An honest and realistic look at why how we work matters.
There is no such thing as untested Christian faith.
The Bible shows us how testing experiences are common to every Christian and are part of God’s good work in making us the people he wants us to be. As we spend so much of our time working, (whether in the home,
in voluntary work, study or in a paid job), our work, like every part of our life, provides opportunities to prove for ourselves that God is real and at work in his world for good.
Graham Hooper has written this challenging and encouraging book for all Christians, but particularly for those struggling to ‘live out’ their faith at work, or questioning the worth of what they are doing.
Graham writes with the conviction that the Bible’s teaching about work is inclusive, covering every type of work at every stage of life; that the Bible is a message of good news with a universal application; and that it is also honest and realistic about the pressures of daily work and the way these often test our faith in a just and loving God.
It’s this truly biblical view of work, grounded in Graham’s own experience, which he presents in this book.
Chapter headings include:
Part A: Understanding our Motives
Necessity
Getting Ahead
Ambition
Competition
Rewards
Contentment or Adventure?
Pride
Self–Image
Part B: Living Our Values
Accountability
Faithfulness
Service
Dealing with Corruption
Living with Integrity
Prayer at Work
A Witness to What?
Setting Priorities
Part C:
Transforming Relationship
Being the Boss
Working for the Boss
Bullying and Harassment
Dealing with Conflict
The Blame Game
Exploitation
Loneliness
Part D: Testing Situations
Trapped
Frustrated
Bored
Stifled Creativity
Pressured to Conform
Aimless
Envious
Setback
Redundant
Stressed
Part E: Keeping Focused… on ‘the Big Picture’
God at Work
Not in Vain
Identity and Worth
The Right Work?
Career or Calling
Measuring Success
Leaving a Legacy
Endorsements
… will be so helpful for Christian men and women who … may struggle with the challenge and expectation that their faith ought to be relevant and life giving for the people they work with and for themselves as they endeavour to make work a place where they can naturally express their deepest sense of calling and identity.
George Savvides Career CEO, former Chairman World Vision Australia
… it is a delight to see … this practical, personal,
and passionate book. With short, ‘bite–sized’ chapters, this is the perfect read for the busy worker.
Andrew Laird Life@Work National Manager, City Bible Forum
… one of the most accessible and practical books I have ever read in the space of Christian faith at work. Using a Biblical context,
Graham offers actionable advice covering everything from motives to methods. No matter your line of work, this book will work wonders for you in bridging theory and practice for the faith active working Christian.
Chuck Proudfit President, At Work on Purpose, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
… a terrifically helpful book … It will help you get excited about the workplace where God has called you—and will equip, challenge, and stretch you to apply your faith in Christ to that environment.
Andy Bannister Director of Solas (Centre for Public Christianity), UK
Is there significance in my work? The answers are in these pages! Proving Ground identifies our biblical and unique value in our everyday living,
breathing, working life … Every Christian in the marketplace needs to read this book
– it will change us, our work places and our world!
Bernadette Black Founding Director, CEO, Brave Foundation Author, Speaker and Ambassador
Reading this book has reminded me that God isn’t just shaping us, proving us, for our own personal benefit, but so we can disciple and mentor others. Grab your own copy and a stack of copies for all those who look to you for leadership, you’ll be glad you did.
Wendy Simpson Chair, Wengeo Group Pty Ltd. Founding Chair, SBE Australia Non–Executive Director, World Vision Australia
Graham brings together a thoughtful Christian perspective and a knowledgeable business perspective to important issues of faith and work.
Jenny George CEO, Converge International
Many Christians struggle with the modern workplace – how to deal with its challenges and temptations, while seeking to serve God faithfully and live out their calling in the world. Proving Ground is true to its title. You will be tested and tried but also buoyed and encouraged by the practical examples and thoughtful questions presented in this helpful book.
Ian Harper Professor of Economics and Dean of Melbourne Business School, Melbourne, Australia
Graham Hooper is a Company Director, and former Senior Executive with a global infrastructure company. Now based in Australia, he became a Christian while working in Tanzania and has since lived in six countries and worked in some twenty more. He is the author of several books including ‘Undivided’, ‘A Better Way to Live’, ‘Songs from the Heart’, and ‘Do You Love Me?’
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