Brad Smith

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Dissertation

Title Language Resource Link(s) Subject
A Theology Of Work as Stewardship and Mission Based On Genesis 1:28 and Illustrated By AEA, A Multi-National Electricity Company
Abstract: 

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a fresh biblical expression of the theology of work as stewardship and mission illustrated by the example of a large company which has attempted to operate consistent with this theology. The theology states that all humans were created in God's image as God's representatives on earth. As God's representatives, people were created to connect to their Creator, make decisions on God's behalf, and to work to take care of God's creation. As a result, individuals should pursue these three purposes in their lives, and organizational leaders should create organizations that facilitate this pursuit. Dennis Bakke has written a book called Joy at Work: A Revolutionary approach to Fun on the Job1 which provides a memoir account of his attempt to create and maintain such an organization. The bulk of this dissertation is intended to be a manuscript for a Bible study companion to Joy at Work.
The dissertation provides several forms of research. Chapter 1 is an original outline of the theology of work as stewardship and mission resulting from research into the historical expressions of the theology. Chapter 2 is a review of the various streams of literature that discuss the purpose and theology of work. The topics of chapters 3 through 13 were selected after surveying people in the workplace about core felt needs they have about their work. Additionally chapters 3 through 13 were written in draft form and tested throughout the fall of 2004 for relevancy and clarity of expression in a ten-week small group with sixteen workplace leaders. The current form of this dissertation has incorporated the comments and reactions of this small group.
Dennis Bakke, Joy at Work: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job (Seattle: PVG, 2005). It is hoped that the reader will have a new understanding of the God-given
purpose of their work and can increase their personal joy as they work consistent with God's plan. It is also hoped that Christian readers will understand their unique call to lead
their organizations in ways that help others connect to God, make decisions on God's behalf, and steward God's creation.

Publishing Info: 

Bakke Graduate University, 2005

English Theology of Work

Video

Title Language Resource Link(s) Subject
Joy at Work Bible Study Companion (Videos)
English Theology of Work, Joy at Work

Book

Title Language Resource Link(s) Subject
Joy at Work Bible Study Companion
Joy at Work Bible Study Companion
Book Description: 

Back in the Garden, work was fun. Yet, in today’s fallen world, joy and work are rarely used in the same sentence. But God really does intend for us to find joy in our work. Join Raymond Bakke, Brad Smith, and Bill Hendricks as they explore what the Bible says about the purpose of business and our right to a joyful workplace. No matter where you spend those 50 or 60 hours during the week—whether it’s in business, government, or the nonprofit sector; in church, at home, or anywhere else—God intends for you to find joy in your work. This 10-week study accompanies Joy at Work, a book by Dennis W. Bakke, co-founder and CEO of AES, a worldwide energy giant with 40,000 employees in 31 countries. Shaped by his faith, Bakke recounts his quest to create the most fun workplace ever—using principles established in the Garden. This study provides the biblical map that he used as he charted and led that journey. Starting with the Genesis record of creation and moving through Revelation, this Bible study supplements Joy at Work with: Biblical readings that unveil the principles behind each chapter in Joy at Work A synthesis of theological principles Reflective questions to prepare readers for small-group discussion Questions for small-group discussion Guidelines for immediate and long-term application for business and nonprofit leaders at all levels of corporations and organizations. The Joy at Work experience has the power to profoundly change your workplace and your life.

English Theology of Work, Joy at Work