TRANSFERABLE ETHICS AND SKILLS FROM CHURCH TO WORK PLACE

Transferable Ethics and Skills from Church to Work Place

Introduction

It is said, “If you do not stand for anything, you will fall for anything.” Also, “Success is 90% preparation and 10% perspiration” In every situation of demand on you to do something, there is almost always opportunity for development and improvement.

Several people wonder where to start from after school in job search, business start-up or investing in a venture. Their dilemma is precipitated as a result of lack of experience on the job market and the work place. Particularly, those who have opportunity to study abroad are hit harder due to their inability to secure a company with which they could undertake internships. Fortunately, tertiary education exposes the youth and undergraduates to many experiences that are equally essential for the market place. It’s however sad to acknowledge that many young people take these opportunities with a pinch of salt. The situation becomes more dicey when many young people spend several hours a week in church meetings and activities, whiles their colleagues might be on the lookout for something to do or an opportunity to invest and enlarge their horizon. This article seeks to help Christian youths to identify necessary Bible work ethics; understand practical ways to apply godly work ethics as approved workers and encourage transfer of relevant skills from service in Church to the work place (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

Fundamentals of Ethics

The word ETHICS brings into focus two questions:  What is wrong or right? and What is the best way for people to live and work? The word was derived from the Greek word ethikos (ethos – habit). It should be noted that ethics refers to the study and perception of what one believes to be true and right; an ongoing process of assessing a belief system and moral conduct to ensure that people and organizations follow due procedures of standards that have solid foundation and a methodical process which involves safeguarding and advancing codes which clearly shows right and wrong behaviour.

Ethics therefore involve a set of concepts and principles that guide us in determining what behavior helps or harms sentient creatures; a principled approach which borders on the integrity needed to achieve a desired outcome and a consequential effect arising from following laid down procedures. Two Schools of thought are explained here. Process/procedural approach emphasizes diligent application of required or set out procedures and processes that are highly likely to produce an intended outcome. The processes and procedures, as well as the eventual outcome have been set as a result of experience, history and practice. This conceptual view highlights the need to follow procedure because it is the only way to measure performance against standards and the best way to notice departure from set targets for necessary actions to be taken. Outcome/benefit approach on the other hand is result oriented. This view focuses on achievement. This is “the end justifies the means concept”. Processes and procedures do not matter so far as good results are achieved. What is good or wrong is therefore defined by what results one is able to achieve and not how to get it.

 

Godly Work Ethics for Christian Workers

What does the Bible teach? The Bible identifies key ethical conducts that are essential for success at the workplace. However, the Bible does not separate the character of the believer from his behaviour. This character is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in a man that causes the fruit of the spirit to emerge. A practical understanding can be enhanced from Bible narrative and characters such as the story of the talents, Gehazi, Young Prophet, Balaam, Paul, etc. (Philippians 4:8)

It’s important to mention that the ethics espoused here are deep rooted in the believer’s character and relationship with God. There cannot be any Bible based ethics devoid of the Christian’s character before God. These can be summarized in what the bible refers to as “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:23b). Jesus puts it bluntly “But let your communication be yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matthew 5:37).  James contributes to this concept by emphasizing in his submission “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” (James 5:12).  First, be a man or a woman of your word. Second, follow due standards contained in coded and oral instructions and honour them. Third, respect superiors and colleagues and be diplomatic in your dealings with them. Forth, be faithful to tasks and appointing authority and always manifest honesty. Lastly, demonstrate accountability, hard work, and timeliness.  

 

Transferable Skills from Service in Church to the Workplace

In the church, especially among student-based fellowships, there are many opportunities for acquisition of soft and lasting skills that have the potential to propel one to successful career development.  In my role as leader, trainer and events manager, I am well aware of enormous opportunities available to anyone who really pursue adding corporate values to him/herself before hitting the job market. Many events and activities are conducted throughout out the year. The best part is that these youth groups and student fellowships add so much innovation to the activities that are done. Activities range from design and management of usual church services, weekend special meetings, seminars, workshops, training programs, summits, and conferences. There are other auxiliary activities such as booklet writing, magazine publications, book writing, featured article writings, video coverage, sound management, journalism, etc. These require skills like planning, implementation of plans, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting and financial reporting, events coordination and management, report writing, information management and guest reception. Other necessary skills are logistics handling (planning, ordering, storing and issuing materials); interpersonal skills and people management: team building, leading, management.  Equally, other skills such as teaching, performing arts, organizing, written and oral communication are usual in high demand during some activities. These skills can be developed through participation in the activities and conferences that are organized by the such fellowships and youth groups. Although the activities are intended for the purpose of ensuring church growth, they are avenues for capacity development. These soft skills will come handy sometime in future when they are required to be applied to a new venture. Participants are expected to manifest teachable spirits, hard work, sacrifice, humility and paying attention to details.  You stand the chance of acquiring multiple skills that will give you leverage during job search.

 

Challenges in Applying Godly Ethics at the Workplace

Society and organizations are in dire need of people of high ethical standards. Job owners wish to trust people with the fortunes but are afraid of the turnout they might receive (the man who was given one talent). Also, the workplace is replete with people who are greedy, saboteurs, of corrupt hearts and minds, connive to commit evil, lack of conviction, full of doubts and fears, lack of faith, and trust in God. In spite of these challenges, two things will always stand out: your principle approach to doing things (ethical conduct) and skills and talents. Even in the case of falsehood that might get you pushed out of a job, these ‘duo’ essential components will pave way for bigger, better and brighter opportunities.

 

Conclusion

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, KJV). This goes to emphasize that make good use of every opportunity to add value to yourself, be diligent and passionate about what you do (Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11). You must make hay while sun shines. As you undertake this journey, remember to build strong principles in you which will enable you to stand your ground when temptations surface. These principles (ethics) should be inherent in your disposition as Christian. By these, you can represent God everywhere and at any level in the corporate world, and also bring honour and dignity to yourself, family and the institution you work with. The market place is prepared for you, but are you prepared for the market place?                          

Ernest Kwame Affum, PhD., Lecturer, Management Consultant, Author and Trainer          

*Article was first published in Wuhan ICF Magazine, 2018