I love to watch the joy and excitement of parents as their baby develops from that first rollover to crawling, walking, climbing, running and eventually getting into all kinds of shenanigans. Throughout this journey, parents teach, encourage, and cheer them on through countless tumbles and setbacks. It’s a natural inclination for babies to gradually reach new goals giving them the ability to get hold of a distant toy, snack, or a parent for a hug.

As a grandmother, witnessing these milestones brings back memories of my own children as they grew as individuals. Being part of a group was a natural next step. Sports were an important factor in this process. Team sports were especially critical for them to learn how to collaborate while receiving encouragement and support. My own daughter was very shy, but by being part of a team and church youth and ministry groups, she was able to develop as a person in a safe environment where she could share her gifts while being reassured.

In a way, Vennture’s final pillar of Mobilization provides the same benefits. In earlier Issues of CBM Responding, we looked at the Formation and Creation pillars where we examined the Theology of Work and our God-given ability to be creative. These are often explored in isolation as we work out our understanding about our relationship with God and who we are and how we work. As we establish these, we can also mobilize and be part of the larger team. Vennture works through Formation, Creation and Mobilization. Intertwined and mutually supportive, none of these stands alone.

Mobilization is: envisioning, informing, enlisting, involving, encouraging, empowering, entrusting, equipping, enabling, supporting; preparing for a purpose and taking action.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Vennture is building global networks in order to mobilize God’s people to see their

work as mission and accept their role to help heal a broken world in word and deed through their daily work.

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN THE FIELD AND IN CANADA?

Mobilization can take many forms from leading a small group Bible study in your church to training and networking with pastors, people in the workplace, and around the world. Pastors can learn how to equip their congregation to go out and teach others about faith and work; workplace networks can be specific groups like Faith and Technology or meet generally about how to share their faith; and business leaders can discuss how to run their enterprise according to Christian principles.

In December, CBM’s Africa team met in Rwanda and introduced a new Theology of Work curriculum written for the African context, entitled Integral Mission in the Workplace. CBM’s five African partners from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and DR Congo came together for the very first Africa Vennture conference and shared various elements of the curriculum. The team received valuable input in preparation to finalize and launch the curriculum with our partners in the coming year. Over three years, the team committed to study and learn how faith and work are part of integral mission. The result is a course that addresses questions and concerns specific to the African context. Their formational activities have moved to mobilization as they prepare for the next step. In 2023 they will engage and train pastors, church leaders, workplace leaders, business people, and various influencers to train others in mobilization of Faith meets Work integration.

In Canada, we were thrilled to partner with Crandall University to hold the first Vennture/Crandall Conference in March 2023. Dr. Paul Stevens, a major innovating voice, author, and professor in the forum of Faith and Work, shared his decades of knowledge around the topic of which he has written over 30 books! We look forward to an ongoing partnership with Crandall and, in particular, their Business faculty. Business students are a key networking group as they graduate and move into the secular workplace.

left: Field Staff, Gato Munyamasoko [photo: Randy Vanderveen] right: Africa Team Leader, Andre Sibomana [photo: Randy Vanderveen]

Africa Vennture Conference in Kigali, Rwanda

Partner with us!

Here are just a few ways you can get involved.

Network!


Connect with: Business graduates, pastors, business coaches, entrepreneurs, learning and support groups
Book Clubs: Study with a like-minded cohort
Small group Bible studies: Learn the basics

Learn!

Credited Courses: IMT (Institute for Marketplace Transformation imtglobal.org) partners with CBM in their work and courses
Events: conferences, workshops, networking

Join Us!

Anyone interested in exploring the intersection of faith and work, and is passionate about whole-life discipleship, should consider joining Vennture. Belonging to a network of like-minded people is life changing. Vennture’s mobilization theme provides unique opportunities to participate in God’s mission in the world through work and accountability.

Create and innovate with us as we share and support one another in the integration of faith and work. Contact Michael or Brenda to find out more.