not in control. Good work is cooperation with God. Work is not a curse, but is important for cooperating with God.
ADAM SMITH AND THE DIVISION OF LABOR.
TAYLORISM AND THE ASSEMBLY LINE. Both Smith and Taylor’s methods dehumanized work.
THE MCDONALDIZATION OF WORK. McDonald’s has a “Bible” that tells its employees how everything should be done. Many Christians approach the real Bible the same way.
NUTURING GOOD WORK IN OUR CHURCHES.
- Help people recognize and prefer good work over bad work.
- Explore the possibilities (and limitations) of work as worship.
- Champion work-related justice.
- Recognize the human resources within our congregations and leverage them in the reconciling work of the kingdom.