Why take this course?

In summary:

I became a "praticing Christian" in late 1989 and was led to a Bible study "Your Matters to God." This was a video/workbook instruction spun off of the book with the same title authored by Doug Sherman and William Hendricks. During the next few years I participated and/or led numerous of these studies while steadly pursuing what it means to work and lead according to Biblical principles.

In 2003 I began a quaterly class presented by the Center for Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary. The class, THE LEADERBOARD, was sponsored in part by Howard Hendrick, "the Prof," who is a DTS professor and father to William Hendricks.

A speaker at the 2004 Leaderboard was Dennis Bakke, successful businessman and author of "Joy at Work." Though I did not attend, a friend brought me the book and I later purchased the workbook.

One of the 2007 Leaderboard sessions led me to the Bakke Graduate University's Theology of Work course.

The reading for the preparation has been extensive (see list at BGU website) but incredible.

Note: while I do not have an undergraduate degree and thus not taking the class for credit, I will be completing all the coursework for review.

Why take this class, or any such class? Because, I know I need to be transformed through the renewing of my mind. I know I need to be reminded of what is good and true. I know I need help in being a Godly worker, employee, boss, businessowner. I know I am not well equipped in these (and other areas). I don't have the training I need to "soften peoples hearts to the point they ask about Christ." If I live a normal life span, I will likely spend another 30,000 hours in the workplace and I want those hours to be for the glorification of God; I want it to be about Jesus.

And, I struggle with the mainstream teachings, or lack of, in this part of my life. I struggle with much of what is being taught by those that are focusing on workplace ministries. And I know I am likely very wrong by struggling.

Why am I taking this class? Because I want to really know what it means to live out Matthew 28:18-20 and Colossians 1:28-29. I want to know about real discipling, baptizing, and teaching and presenting every man complete in Christ.

God has called me to work and I know it has to be more than what I've been doing. I know it is more about Him, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. I know it is about loving Him and loving others.

Thus, this is in part why I'm taking this class.

Pray for me as I complete the reading, the coursework, the class in April, and as I learn how to love Him more.

Danny