Overview

Do you desire a deeper connection between your faith and work? Do you long to connect the implications of Sunday to the demands of Monday? Do you seek a deeper understanding of business as a sacred calling and force for good?

The Faith & Co. ‘Business on Purpose’ Learning Cohort features the Faith & Co. films, produced by the Center for Integrity in Business at Seattle Pacific University (SPU). The cohort’s purpose is to develop a theological framework for exploring the implications of business as a calling to serve God and our neighbors (the common good). We will use evocative short films, interviews with executives and other subject matter experts, short readings and cases studies, and discussions to enhance your learning experience. This cohort develops a theological framework for business and its implications for relationships with all key stakeholders (e.g., customers, suppliers, employees, community, environment).

Who is the Cohort for?

This cohort is intended for seasoned business and organizational leaders working in a wide variety of industries and those who are serving marketplace leaders (e.g., pastors, chaplains, educators, etc.). This cohort is also designed for graduate students who are seeking a clearer theological understanding of the purpose of business.

Cohort Capacity

20 participants plus two leaders (up to 10 in-person guests and 10 joining this interactive cohort by Zoom)

Resources Provided

All participants in the Madison-based learning cohort will be asked to enroll in the Seattle Pacific University free online course through the Canvas platform. For those desiring Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or graduate-level course credit, tuition for this eight-week course is $399. Course requirements/assignments will vary given your status as a CEU or graduate-level student. For more information about CEUs and graduate-level Faith & Co. certificate processes, please contact us at info@slbrownfoundation.org.

Meeting Schedule 

Our cohort will meet eight times, weekly, on Thursdays, 7:45 – 9:00 AM. Meetings will begin punctually and end on time.

September 24 | Rethinking the Purpose and Calling of Business

October 1 | Business in the “Messy Middle”

October 8 | Ethics and Biblical “Core Values”

October 15 | Work and Spiritual Formation

October 22 | Employees: Re-Humanizing Work

October 29 | Customers: Re-Personalizing the Marketplace

November 5 | Business and Flourishing Communities

November 12 | Creation Care and Course Wrap-up

We plan to meet in-person at Upper House and in a virtual format. However, as with everything during the COVID-19 pandemic, our planning is influenced by the trajectory of public health policies as prescribed by university and county officials. At Upper House, space will be arranged to allow for physical distancing and masks will be required.

Registration

Opens August 6

Closes September 21, or when cohort fills

Cohort Leaders

John Terrill, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of the Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation. John is a leader in the faith at work movement and has previously worked as the Director for the Center for Integrity in Business at Seattle Pacific University, as the National Director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Professional-Schools Ministries, and as a consultant with an international management consulting firm. John serves on the board of Religion News Service and Religion News Foundation. He is married to Vanja and lives in Middleton, Wisconsin with their daughter, Elena.

Jean Collins currently serves as Director of Administration for the Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation. After working many years as a Business Administrator of an engineering, architecture, and land surveying firm, she moved to High Point Church, where she served for 10 years keeping tabs on the business aspects of the ministry. Jean lives in Madison and enjoys time with her husband and adult children, traveling, camping, and hiking.