Testimonies
Seeking Eternal Riches
Curt was at a crossroads in his life in 2004 when a good friend invited him to a BLE small group study. It was in that study that Curt was able to connect with other men in his same stage of life and engage in real and honest discussions about deep rooted issues. He started to see how God’s Word applied to his own life and he now credits these experiences in the small group with making him a better man.
A member of the banking industry since 2000, Curt has seen that money can easily act as a substitute for God. In his BLE small group, he has studied Scriptural principles about finances and the Christian work ethic and he now has a clear understanding of God’s character, especially in relation to his own life and work. He says that his increased joy and his desire to “invest in the eternal” have caused co-workers to notice “something different” in him and want to know why he is not as captivated by material things as they are. It has given him an opportunity to share his faith with others and praise God for uncovering his own weaknesses while reminding him that he is a “new creation.”
Scripture memorization has also played a significant role in his spiritual growth.
“I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have experienced the small victories through my life as a husband, father, and banker without God’s flawless Scriptures that I have memorized and live upon every day of my life.”
Through the past five years in the small group, Curt and the other small group members have read hundreds of Scriptures highlighting God’s character, and in turn have held each other accountable to mirroring these characteristics. Curt says now he knows what it means to lead a richer, more abundant life that only comes from experiencing Christ and the Holy Spirit doing incredible things in and through him daily. Allowing God’s kingdom to consume his thoughts has changed how he perceives others, how he listens and has given him the ability to forgive more readily.
God has also opened Curt’s eyes again to how much he loves his wife, Kim, of eight years. For some time, he had not been investing in her or loving her unconditionally. Through accountability in his group and experiencing God’s immense love all over again, he was reminded that Kim is not only his wife but also his best friend. Now filled with God’s love, Curt cannot help but let this love spill out in his love for his wife. They are both now committed to making their relationship a priority and keeping it fun and exciting.
Finally, Curt says the Scripture that he calls his “new life” verse is Colossians 3:23, and it is this verse he clings to each day as he is reminded that he serves no boss other than God Himself.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Back to topLeading with Excellence
A founding member of BLE, Barry has watched the ministry develop and have an enormous impact on those who have been involved in small groups and seminars. His own life has been greatly influenced by the relationships he has built through small groups as well as the powerful teachings he has received in his role in the ministry as both a small group and seminar leader.
Barry praises God for providing the other men in his small groups that have joined him in fellowship, held him accountable and given him the prayer support he has needed over the years to grow deeper in his relationship with Christ. These men have experienced the miracles and saving power of Christ together, bonding them as brothers. Through the small group Bible studies Barry has participated in he has learned more about God’s Word, His worth, His works and His ways. These revelations have exponentially grown Barry in his personal relationship with Jesus and given him a clearer and more confident understanding of his own role in the Kingdom.
Barry also knows he has been shown through these men what leading with excellence really means – serving others and not being served. He knows God has empowered him to reflect Christ to his co-workers, and taught him the importance of never compromising or concealing his faith even when in a secular workplace. God has changed his attitude from one of complacency with his job to one of wholeheartedly dedicating his work to the Lord, whom he recognizes as his ultimate boss. He daily makes the decision to serve Christ and be a witness to others, heeding Scripture and remembering his own call to serve.
God has challenged Barry and grown his faith by showing him perfect provision as well. Barry saw the fledgling beginning of BLE nearly 25 years ago, garnering private donations to financially support itself. Today, the ministry continues to thrive and Barry knows he is seeing God’s amazing hand at work.
Barry knows the importance of a small group and how such a community can drastically change a life. Says Barry, “Because of these dramatic and far-reaching effects on my life, and because of what I have seen God do first-hand in the lives of others, I enthusiastically encourage men to join a BLE group and see what God will do in them, for them and through them.”
Back to topEquipped and Ready
Six am is not a favorite meeting time for most people, but Ben’s small group meets at this time each week with almost perfect attendance from each member. It has nothing to do with delicious breakfast bribes but rather a commitment from each man to make studying Scripture and engaging in prayer and fellowship a priority.
Ben began attending this BLE small group three years ago when a former co-worker invited him to the study. Since then, the core group of members has relatively stayed the same, a testament to the strength of the group and their dedication to learning together and being a community of brothers in Christ. Since joining this group, Ben has grown more content with both his personal and professional life, and been challenged to bring God into the workplace.
“It has helped me put things into perspective on what is important and what is the right Christ-like decision to make versus what is best for myself,” he says.
He also knows that his personal journey is a lifelong walk where he will be given many opportunities to improve his relationship with God as well as minister to others around him.
“God has equipped me to be ready to witness or serve when the right time or situation presents itself.”
Through his small group, Ben has learned to focus and stay accountable on his spiritual walk. His weekly study of BLE materials is something he looks forward to attending, ready to confess his failures as well as sing God’s praises alongside his brothers.
There are no plans to change the six am start as each member continues to dedicate his time to this weekly gathering. And the commitment is indefinite. They will continue together on their journey, meeting each week to grow spiritually as a group.
Back to topIn Her Own Words
While I know a Christian is a Christian wherever he or she is, it is a great encouragement to know and meet with those of like faith who are seeking the truth. And at my work, we are very fortunate to have Godly men and women in positions of authority who decided making a Bible study available onsite was a worthy, important benefit to provide.
The first BLE study our small group completed focused on being an ambassador for Christ in the workplace. This study offered unexpected benefits and insight for me. I was raised with a strong work ethic that taught me to do my best because the company was paying me to do so. I am, however, not doing the type of work that makes my heart sing and my spirit light. The point was made quite often during the study that it is God who is my employer, and the details of what I am doing are not as important to the kingdom as the spirit in which I do them. I, like most employees on the planet, am sometimes disappointed or irritated by choices that my earthly bosses make, but I take great comfort in knowing my heavenly boss is perfect, loves me deeply, and works all things for my good. While I really would rather be doing something artistic for a living, I am now more content in the knowledge that God has something important for me to do in this place at this time.
Back to topMission: To Love and Serve
Nine years into his spiritual life, Taylor began attending a BLE small group to learn more about living out his faith at his work in the IT services industry. Since then, he has learned a great deal about embodying the Biblical description of a leader, deepening his relationship with his wife and others, and fearlessly sharing his faith and God’s presence with his employees.
Taylor meets every Tuesday with a group of men from his church at 6 am. While some may cringe at a 6 am meeting, Taylor says it is actually easier for their group to prioritize the study and the turnouts are always good and consistent. “We all see a lot of value from BLE, so we have agreed to make it a priority of our lives. It’s well worth it!”
The group has studied the BLE books Investing My Life, Marketplace Excellence, and The Christian Work Ethic. Taylor says these weekly studies have taught the group to focus on eternal things rather than just the temporal tasks of the workplace. They have come to understand that their jobs place them in a position of influence over their employees, and with this position they have the opportunity to care for and serve these employees and represent a Biblical description of a leader as a servant.
Since the group’s start 18 months ago, the men have spiritually grown as husbands, fathers, bosses and employees. Taylor adds that he has seen himself become more confident in his Christian identity and not ashamed or timid to live this faith out in his workplace.
“It has equipped me to understand the great mission I have to love and serve my employees, and in turn they see that I am genuine in my care for them.”
Taylor also says his marriage has been deepened by the growth and learning BLE has provided him.
“My wife sees me continuing to grow in my walk with God, and applying the lessons we are learning in my relationship with her and our children. In turn, she is growing in her trust of me and her desire for me to be the spiritual leader of our marriage and family.”
As for the future of the group, the consistent membership and extensive spiritual growth of each member is testimony to the group’s strength and its desire to continue. The expectation is that as this growth continues, more will be willing to start leading additional groups and expand the ministry even further into the workplace.
Taylor has come to understand that with a job that gives him influence over other employees, he has the added responsibility as a Christian to care for and serve these people. In his small group, he has learned how to represent the Biblical description of a leader as a servant.
Back to topTaking God Off the Shelf
Professing God in the secular workplace can be quite taboo but Carlos has learned over the past few years that it doesn’t have to be. God does not need to be kept on a shelf during the work day but rather He can be discussed and praised right in the workplace. This is one of many powerful truths Carlos learned in his BLE small group.
Carlos began attending and then leading a BLE small group in 2006 when BLE staff member Steve Stoner put together a group of men from the wholesale electrical distribution industry to meet weekly for Bible study. Carlos did not know the other group members before he joined them, but they have since grown together as brothers for the cause of Christ.
During their meetings, the group has studied the BLE materials such as God’s Plan for Husbands and Understanding the Bible 101. They have learned from each other and grown together on each of their spiritual journeys. One discipline practiced in the group that has significantly impacted Carlos has been the power of corporate prayer. The vulnerability and openness of praying for one another out loud has led him to an even deeper level of intimacy with God.
Carlos says the group has been significant for him in his spiritual walk because, “It allows you to be yourself with others that welcome God’s presence. It sets aside an extra hour to meditate and reflect with business professionals with common conflicts as myself. And it creates dialogue to better plug into the Word.”
Equipped by God with a humility that allows him to share God’s message in a friendly and unobtrusive way, people in his workplace have been very receptive and respond to Carlos’ friendliness. He makes it a priority to focus his thoughts on God, and the overflow of kindness bears witness to God’s goodness and shines His light to others. Through his small group, Carlos has been encouraged by his brothers to remain firm, to keep going even when work challenges get in the way, and most of all, to keep his eyes focused on God.
Back to topGod’s Construction Zone
A break room at a construction and engineering firm may not sound like the most likely place to find a Bible study, but for Steven it is the ideal meeting spot. Steven attends a small group meeting there every other week led by BLE’s Steve Stoner. Steven can testify that in the three years he has been a member, these regular discussions have helped him identify his role as a Christian in the workplace and equipped him to share with his co-workers what God has done for and through him.
Steven says the in-depth studies “made me take a good look at my relationship with Jesus” and take that relationship more seriously. He knows that the small group studies, along with consistent church involvement have “helped me grow in my walk with Jesus” and shown him how to blend his spiritual life with his work life.
“I see a direct correlation between my relationship [with Jesus] growing and being blessed at work,” he says.
The group tends to have core members but also several different people who will attend. Steven says this makes it a dynamic group and he enjoys seeing a wide variety of people exposed to God’s Word as a result.
The group continues to develop, with more and more people in the company discovering God’s Word and seeking to know Him more. As Steven points out from Isaiah 55:11, “[God’s Word] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Back to topThe Rock Is My Foundation
As a business person, how often would you think of making friends with those in direct competition with you? How about engaging in Bible Study with them and sharing prayer requests, struggles and praises related to your job?
Dayton does just that. It may seem an unlikely small group for him to join but he finds the diversity in professionals and similar business backgrounds to be instrumental in his spiritual growth. Not all the members are his competitors, but all those who attend have become friends and use the bi-weekly studies as an opportunity to engage in real, sincere conversations about the struggles and miracles they each face in their day to day responsibilities and how they can make their faith a part of that.
Dayton knows God repeatedly gives him openings to share his faith with his co-workers through his actions and his everyday dealings with them. In fact, he credits Scripture with broadening his perspective to allow him to have a greater impact on others and to embody God’s love and commandments.
“It is doing the little things that are noticed like being responsive, not willing to put aside morals or values and doing what is right for people. God has put me in the positions that I am in to be able to share my faith with others through adversity or success,” he says.
A small group member for nearly five years, Dayton has also seen the lives of the other members grow deeper in relationship with Christ while maturing their faith and their commitment to living out the values set forth in Scripture. Dayton knows that it is only through that faith and devotion that he can handle the pressures and diverse circumstances he faces in his job.
Another blessing has been having a manager who supports his participation in the Bible study. His manager even intentionally attends a different Bible study so Dayton can feel free within his BLE small group to discuss work problems if needed.
He has also learned an increasing reliance on God during tough times.
“When I have struggled with work in several ways my faith in God has been my foundation to lean on no matter the circumstance,” he says.
Dayton believes it has been through the BLE small group that he has been able to recognize where he needs improvement, how he can live the life Christ has called him to and what it means to be a Christian in the workplace.
“We all struggle with bringing God into the workplace and with how to live our lives through God while there. My BLE small group study has given me a perspective on all the ways we can honor God in everything we do at work and how that can impact others in the workplace. It has also given me strength in knowing God is with me in the workplace and knowing no matter the circumstance I can fall back on the foundation of God. The lessons that are taught in the BLE small group are great building blocks to strengthen faith outside of church. It also has given me an outlet for knowing other industry professionals that have the same beliefs and want to live their life for Christ.”
Back to topAn Appointment Worth Keeping
Laura sets an appointment on her calendar when she has her BLE small group Bible study, and makes it a point to honor that commitment as she would any appointment. She sees this as the way to remain steadfast in her attendance. And it works.
Busy work schedules and unforeseen appointments can cause many in the insurance and employee benefits business to put Bible study on hold, but Laura treats the small group meeting as she would any other meeting that cannot be missed. She has used this approach since she began actively attending a BLE study a few months ago.
She has found her small group to be a source of spiritual nourishment and a place where she can feel safe in sharing what God is challenging her in and how she sees God’s triumphs in her life and work.
“It reaches folks where they are – in the midst of the workplace, which is where it is missing in today’s environment in many cases.”
One thing Laura has discovered since joining the small group is an understanding that God is using her as an instrument to guide others to Him.
“I just never acknowledged that before. I just simply thought it was something about me that provoked people to share their lives with me so intensely,” she says.
She has also learned the value of praying for friends at the moment they need it – despite being in public – rather than just listening to their needs and not responding.
“It is still not the easiest thing for me to do, but I challenge myself to do it instead of just saying “I’ll say a prayer for you,” which many times in our lives can be so cliché.”
She sees God reaching her in her place of work each day, and is grateful that she works in a place that allows her to attend Bible study. She finds the break in her daily chaos to be a refreshment, and has realized the importance of relying on God in the midst of a hectic day.
“God knows what we need, and He has known what I need in the midst of my business chaos. This group and our leader, Steve, have been very helpful and rewarding for me.”
She looks forward to seeing the group multiply in members, and she actively invites business associates and brokers, many of whom have attended.
“I just keep inviting them!” she says.
Back to topThe Rewards of Leading
Leading a BLE small group may not be for everyone, but BLE small group leader Rick says, “Leading is a bigger commitment but also a greater reward. When you lead you find yourself looking deeper in God’s word and being blessed in the process.”
Rick began with BLE as a group member and soon after became a small group leader. His small group meets on Wednesday mornings at 6:00 am and is made up of men in various industries who each have a desire to learn how to reflect Christ in their daily work and home lives.
While Rick admits, “Getting up early and then just staying committed by being prepared for the next meeting” can be a challenge, he also recognizes the need to connect with others while being reminded of God’s gifts of mercy and grace.
“All of us praise God for the group itself. For some, this is our only spiritual connection.”
He also knows that his co-workers have been more receptive to his spiritual approach to work since he has been in his BLE small group.
“I think I make better decisions all around when I include God in the process. In the end, my goal is to allow God to let me make a difference in the lives around me. I just need to be thankful and share the same mercy and grace He has shown me, and when asked simply state it comes from Him and not me.”
He also has noticed a difference in the men he mentors, specifically that these men now “approach work and family from a Godly perspective more often than in the past. That is not easy in our world today.”
As for the future of the small group, Rick knows that through God’s leading, these men will continue to “find new ways to grow spiritually so we can become better Ambassadors of Christ.”
Back to topA Surprising Benefit
When I started my job in October 2008, I was told by a co-worker of a benefit that was offered to all employees. When I heard what it was I was sure I heard it wrong. I was told there was a Bible Study Group that met every other week during lunch. I was a bit confused and had to ask if she was serious. I had never heard of anything like it. I had worked in the construction industry for about 20 years and a discussion about faith was not only unheard of, but frowned upon.
I began attending the Bible Study my second week of employment. Our group meets in a conference room and although everyone is welcome there are only a handful of participants. Our small group has gained a few more but we have grown within ourselves more with each day. It was a great way to meet fellow employees, and what an experience to be able to share the Lord with your Supervisor!
I did not come from a home that read the Bible; it was just a beautiful book that collected dust. At church it was read to us. I have so much to learn about the word of God and how He has given it to us to learn how to have a right relationship with Him. It is so amazing to be able to go to work and discuss what you have learned and to share prayer with others.
Our first study was on how God wants us to live in the workplace. I really loved that this was a study solely based on Scriptures; it taught me that the Bible is not a history book, it is a current event (living) book. What was written thousands of years ago applies to us to this very day and will continue to apply. Our second study was of Paul and his letter to the Philippians. What an encouragement he is to me. What a strong Godly man, choosing to be joyful no matter the circumstances and never stepping down from his role God gave him to spread the Gospel. I am sure he did not realize that even today we would be learning about our Lord through his words.
BLE has been a blessing to me in so many ways, not only is it teaching me about God’s Word but it has also introduced me to Steve, who has helped me with many personal struggles in my life. I am truly blessed to be a part of a company that is not silent about its beliefs and morals and offers such a spiritual opportunity.
Back to topRefreshment
“It is a refreshing break from the work day where we can be filled up by the Word of God.”
This is how Waylon, a BLE small group member for the past three years, describes his experiences in his BLE small group. He has seen God work some big miracles in his career and marriage, and finds the bi-monthly BLE studies to be a time for re-energizing for the days ahead.
Working in the Consulting Architecture and Engineering business, he meets a number of clients inside and outside of San Antonio which gives him ample opportunity to share the message of Christ with those he encounters. He also has been given leadership responsibilities, and says the way he reacts to negative situations and how he manages people are just some of the ways in which he can reflect his true identity in Christ, and show his co-workers a new perspective on management.
Waylon’s small group, led by BLE’s Steve Stoner, is made up of men and women who show up surrendered and ready to dig into God’s Word. Says Waylon: “The men and women who have attended the group have supported me with prayer and words of encouragement throughout the time that my wife and I have struggled. During the economic recession, our company has continued to enjoy success which is something we have prayed for in the group. It is so amazing to watch how God continues to work.”
Since joining the group,Waylon has developed spiritually from a person who worked for men to a person who works for the glory of the Lord. Each study has built on this concept, helping him maintain the correct perspective on his career and to be an Ambassador for Christ first.
“Any success that I have comes from the Lord. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. I’ve been encouraged to be a light in the workplace for Christ through the work I do and how I interact with my co-workers,” he says.
Back to topThe Challenge
Why did I want to start a BLE small group for the San Antonio insurance market? It was all because of a challenge that I received one Sunday morning over seven years ago from my pastor at the time, Jeff Harris. Jeff’s sermon challenge was the following: “All of you business guys out there, why aren’t you bringing your relationship with God into your place of work?” At that point I made a decision that I would be one of those guys that would let others know about my relationship with God, how important it was to me and that I wanted to share it.
Over the last seven years, I have been looking for ways to introduce my faith to my industry. One of the most productive ways has been through the curriculum of BLE.
Let’s move to the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, Why, and When.
Who: The first invitation went to my internal office which is made up of eight employees. Of these eight co-workers, I have had several join us for various studies. But the most faithful co-worker has been the owner and managing partner, Gerry Impelman, who is in his sixties and a gentleman who is staying humble to God’s teachings, opening up his conference room to the BLE studies, and attending regularly. The second invitation went to everyone I knew that worked in my industry, from carrier vendors to my industry peers. The third invitation came from group members who indentified others they knew that could benefit from our studies and invited them.
What: Our BLE study group is made up of between six and eleven individuals. Our group has completed all of the BLE curriculum, studied several books of the Bible, and read spiritual discipleship as well as workplace ministry books together. However, the best thing that our group enjoys is finishing a study and coming together for communion to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. That’s right – we celebrate communion together at least four times a year right in our very own conference room, and it is the most beautiful thing one can experience in their workplace.
When and Where: We have consistently met every other Tuesday at 11:30 am until 12:30 pm in our office conference room. We have tried early morning studies but have found that the lunch hour meeting gives us the highest level of participation among our group.
Why: There are some 8,736 hours in a year. We sleep 2,900 of those hours. That leaves a total of 5,800 truly productive hours in a year. We will work over 2,000 of those hours and have 3,800 hours for personal use. That means a minimum of 34% of these productive hours are in our places of work. When I look at how many people I can impact through the workplace, I am amazed and can see so much potential. The impact can be done through creating new friendships, engaging in fellowship, participating in missions, and gathering for prayer, communion and studying.
Now go make an impact in your workplace!
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