Monday morning atheist? Between the pavement and the pew! Dr Dion Forster

Monday Morning Atheist: [noun] Definition: Someone who believes in God but works like God does not exist...

Why do we miss it?

The sacred / secular divide

You were created to worship God!

Worship: ORIGIN Old English weorthscipe ‘worthiness, acknowledgement of worth’

Monday is proof that Sunday is working!

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” - Genesis 2:15

“I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace.” - Dr. Billy Graham

“Societal transformation is high on God’s agenda and the chief catalytic force to bring it about will be Christians ministering in the marketplace.” - C. Peter Wagner, Chancellor, Wagner Leadership Institute

“Do not let your occupation block your destiny; instead, allow your destiny to shape your work life by turning it into your ministry” - Ed Silvoso

While God has intended for EVERY Christian to be a MINISTER… God never intended for EVERY Christian to be a PASTOR.

So how do you do it?

A partnership between the pavement and the pew  Discovery 1 - God’s discipleship plan is for more than just individuals. (Matthew 28:18-20) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28:18-20)

A partnership between the pavement and the pew  Discovery 2 – Everything has been ‘redeemed’, and so it needs to be ‘reclaimed’ (Luke 19:10) “For the son of man came to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10) “For it was the Father's good pleasure …to reconcile all things to Himself…whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Col 1:19-20)

A partnership between the pavement and the pew Discovery 3 - God views every Christian as a minister, and so work can be worship! (Col 3:23- 24) “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, working for the Lord and not for your masters,‌ since you know that you will receive your reward from the Lord; you serve‌ the Lord Christ.” (Col 3:23) The ‘worship switch’… ON or OFF?

A partnership between the pavement and the pew Discovery 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places, and get salt out of the salt shaker. (Matthew 16:18-19) “Upon this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it…” (Matthew 16:18-19). Building the Church is what Jesus does… Taking his Kingdom and gospel all over the earth is what we’re commanded to do… - Ed Silvoso

Preaching the truth without love is like giving someone a good kiss when you have bad breath. No matter how good your kiss is, all the recipient will remember is your bad breath! - Ed Silvoso

Doing your work for God’s purposes and blessing!  Discovery 5 - True transformation must be tangible and visible. The Gospels recall two incidents when Jesus wept, once for a friend, and another time for a city. His tears show how deeply he loves individuals and cities (groups, structures etc.). What would the most tangible and visible expression of God’s love be in your context? What is REALY good news to the poor? Remember the ‘methodology’ of Jesus… Bless, Fellowship, Minister, Preach…

A partnership between the pavement and the pew  God’s discipleship plan is for more than just individuals. (Matthew 28:18-20)  The marketplace has been ‘redeemed’, and so it needs to be ‘reclaimed’ (Luke 19:10)  God views every Christian as a minister, and so work can be worship! (Col 3:23-24)  God wants us to take light into dark places. (Matthew 16:18-19)  True transformation must be tangible and visible

Monday morning atheist? Thank You Dr Dion Forster