Story / Example (Max De Pree – Herman Miller Corp.)
- A CEO who lived out his Christian faith in leadership.
- Regularly visited the factory floor – not to check on workers, but to encourage and invite input.
- Held monthly lunches with employees → created space for ideas and collaboration.
- Believed:
- Every person is made in God’s image → co-creators in God’s work.
- Everyone has something valuable to contribute to the success of the organisation.
- The company was employee-owned, so participation mattered even more.
Faith in Action (ICM Application)
- Faith shapes how organisations function, not just personal life.
- “Faith in action” = practical steps where beliefs inform organisational culture and practice.
Six Foundational Faith Assumptions (from Made to Flourish)
- Created in God’s Image – all people have dignity, worth, and creative contribution.
- Connectedness & Relationship – humans are relational (reflecting the Trinity’s love & mutuality).
- Interdependence in Mission – like Father, Son, Spirit, we rely on each other in roles & mission.
- Mutual Participation – every member contributes gifts, talents, and experience to the mission.
- Agency & Power – people are not merely controlled by rules; God indwells them, giving power and responsibility to lead in their roles.
- Called to Make a Difference – all people are driven to impact families, communities, and the world.
Takeaway
- When these six assumptions are embedded in an organisation, faith in action naturally flows.
- They create a culture of dignity, collaboration, empowerment, and mission-alignment.