1. “Faith, Work, and Economics” Fad or Foundational for NCD? Part One: Let’s explore a robust biblical and theological perspective on FWE together! Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. (New Testament) – gary.hoag@efca.org FWE Initiatives Administrator / Campaign & Church Liaison, EFCA Visiting Professor, TEDS – NCD Conference, April 2016

2. Fad or Foundational? Many church-active Christians lack a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in life. Pastors are called to equip the saints, helping them identify their God-given talents and put them to good use in daily work. Many of us are strangers to sacrifice, lacking self-control, and living beyond our means, using debt to subsidize lifestyles that are unwise, irresponsible, and unsustainable. Well-intentioned efforts to help the poor can often hamper their development and fail to honor each person’s potential for flourishing and self-sufficiency.

3. What is the “οἰκονομίαν θεοῦ” the “economy of God?” It’s God’s unique plan for the redemption of all things. This idea appears three times in the New Testament (BDAG). 1.God has an economy, a plan, a design, that brings all things together in Him, both in heaven and on earth, and it is rooted in Christ! 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan (οἰκονομίαν) for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:9-10

4. 2. The world’s teaching is contrary to the economy of God, which must be set forth with love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 to Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, 4 and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training (οἰκονομίαν θεοῦ) that is known by faith. But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:1-5

5. Where do we fit in the “οἰκονομίαν θεοῦ?” 3. God’s economy, His plan, is worked out through the Church. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan (οἰκονομία) of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:8-10

6. Faith, Work, and Economics through the Scriptures In God’s economy, faith, work, and economics were integrated pre-fall. After all was disintegrated, His plan to bring all things together, both in heaven and on earth, is rooted in Christ, who was revealed in the OT through a promise, the patriarchs, His people, and the prophets. In the fullness of time, Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth and and this was His proclamation: good news for the restoration of all things. Now, life in God’s economy is God’s gift and it’s presentation to the world is through the love and obedience of the Church, a community of people whose faith, work, and economics are reintegrated evidenced by pure hearts, good consciences, and sincere faith.

7. Pre-Fall: Integration Genesis 1:26-31 Life = flourishing in God’s order of things 1.Mankind has relationship with God (faith) 2.Mankind “subdues” or develops creation (work) 3.Mankind puts all that God provides to work so that all of creation flourishes (economics) “The word “subdue” indicates that, though all God had made was good, it was still to a great degree undeveloped. God left creation with deep untapped potential for cultivation that people were to unlock through their labor…while God works for us as Provider, we also work for him. Indeed he works through us.” Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor (36).

8. Everything disintegrates! Genesis 3:1-19 What happened with the fall of mankind? 1.Mankind is separated from God (Faith) 2.Work becomes painful toil, including childbearing (Work) 3.Mankind chose an opposing design to God’s (Economics) “In this broken world, God’s original design for our work has been badly corrupted, and we feel it in the depths of our being every day…under the curse, work has a new dimension to it. Work is now toilsome and difficult…In this cursed world, there is alienation from God, alienation from other human beings, and yes, alienation from the good work we were created for.” Tom Nelson, Work Matters (37-38).

9. Promise Genesis 3:15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” God announces the seeds of a plan for the restoration of all things. His statement declares that He will do this, and we see this plan unfold through the Scriptures…

10. Patriarchs Patriarchs – “Blessed to be a blessing” – Genesis 12:1-3 “God chooses one man, Abraham, to be the ancestor of a chosen people through whom God will bless all the peoples of the earth, as he works out his plan of salvation…even though none of the patriarchs—Abraham [24:35], Isaac [26:1- 6], Jacob [32:10a], Joseph [48:15-16]—ever experiences the complete fulfillment of this promise, each lives in the land for part of his life and amasses enormous wealth….Genesis points out that the patriarchs are also generous in sharing their wealth with needier people around them.” Craig Blomberg, Heart, Soul, and Money (12-13).

11. People People – The patriarchs, through faith, worked, enjoyed and shared God’s provision and became a people to whom God would give His Law. The function which was to reconnected them with Him, give purpose to work, and restore the economy of all things (Deut. 28:1-14. Obey God  Flourish) “God’s people are to treat each other in ways radically different from the way people of other nations treat one another…cancellation of debts, freeing of slaves, return to family lands, and rest for land and workers [Exodus 23:10-12; Deuteronomy 15:1-18; Leviticus 25:8-55].” Ross and Gloria Kinsler, The Biblical Jubilee and the Struggle for Life (16-17).

12. Faith, Work, and Economics in the Law: All is Reordered! People – God’s people were taught to trust in Him. They had skills, that when put to work [cf. Bezalel and Oholiab in Ex 31:1-11; 35:30-36:5] constructed things like the tabernacle. As God owned everything, including the land [cf. Lev 25:23], the fruit of work was not private ownership for selfish gain, but rather private property stewarded in obedience. The economics set forth in the Law instructed people to reverence God, to work, to return a portion to God, to care for their families, the dispossessed or needy [Exodus 22:25- 27] as well as the spiritual leaders with no land apportioned to them. Spiritual leaders teach the law and steward the storehouses as they live and aid the needy [Deut 14:29].

13. Prophets Prophets – God’s people abandoned their faith. “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8. “Return to me and I will return to you.” Malachi 3:5-10. God’s people followed the ways of the world linked to work: greed, oppression, selfishness, and dishonesty. “Deal with each other justly and don’t oppress the foreigner.” Jeremiah 7:5-7. “Use accurate scales.” Ezekiel 45:10. God’s people chose the world’s disordered economy. “Put your house in order!” Isaiah in 2 Kings 20:1-19. “I gave my people their grain and wine…they are using it for Baal.” Hosea 2:8.

14. Prophets Prophets – The function of faith, work, and economics in Israel was to be different from the surrounding nations to make Yahweh known (Psalm 105; Amos 1:3-2:5 – Oracles vs. Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Judah). The prophets proclaimed the failure of God’s people tied to faith, work, and economics. “Work reveals our idols.” Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor (129). They chose the world’s economy which results in human trampling (Amos 2:7; 5:11; 8:4) rather than human flourishing, selfish gain (Psalm 119:36) rather than seeking the welfare of the city (Jeremiah 29:7)! Through the prophets God announces good news for the poor (Isa 61:1).

15. Proclamation: “Restoration!” Jesus ministry begins with this proclamation: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 This does not mean: No more work! Free handouts if you just follow me and let the rich pay for everything. What does it mean?: Jesus invites everyone to take hold of life according to a whole new economy, God’s economy, where He restores all things, and we have a role in it!

16. Faith: Man’s relationship with God is restored through Christ Faith—a restored relationship with God—is for everyone, including the poor: Good news! In ministering to the unclean and destitute “poor,” ptochos, Jesus shows that God’s unmerited favor, that restoration from brokenness to wholeness, from death to life, was for everyone. In the OT God heard their cries. In the NT, Jesus comes to their aid. In the early church the poor are celebrated for their work: to pray for others to flourish (cf. Shepherd of Hermas). Life in Jesus functions in an alternative economy. To take hold of life the economy of God, people must seek God first (cf. Matthew 6:11, 19-21, 25-33).

17. Work: The function and value of everyday work is restored Restoration of work: Work is not for self or gain (Luke 12:31- 21), but for God and fair wages (Lk 10:7). If you don’t work (and you can) you won’t eat (2 Thess 3:10-12). Work moves beyond remuneration to contribution and reflection. “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor (penes); his righteousness endures forever.” 2 Cor 9:9 (cf. Ps. 112:9). The penes, the “working class,” do “integral” not “incidental” tasks (Garber), build wares, feed families, aid the needy. Their work makes the polis flourish and their sharing reflects God’s love. Contribution is not merely the role of the rich (as was thought in antiquity) but God’s design for all who can work (Eph 4:28).

18. Economics: Take Hold of Abundant (100x) Life The message to the wealthy: Faith (life) is found in God, not money. Trust in God, work fruitfully, enjoy and share God’s blessings in His economy. Encountering Christ leads them to restore those defrauded (Luke 19:1-10). This was tough for the rich as they retained wealth to try to secure their place in society (Luke 1:51-53). He invites “the rich,” ploutos, to stop hoarding and be rich toward God (cf. Luke 12:13-21). Let’s revisit Mark 10:13-31 and see how we may misinterpret the rich man’s sorrow for rejection and consequently miss what Jesus is saying to the rich man. Life, flourishing, 100x what riches can do for you, is only possible with God.

19. Destitution or Distribution? Who is The Rich Man who is Being Saved? Clement of Alexandria; Clarke, Andrew D. “Do Not Judge Who Is Worthy and Unworthy: Clement’s Warning Not to Speculate About the Rich Young Man’s Response.” JSNT 31, 4 (2009): 447-68. “When Jesus asked the rich young man to sell his goods and give to the poor, he did not say, “Become destitute and friendless.” Rather he said, “Come follow me” (Matthew 19:21). In other words, he invited him to join a community of sharing and love, where his security would not be based on individual property holdings, but on openness to the Spirit and on the loving care of new found brothers and sisters.” Richard K. Taylor, Economics and the Gospel (21).

20. Life is sustainable in God’s abundant economy! Economics is relinked to all that God abundantly provides (not all people think they provide for themselves). This message from Jesus fits both for the margins and the masses. It restores relationships gives meaning to everyday work and offers a sustainable economy rooted in obedience (gospel). His economy is set forth in discipleship. Cf. Luke 9 (12); Luke 10 (70/72): “Take nothing for your journey” (God is Provider)…”worker deserves his wage” (man is worker). Jesus calls workers to put to work what God provides (cf. Luke 22:35-38 - it will be a battle). And if they need something, they need only to ask the Father (cf. Matthew 7:7-11).

21. Christ is at the center of FWE Foundational for NCD Dis-integrated Faith and Work in the Economy of this World: People seek security, satisfaction, sustainability and salvation—life—in money. They follow the world’s advice in using resources. Faith is absent. Work is for selfish gain and it reveals our sinfulness and idols. Economics follows the prevailing disordered earthly systems. All this creates cycles of poverty, broken relationships, and destruction. Faith and Work in God’s Economy: People find security, satisfaction, sustenance, and salvation—life—in God who has restored faith, meaning for work, and economic order in Christ. Our work results in an earned living, contributes to the common good of society, lifts up the needy, and glorifies God. Disciples follow Jesus’ teachings which shape their lives, families, churches, communities, and the world.

22. Further Reading Want to build a more robust biblical theology of faith, work, and economics? Craig Blomberg – Neither Poverty nor Riches (2000) Ben Witherington – Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor (2011) Miroslav Volf – Work in the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Work (2001)

23. “Faith, Work, and Economics” Foundational for NCD! Q/A Time – Robust Theology of FWE Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. (New Testament) – gary.hoag@efca.org FWE Initiatives Administrator / Campaign & Church Liaison, EFCA Visiting Professor, TEDS – NCD Conference, April 2016

24. Biblical Examples from the Early Church in the NT: A Top Ten List of Christ-Followers who integrated their Faith, Work, and Economics Part Two: Pastoral and Practical Perspectives Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. (New Testament) – gary.hoag@efca.org FWE Initiatives Administrator / Campaign & Church Liaison, EFCA Visiting Professor, TEDS – NCD Conference, April 2016

25. How might pastors affirm the basic goodness of work and make it a priority to empower people in their callings and responsibilities outside the walls of the church? How might God’s people discern their callings (how they are equipped for service) and learn they don’t need to stop doing work to serve God, but rather do their work for God? How might pastors encouraging people to pursue excellence in their work, and in so doing, help them find their place in God’s economy? “Does my work matter?”

26. Top Ten List of Workers Consider these characteristics of Ten NT Christ-followers: As they align themselves as followers of Christ, a new set of values guide their everyday work trusting in God versus the deities associated with their guilds and associations, while engaging in work beyond remuneration to reflection. Beyond compensation toward contribution. They reflect the range of occupations in the NT world, and as they are “known” for their work, we can deduce that their everyday work had intrinsic and instrumental value.

27. Top Ten List of Workers Consider these characteristics of Ten NT Christ-followers: Their NT portrayal as workers in the history and correspondence of the early church celebrates the contribution their everyday work makes to the flourishing of both church and community. These early church examples inspire people today because they represent the wide range of occupations of the people in our congregations. “This list preaches!” (Pastors) “I see myself in the New Testament story!” (Workers)

28. #10 – Saul of Tarsus: Tentmaker After God transformed the tentmaker named Saul of Tarsus into the Apostle Paul (Acts 9), he never stopped making tents! His work provided him resources to live, to avoid benefaction entanglements, and to minister around the ancient world. Questions for Christ-followers: Are you Saul the tentmaker of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul? Have you met God and sense that He may He be calling you to serve in the geography of the kingdom, not by abandoning your work, but by doing it in various places?

29. #9 – Joe of Cyprus Barnabas: the Landowner In antiquity, landowners were viewed as rich and did not work. Others worked for them. Barnabas sold a tract of land, set the money at the Apostles’ feet and got to work (Acts 4:36-37). Questions for Christ-followers: Are you rich, not working, but fully able to work? Is it time to get in the game and put in play the resources in your stewardship? How might your work advance the great commandment and the great commission?

30. #8 – Tabitha of Joppa Dorcas: the Clothing Maker Like Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42), work with your hands. Make great products! Touch lives and glorify god through excellent work. Questions for Christ-followers: Do you manufacture something with excellence? How might your everyday work touch lives and show God’s love to the world? What unique ways might your work allow you to reflect your Christian faith.

31. #7 – Simon of Joppa: the Tanner Simon made shoes, belts, and saddles from skins. Peter could have deemed his house unclean linked to his “dirty jobs” work. He not only visited there, he stayed with him (Acts 9:43). This “hands-on” worker likely shared his wares along with his spare room. Questions for Christ-followers: If you are a minister, have you visited people who do what some deem menial or dirty work? If you work with your hands, how might your faith intersect with your “hands-on” work?

32. #6 – Luke of Antioch: the Physician Luke used his medical skills and scientific education as a disciple of Christ (cf. the 70 or 72 in Lk 10). While doctors lauded gods such as Askelpios linked to healing powers, he penned Luke-Acts to tell the story of Jesus and the early church. Questions for Christ-followers: Do you possess medical skills that others may use for themselves and you could use to reflect service to neighbor and love for God? Can your education position you to explain life from God’s perspective?

33. #5 – Lydia of Thyatira: High-end Fashion Lydia was a traveling seller of fine cloth (Acts 16:11-15, 39-40). She served a specific clientele and would have been known by fellow merchants. Despite the danger, she boldly associates with Paul. Questions for Christ-followers: Do you work in high-end retail with wealthy clients? Do you work in places where it is closed to the gospel but open to business? Do you unashamedly associate with other Christ-followers you see while working?

34. #4 – Tertius: the Publisher Tertius the publisher, used his everyday writing and skills to package the gospel for God’s people in the capital city of the Empire (Romans 16:22)? Questions for Christ-followers: How can your everyday work, such as writing or publishing or other special skill contribute both to your community and the community of faith? Erastus, Olympas, Rhodion, Sosipater, Quartus and Tertius in Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000 AD)

35. #3 – Zenas: the Lawyer Zenas the Lawyer (Titus 3:12b-14) would have been trained in matters of law, argumentation, and rhetoric. His daily work kept peace in the polis and helped bring justice in various circles of life. Questions for Christ-followers: The Scriptures say much about justice, how does your faith shape your daily work in administering justice? How is legal work integral and not incidental for the flourishing of the circles in which you live and move?

36. #2 – Erastus: the City Treasurer Erastus the City Treasurer (Acts 19:22; Romans 16:23; 2 Timothy 4:20), had administrative skills that served his city (Great Commandment). As a Christ- follower, he also put them to service to assist Paul (Great Commission). Questions for Christ-followers: Has God given you administrative skills to help your company or community flourish? Rather than using them to run the guild for the gods, might you also help administrate God’s work?

37. They were expelled from Rome, met Paul in Corinth, and agreed to serve in Ephesus (Acts 18:2,18,26; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19). Along with Paul, they were tentmakers. Questions for Christ-followers Do you have skills that you can do well, and do anywhere (including unsafe places) so your lives show his love (great commandment) and make disciples (great commission) wherever you are? #1 – Priscilla and Aquila: the Tentmakers

38. Top Ten List (inspired in part by Hippolytus of Rome c. 170-235)

39. Further Reading Want to strengthen your pastoral and practical perspectives on faith, work, and economics? Timothy Keller – Every Good Endeavor (2014) Amy Sherman – Kingdom Calling (2012) Gene Edward Veith Jr. – God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life (updated in 2011)

40. Biblical Examples from the Early Church in the NT: A Top Ten List of Christ-Followers who integrated their Faith, Work, and Economics Q/A Time – Pastoral / Practical Perspectives Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. (New Testament) – gary.hoag@efca.org FWE Initiatives Administrator / Campaign & Church Liaison, EFCA Visiting Professor, TEDS – NCD Conference, April 2016

41. Practical Tips from EFCA Pastors: Churches / Communities were Made to Flourish Part Three: Transforming liturgy, pastoral care, discipleship/spiritual formation, and missions/outreach Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. (New Testament) – gary.hoag@efca.org FWE Initiatives Administrator / Campaign & Church Liaison, EFCA Visiting Professor, TEDS – NCD Conference, April 2016

42. How might pastors affirm the basic goodness of economic activity, and foster motives and practices based on value creation rather than value extraction? How can churches engaged in mercy ministry do so more effectively, without harming themselves or those they intend to help? How might integrated thinking linked to FWE shape (1) Liturgy, (2) Pastoral Care, (3) Discipleship and Spiritual Formation, (4) and Missions and Outreach? Pastors share practical tips

43. 1.Pray for members by vocation during worship services 2.Incorporate FWE into weekly pastoral prayer 3.Preach multi-week sermon series on work/vocation 4.Infuse preaching with workplace illustrations 5.Record video testimonies of congregants re: their work and show in services 6.Incorporate repetitive comments week over week to help people bridge sacred/secular divide 7.Incorporate quotes that bridge sacred/secular divide in church bulletin 4 Areas: #1 Liturgy

44. 8.Conduct "commissioning" ceremonies for different individuals/groups who serve in particular vocations 9.Create time in Sunday worship or during adult Sunday School to allow for testimonies: – How my work is an expression of neighbor-love and promotes human flourishing or the common good – How I follow Christ in and through my work – How sin and brokenness are evident in my work – One prayer request 10.Incorporate work into benedictions – "As you go from this place to serve God in your vocations…” 4 Areas: #1 Liturgy

45. 1.Give attention to work in pastoral care: – Make a habit of visiting congregants at their places of work to shadow and learn from them – Offering vocational discernment counseling – Ask congregants about their struggles and triumphs at work – Find out their joys and dreams linked to their work 2.Hold luncheons every month for workers to come to discuss their struggles and triumphs 3.Hold luncheons every month for the under-employed to share their struggles and encourage them 4 Areas: #2 Pastoral Care

46. 4.Pastoral staff doing personal reading/study on economics and news regarding various vocations and industries such as those in your community 5.Include an emphasis on work, vocation, and/or the economy in the regular church communication and social media 6.Send letters and emails to congregants and community members affirming them (affinity groups) in their work 7.Spend time learning about various kinds of industries and jobs 4 Areas: #2 Pastoral Care

47. 1.Hold a conference on faith, work, and economics 2.Infuse vocation into adult education curriculum 3.Infuse vocation discussion/teaching into Small Groups (“For the Life of the World” videos) 4.Hold classes and/or small groups specifically on these concepts occasionally 5.Conduct discussion group on work/book group(s) on books about work/vocation 6.Create/use new tools to help congregants integrate FWE 7.Start and maintain vocation groups 4 Areas: #3 Discipleship and Spiritual Formation

48. 1.Add an "on mission at work" section to your missions wall, with photos of church members from various occupations and a short description of one way they are practicing vocational stewardship. 2.Revise church mission or vision statement to more explicitly address transforming culture 3.Rework charity ministry to emphasize eradicating dependency: move from giving “handouts” to “hand-ups” 4.Start a jobs training program 5.Partner or form organization focused on economic opportunity 4 Areas: #4 Mission and Outreach

49. Apply today to join a network of pastors like you and gain access to thought leaders and resources for your church and community Join Made to Flourish www.madetoflourish.org

50. Further Reading Want to strengthen your liturgical, pastoral, discipleship, and missional perspective on faith, work, and economics? John Stott (updated with Christopher J.H. Wright) – Christian Mission in the Modern World (2015) Dallas Willard and Gary Black Jr., The Divine Conspiracy Continued (2014) Marvin Olasky, The Tragedy of American Compassion (reissued with Amy Sherman 2008)

51. Practical Tips from EFCA Pastors: Churches / Communities were Made to Flourish Q/A Time – Practical Tips in 4 Areas & Join MTF Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D. (New Testament) – gary.hoag@efca.org FWE Initiatives Administrator / Campaign & Church Liaison, EFCA Visiting Professor, TEDS – NCD Conference, April 2016