MODULE 105PATHWAYS

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Contact Person

Dr. Mario Denton

Crown Financial Ministries Marketplace Programme Director for Africa

Africa Director for FCCI (The Fellowship for Companies for Christ International)

CEO STRONG MESSAGE BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Let's keep the good marketplace vibes alive. Let's network. Tel (w) + 27(0) 82 88 29903. E-mail address: mario@crown.org.za Website: www.crown.org.za and click on

marketplace

E-mail address: marden@mweb.co.za website: www.strongmessage.co.za

Skype: mario.denton

PATHWAYS We believe the pursuit of Life, Leadership, Ministry and Business will help

build Kingdom Leaders and Kingdom Companies, who will bring about

transformation in the market-place.

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Kingdom LeaderA transformed business leader called to ministry in the market-place, daily

reflecting Christ in all relationships and through business excellence.

Kingdom CompanyA business where the key leaders embrace in every aspect of their role the

purpose of God and His righteousness.

Our Strategic Plan• To make the word of God available to business leaders.

• To provide resources to pastors to help them equip business leaders.

A journey with Christ, in the pursuit of personal and business transformation.

These pathways, when followed intentionally and fervently, will produce:

Kingdom Leaders and Kingdom Companies, whose purpose is to bring about

transformation in the market-place.

Spiritual maturity

God created us to bring Him glory on this earth and to participate in His Kingdom

work. Our work is a means of honouring the Lord as a full part of His creation

plan. We are anointed to be His servants and therefore we must pursue a

pathway to spiritual maturity in order to accomplish His perfect plan for our lives.

Life in BalanceTrue balance helps us pursue priorities with maximum effectiveness for His

purposes.

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Life with WisdomHearing from God brings great wisdom to establish principles in every area of

life.

Life with Family and OthersA growing relationship with God results in a growing love of others.

Life with GodThe ultimate pursuit of life is to establish and foster a living relationship with the

living God.

Spiritual Maturity Self-AssessmentGod created us to bring Him glory on this earth and to participate in His kingdom

work. Our work is a means of honouring the Lord as a full part of His creation

plan. We are anointed to be His servants and therefore we must pursue a

pathway to spiritual maturity in order to accomplish His perfect plan for our lives.

Below are twenty aspects that reveal some characteristics of spiritual maturity.

Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and growth,

and then tick the appropriate column.

Luke 2:52: Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours:

1=Never2=Seldom3=Frequently4=Usually5=Always

1 2 3 4 5Life in Balance

1 My view of business is changing. 2 I see evidence of the work of the Lord all around me. 3 I have a healthy balance concerning people and

profits.

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4 I am accountable to others and transparent to them in crucial areas of my life.

5 My schedule and spending reflect the proper balance of relationships with God, family and work in my life.Life with Wisdom

6 My love for the Lord changes my choices.7 I realise adversity builds character. 8 My relationship with Christ is influencing my

worldview. 9 I pray and use God’s Word in making decisions. 10 My wisdom stems from a growing relationship with

God.Life with Family and Others

11 My relationships are healthy and growing.12 My response to conflict and crisis is improving.13 I reflect God’s love to others.14 I ask for forgiveness from others, admitting my

weaknesses and mistakes.15 I am investing in the lives of others through mentoring

and discipleship.Life with God

16 I am an active follower of Jesus Christ. 17 My spiritual disciplines are consistent and increasing. 18 God’s purposes are increasingly reflected in my

motives.19 God is integrated in all areas of my life. 20 I live my life to please God and not man only.

Spiritual Maturity Self-Assessment (continued)

How did you do? The degree of “evidence” is a measure, though subjective of

course, of your current maturity in Christ.

Determine today to focus on at least those aspects that you can attend to right

away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.

Servant Leadership

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God works through leadership in every facet of life. Therefore good leadership is

critical to any organisation. In the leadership development pathway members will

learn the essence of servant leadership and move towards honing their

leadership skills.

The Task of LeadershipA leader’s responsibility is larger than what he can do by himself. The ability to

recruit and energise a team is essential.

The Means of LeadershipHow to take conversations deeper and to get to core issues. Conversations that

change things. How a leader deals with conflict will dictate whether he rises or

falls.

The Heart of LeadershipLeadership begins with the leader. Leadership is built from the inside out. If we

want to lead and manage others, we must begin with ourselves.

The Source of LeadershipAs the most influential and critical book in history, God’s “special revelation” (The

Bible) to His beloved mankind is the authority on Servant Leadership.

Servant Leadership Self-AssessmentGod works through leaders in every facet of life. Good leadership is critical to

every organisation.

Below are twenty aspects that reveal some characteristics of the servant leader.

Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and growth

and then tick the appropriate column.

Proverbs 29:4: A leader of good judgment gives stability.

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Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours:

1=Never2=Seldom3=Frequently4=Usually5=Always

1 2 3 4 5The task of leadership

1 I am inspiring staff to do their best.2 I encourage and support staff in using their gifts,

talents and skills.3 As a leader, I value relationships and work hard to

strengthen and preserve them.4 There is a prevailing sense of “we’re all in this

together”. 5 Working relationships are best described as

collaborative, not competitive. The means of leadership

6 Staff understand how their colleagues fit into the system — what they do, where they excel, and how they add value. Means of Leadership Always

7 I allow others to hold me accountable. 8 I seek to understand the other person before trying to

be understood.9 When someone is critical of me I try to find out more

rather than get upset or angry.10 As a leader, I provide a consistent, positive example

of valuing and nurturing relationships and resolving conflict biblically.The heart of leadership

11 I enjoy finding out about other people and why they think the way they do.

12 I demonstrate humility well. 13 I am faithful in keeping my commitments14 I admit my weaknesses and mistakes, and ask for

forgiveness.15 I make decisions with input from others.

Life with God16 I feel that I am more of a coach than a boss. e

Source of Leadership Always Usually17 Staff at all levels are united by a common purpose,

direction and set of values.18 I pray daily and use God’s Word when making

decisions.

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19 I obey God’s principles in business. 20 I fulfil my role as if God owned the company,

entrusting the success of the business and my future to His will.

Servant Leadership Self-Assessment (continued)

How did you do? Determine today to focus at least on those aspects that you can

attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.

Market-place Ministry

Work is ministry and ministry is work. Your business or career can be the most

challenging and fulfilling ministry anyone can ask for. On the Ministry

Development path we will develop and implement a ministry plan that impacts

employees, customers, suppliers and the market-place for Christ.

Ministry TransformationThe ultimate goal of market-place ministry is to see God’s transforming power

work through us in our sphere of influence.

Ministry ActionHaving a good plan motivates us to implementation. God would have us to be

people of commitment, which is followed by steps of intentional action.

Ministry PlanningAs planning is important to the proper running of a business, the process of

planning is essential in fulfilling our calling as market-place ministers.

Ministry Principles

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In doing God’s work in the market-place it is essential that we operate according

to the way God works and according to His values.

Market-place Ministry Self-AssessmentDo you see your business, profession or career as a ministry of God? Do you

understand there is an eternal perspective in all that you do in the workplace?

Below are twenty statements that highlight aspects of ministry in the market-

place. Reflect on these statements, asking God to reveal areas of strength and

growth, and then tick the appropriate column.

Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these

things will be given to you as well.

Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours:

1=Never2=Seldom3=Frequently4=Usually5=Always

1 2 3 4 5Ministry transformation

1 In the company, people are moving forward in their spiritual journey.

2 I see evidence of love, grace, peace and joy being exhibited to those who come in contact with the company.

3 There is a culture of prayer, evident within the leaders and Christian employees in the business.

4 Employees, customers and suppliers know the company operates on biblical principles and values.

5 The company has an increasing testimony and impact in the industry and community.Ministry action

6 My actions reflect that I understand we are merely stewards, NOT owners of the company or department.

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7 We have company resources allocated to assist staff in special times of need, such as financial or family crises.

8 Through the company's Human Resources policy, staff are treated fairly and equitably in areas such as benefits and ongoing education.

9 I am committed to fulfilling the Great Commission in my business role.

10 As an owner I am committed to supporting the work of the Great Commission with company resources.Ministry planning

11 I rely on the Holy Spirit to give creative direction to

minister in my business role.

12 I have a written strategy and plan to minister to staff, customers, suppliers and all others in my sphere of influence.

13 In my role I integrate a ministry action plan with the business plan.

14 An intercessory prayer team prays very specifically for the business and its ministry.

15 I have specific initiatives that fulfil the ministry action plan. Ministry planning

16 The company has a purpose or mission statement that embodies God’s eternal purpose for the organisation.

17 The company has a core set of beliefs that reflects biblical values and principles.

18 I understand, to fulfil my role in business, I must first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

19 A team prays for the employees, their families, customers, suppliers and others.

20 I have regular and extended times with God to discover His plan for ministry in my business role.

Market-place Ministry Self-Assessment (continued)

How did you do? Determine today to focus at least on those aspects that you can

attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.

Ministry Planning

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Organisational Excellence

Business excellence is a process of making sound business decisions that result

in continually improving business operations. It is an active discipline to seek the

Lord’s “best practices” by examining the Scriptures, consulting with peers and

industry experts to work through specific business issues and opportunities.

Business EthicsProduct Quality, Sales, Marketing, Customers, Suppliers and Competitors

Business Relationships Expectations, Benefits, Personal Development and Leadership Development

Business Financing Ownership Structure, Financing and Business Growth

Planning ExcellenceProcess of developing, implementing and adjusting a business plan through

organisational excellence, and having appropriate accountability

Organisational Excellence Self-AsessmentAs Christians, if we were to pursue excellence in our roles for the sake of

directors, principal owners, investors or customers, we should pursue excellence

much more for the sake of the true owner, God. Below are twenty aspects that

focus on biblical business principles. Reflect on these statements, asking God to

reveal areas of strength and growth, and then tick the appropriate column.

Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working

for the Lord, not for men.

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Rate yourself on your application of the following behaviours:

1=Never2=Seldom3=Frequently4=Usually5=Always

1 2 3 4 5Business Ethics

1 Management serves the employees well.

2 I display excellence by delivering quality products and services.

3 I take corrective action with the employee who undermines leadership.

4 Company sales and marketing tactics are fair and appropriate.

5 I treat staff, competitors, customers and suppliers with respect.

6 Others perceive me as one who operates on a high ethical level.Business Relationships

7 I am thorough in the hiring process. 8 I honour and obey the laws and those in authority. 9 Formal feedback systems exist for owners,

employees, customers and suppliers.10 Staff growth, both professionally and spiritually, is

encouraged and supported.11 I am patient with staff and co-workers who have

potential but are slow to learn.Business Financing

12 My actions reflect God's ownership of the business.

13 I reinvest adequately in the business as my role allows.

14 As part of senior management, I am confident that if the business were to close, all debts can be repaid.

15 I take time to review the company’s financial position.16 Company products and service are priced fairly and

consistently.Planning excellence

17 I have extended planning times with God. 18 The corporate vision, mission statement and values

communicate biblical principles.

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19 I have personal and business mission statements. 20 I seek input and allow others to hold me accountable.

Organisational Excellence Self-Assessment How did you do? Determine today to focus at least on those aspects that you can

attend to right away. Pray about them first. Ask a friend to hold you accountable.

Dig deeper and learn more (Optional)

This section includes various support material for further inspiration and

encouragement and relates to the material covered in this section

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Nr Name Date of completion105 A

The world of work

105 B

Just How Teachable Are You?

105 C

Evaluate Your Life And Ministry

105 D

Business Forums and pathways

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105 E

The Five Giants

Progress Report

James 1:22-25 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-- he will be blessed in what he does.” (NIV)

Name and Number of Module ________________________________________

Participant’s Name: ________________________________________

The Biblical Truths (Principles) I learned from this module:

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I intend to apply this Truth (Principle) in my business by:

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Participant Date

Acknowledgement

Material adapted by Dr. Mario DentonMario is the International Field Continental Programme Director – Market-place

for Crown Africa, the Africa Director for FCCI (The Fellowship for Companies for

Christ International) and the CEO of Strong Message Business Consultancy. He

is an international teacher and industrial psychologist and uses his strong

academic and corporate background and his uniquely effective coaching to help

people tap into their inner being; to utilise their strengths and expand their skills

to make a difference in the workplace. He and his wife, Mariene, are based in

Cape Town, South Africa, and are blessed with three grown sons.

ServantCopyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without permission. Regarding permission to reprint material from this material, please write to Dr Mario Denton:

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Crown Companies Legacy Leaders

Providing mature business leaders an opportunity to continue to use their skills

productively for the Glory of God.

Do you desire to pass on the baton to business leaders to transform their

business?

Legacy leaders are business leaders who have a desire to continue to use their

skills productively to mentor, coach and train the other business leaders, as well

as train the next generation of business leaders for the glory of God.

Crown Companies exists to equip and encourage business leaders to operate

their business and conduct their personal lives in accordance with Biblical

principles.

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Legacy leaders Are experienced in business

Understand and are committed to the vision of CROWN Companies

Have implemented biblical principles in their own personal life and

business

Are mature in the Christian faith and are of proven character

Have a passion to see other business leaders succeed as determined by

God’s standards

Legacy leaders may possess: The capability to be an encourager, coach, mentor and disciple.

The ability to provide wise business counsel to other business leaders

The time and or resources to come alongside other business leaders

"Teach us to number our days that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:1.

Legacy leaders serve in a wide variety of capacities, including:

Mentoring individual business leaders

Working with groups of business leaders

Serving as an ambassador for CROWN Companies in your church and

community

Travelling abroad to assist business leaders in other countries

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others for eternity?

How can you serve the Lord as a legacy leader and begin sharing all that the

Lord has entrusted to you?

1. Pray now where the Lord will use you in the lives of other business

leaders to impact the Kingdom of God for His glory.

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2. Contact Crown Companies at mario@crown.org.za or the Crown

companies office at +2721 975 0226

3. Visit our website at www.crown.org.za for more information, tools and

resources and become a member to enjoy the support, counsel and

fellowship of other members and the extensive material available.

Crown Companies: Reclaim the workplace for Christ

Is the vision of your church also to bring the people of your community into a life-

transforming encounter with the Kingdom of God?

The workplace is a key battle ground for achieving the above vision. Mature and

equipped believers should live their faith in the workplace. But many need help in

understanding what that means, as well as support in carrying it out. If you want

to live your faith in the workplace, helping to make it more effective of God’s

Kingdom on earth, then we at Crown Companies want to come alongside you to

support and equip you.

Our mission and intention are to develop flexible training programmes and

processes to assist you in this regard.

Imagine a workplace where ….. There were biblically based, explicitly defined values

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Ethics and integrity are paramount Love and servant leadership governed relationships Pursuit of excellence was the norm Collaboration was sought but obedience and commitment to final

decisions were followed Selfish ambition was non-existent Accountability was enforced – in a supportive manner

START WITH A WORKPLACE MINISTRY IN YOUR CHURCHEquip your workplace leaders to become ministers.

Help them to become sensitive to the lost.

Help the workplace leaders of your church get a vision for joining God in the

workplace ministry.

Crown Companies: Become the business leaders God intended

you to be

Sometimes it is a matter of survival, but you have to become the business

leaders God intended you to be.

The purpose of Crown Companies is to help business leaders:

Draw closer to God

Establish a committed and vibrant relationship with the Lord

Develop deep, meaningful relationships with like-minded peers

Learn what it means to run a company for Christ

Help other workplace leaders to do the same

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This is accomplished through

Monthly leadership groups

Workplace conferences

Materials, resources and training on our website

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all

your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as

yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31.

Search the untold riches of the Bible to find scriptural perspective for operating a

company as a steward of Christ with like-minded peers and colleagues. Join a

small group and facilitate discussions relevant to:

Sales and marketing strategies

Effective time management

Cash flow and profit

Planning goals and implementation

Motivating people

Problems solving

"For my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares

the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than

your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9.

START WITH A SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION IN YOU AREADo you need someone to pray with you – someone who understands the pressures of running a company, someone who cares?

Do you desire to integrate your Christian faith into the daily operations of the business God has entrusted to you?

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For more information on a small group in you area contact Dr Mario Denton at mario@crown.org.za.

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and ye shall find;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and

he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.". Luke 11: 9-

10.

Crown Companies: Every believer a minister in the

workplace

Common dilemmas in the workplace Isolation: Feeling the pressure of being responsible for many people

Need encouragement but rarely receive it

Need people with whom they can communicate honestly

Equipping the workplaceYou have an opportunity to make a difference in the workplace to which God has

called you. Meet monthly with other business leaders to receive instruction and

training from other top business speakers on how to integrate your Christian life

into your business.

Form a small group of leaders who serve one another in a well-informed, support

group where burning issues like the following can be discussed:

Develop a strategic plan tailored for each member’s business

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Developing an action plan for ministry Developing your company’s mission and vision Product and service excellence Giving back to the Lord Long-term financial planning Building a high-performance team Hiring smart Sharing your faith in the workplace Problem solving Customer service

START WITH A LIFE-CHANGING SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION IN YOU AREA.

Do you desire to integrate your Christian faith into the daily operations of the business God has entrusted to you?

For more information on a small group in you area contact Dr Mario Denton at mario@crown.org.za.

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