The Future of Work for Christian Business Leaders

by Lisa Oates

Lisa Oates is a seasoned marketing and design freelancer and owner of Northwest Creative who finds joy in helping business leaders with creative work so they can focus on what they do best — running their businesses! She’s passionate about innovation, strategic foresight, and design thinking. When she’s not designing, you can find Lisa baking pies, playing golf, or cheering her kids on from the volleyball court sidelines.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the landscape of work is undergoing significant transformation. According to The Future Today Institute, over the next 5-10 years, we’ll likely experience major changes and disruption in areas like education, politics, public health, wealth distribution, journalism, and more. These sectors are all connected, and technological advancements in any area will ultimately affect the others. We can see signals today that notify us of the next era. Are we paying attention? Are we prepared for the future?

For Christian business leaders, this advancement and disruption presents both challenges and opportunities as we navigate the intersection of faith and the marketplace. As we look ahead, it becomes increasingly crucial for leaders to discern how to integrate Christian values into the future of work, shaping not only our businesses but also the broader communities we serve.

Embracing Technological Advancements with Integrity

One of the defining features of the future of work is the relentless march of technology. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digitization are reshaping industries and redefining job roles, for better or for worse. Christian business leaders have a wonderful opportunity to learn about these advancements and apply critical thinking about how to use them through the lens of the Bible. We are called to steward what we have been given with excellence. That means we embrace these technological advancements while upholding integrity. Without this stewardship, the march of technology will soldier on toward a bleak future.

It’s essential to use technology responsibly, ensuring that it enhances human dignity rather than diminishes it. This means prioritizing critical thinking, transparency, and emotional intelligence in decision-making processes, even as personalized feeds and machine learning algorithms become more prevalent in business operations. The created human holds tremendous value in the workplace – both now and in the future – and the Christian business leader has a responsibility to uphold this foundational belief.

Fostering Biblically Inclusive and Diverse Workplaces

Another key aspect of the future of work is the emphasis on biblical diversity and inclusion. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse workforce, not only in terms of representation but also in fostering innovation and creativity. There is a biblical way to do this! As Christian leaders, it’s imperative to create environments where everyone feels valued and respected as image bearers of our Creator, whether they share our Christian beliefs or not. By navigating these choppy waters with care, we can become the greatest champions of celebrating the unique giftings and talents of everyone in the workplace.

Wondering what the Bible says about diversity and inclusion?

 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 

Colossians 1:16-17 says, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Isaiah 43:8-9 says, “Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! All the nations gather together, and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, It is true.”

Colossians 3:11 says, “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”

Revelation 7:9-10 says, “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

We, as Christian business leaders, can reflect God’s love for all people and create workplaces where everyone can thrive. It’s a picture of heaven.

Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

In the fast-paced world of modern business, the lines between work and personal life can easily blur. Playfilled states, “leaders reported that wellbeing, the state of employee mental and physical health, was the most critical issue currently in their organizations.” As Christian leaders, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of employees and ourselves. The future of work should prioritize a healthy balance between all facets of life (which can and should fluctuate over time and with different seasons of life), allowing individuals to excel in their careers while also nurturing their relationships, health, and spiritual lives. By modeling a healthy balance between work and rest, we can create cultures that prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees, leading to greater productivity, creativity, and satisfaction.

Leading with Servant Leadership

Perhaps the most enduring principle that Christian business leaders can bring to the future of work is the concept of servant leadership. Modeled after the example of Jesus Christ, servant leadership emphasizes humility, empathy, and a commitment to serving others. In a world that often prioritizes power and prestige, servant leadership offers a radical alternative—one that seeks to uplift and empower those around us. By leading with servant hearts, we can create workplaces characterized by trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas with Faith and Wisdom

Finally, as the future of work presents new ethical dilemmas and challenges, Christian business leaders must rely on faith and wisdom to navigate complex decisions. Whether it’s grappling with issues of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, or corporate governance, leaders must seek God’s guidance and discernment in every aspect of work. By anchoring our decisions in biblical principles and prayerful reflection, we can steer our companies toward a future that honors God and serves humanity, while also remaining steadfast in our faith when inevitable change approaches.

The future of work holds both promise and peril for Christian business leaders. By embracing technological advancements with integrity, championing diverse workplaces, managing priorities across all facets of life, leading with servant hearts, and navigating ethical dilemmas with faith and wisdom, leaders can shape a future where businesses reflect the values of God’s kingdom. As we journey into this uncertain future, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to glorifying God in all that we do, both in the workplace and beyond.

Resources for Christian Business Leaders To Master The Future of Work:

• Nobl Academy for Managing Organizational Change
• Design Thinking & Innovation from IDEO
• 7-Step Forecasting Funnel from Future Today Institute

Are you interested in joining a conversation like this to grow your faith and business with a Christian peer advisory group?