Upcoming seminar weaves faith and values into the business world
Faith & Values in the Marketplace Workshop will provide insight into how those wishing to live their faith throughout the week can take steps in making sure their faith remains a vital part of their work.
Weaving faith into the business world is not always an easy thing to do. The temptation to leave one’s faith at the church door is one that can sneak up on Christian business owners without them realizing it.
Faith and Values in the Marketplace Workshop will provide insight into how those wishing to live their faith throughout the week can take steps in making sure their faith remains a vital part of their work.
This year’s event will take place at The Gardens at Homestead Furniture in Mt. Hope on Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 7-8:45 p.m.
This year’s keynote speakers will include Brian Miller, president of ProVia in Sugarcreek, who will discuss navigating a tight labor market; Leon Wengerd, CFO at Pioneer Equipment in Dalton, who will focus on new product innovation; and Dan Owolabi, campus pastor of NewPointe in Wooster, who will speak on developing a leadership legacy. Ken Hochstetler, Everence CEO, will facilitate a Q-and-A time with the panel of speakers.
The workshop is being sponsored by Everence Financial, Mennonite Foundation, and Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center and is open to any and all business families and church and community leaders.
According to David A Miller, Everence representative, Christians are called to be faithful stewards, and that includes their business lives. Using the tools gleaned from the workshop can create a healthier workplace environment.
“Many people think there is a difference between Sunday and Monday, and these workshops are designed to integrate the two,” Miller said. “We see the business in the marketplace as a form of ministry as much as missionaries and nonprofit organizations. The impact people can have on their employees, their families, and their customers and communities is significant.”
With a large Plain community in the Holmes-Wayne county area, MEDA chairperson and president of Venture Products Dallas Steiner said it is imperative to be able to discuss these kinds of topics and learn from one another.
“I love the idea of seeing people coming together, in businesses and organizations, to support one another like this,” Steiner said. “This is the kind of thing that helps bring communities closer together, and it can make it easier when we show support for one another to create an atmosphere of faith and business together.”
Miller said the line-up of speakers for the workshop is a blend of knowledgeable and interesting speakers who will provide insight into the various topics being discussed.
“These annual workshops are geared toward business families and community leaders,” Miller said. “This particular workshop gives opportunity to network with other persons who share common opportunities and challenges in the marketplace.”
Miller went on to say these workshops are designed to promote a Christian perspective in the workplace as well as to build healthier relationships.
“For all three of the nonprofit sponsoring organizations, these free workshops are one of our ways of giving back to the community,” Miller said. “Our workshops are faith and values-oriented, and the presenters are asked to incorporate how faith and values impact their marketplace decisions because we regard the marketplace as ministry.”
While the event is free, those wishing to attend are asked to preregister. Anyone interested in registering may RSVP by calling 330-857-9988 or emailing kelly.troyer@everence.com.