Often the motivation to combine faith values with financial stewardship is rooted in a call to ministry. But what does that actually look like in the marketplace today?
David Miller, Charitable Services Representative at Everence, created a workshop to answer that very question. The Everence event was presented in November, in collaboration with MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) and the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, and featured three guest speakers and concluded with a panel discussion led by Everence CEO Ken Hochstetler.
Brian Miller, President at ProVia in Sugarcreek, OH, spoke about navigating a tight labor market as a workplace leader and how a company culture rooted in generosity makes up his idea of ministry. “We want our employees to grow and flourish,” he said of ProVia. “Employees want to know that they matter.”
CEO of Pioneer Equipment in Dalton, OH, Leon Wengerd then spoke about the importance of listening to community members when developing new product innovation and ideas. He also placed a large emphasis on keeping God at the center of the business, and it is the combination of these qualities that marked his success.
Dan Owolabi concluded the presentation by prompting attendees to think about their legacies, and perhaps shift their perspective and priorities. “Stop asking what is my purpose and start asking who is my purpose,” he said. “Ask the Lord, ‘who should I be investing in?’”
Marcus Yoder, Ken Hochstetler, Dan Owolabi and Brian Miller chat during the annual Faith and Values in the Marketplace event.