Ms. Martin says: “We want Christians to discover the ways God can use their work and studies to further his Kingdom and care for his world. We have gathered professionals from the fields of science, education, economics and health to share how God is using them and how their work honours God.”
Ms. Martin further stated: “This is a special opportunity for Christians to get valuable teaching on how to apply our beliefs and faith in the workplace, we also want to present the opportunity for honest and open modelling about how that is done. We want people to come along ready to contribute, there will be interactive exercises and opportunity for feedback.”
Included in the conference is Bible teaching from Dr Gordon Preece the Director and Dean of the Macquarie Christian Studies Institute where case studies will be used ‘with Christians sharing about the daily challenges of being a Christian in their workplace.’
Tony Clemen a senior partner at accounting giant Pricewaterhouse Coopers who is regarded as one of the country top tax advisor has said with a laugh: “I have always thought accounting is God’s own profession...after all he wrote the book of Numbers!” Being a Christian and a treasurer at his church Chrsit Church St Ives has given him an advantage in business saying: “Companies not only look for expertise in their advisor, they want integrity. Even when placed under pressure to compromise in some way, I find having faith in God gives me confidence to stand firm.”
He further went on saying: “I have found the Bible teaching and fellowship with other business leaders at Christ Church, St Ives vitally relevant to staying focused on God in a hectic business world. When the value of the deal is billions of dollars and there is a lot at stake, it can often seem like nothing else matters. Knowledge that the only really enduring issue is where we each stand with God is key to a right perspective, particularly at those times.”
A public workshop on the evening Friday evening examining whether God can exist in the marketplace featuring a judge, a small business owner and a management consultant promises to be a highlight of the conference.
The conference can be done for credit toward diploma-level studies. More information is available at the School of Christian Studies website. To enrol, ring or email the School of Christian studies.