Raymond is available at selected times during the year to address topics having to do with the intersection of management, leadership, faith, ethics, charity, and theology. See the Speaking page for some of Raymond's past engagements.
Business and nonprofit topics are accessible to organizations and individuals from any faith background. Although topics are organized by format, it is possible to adapt the topics to other formats.
Business and nonprofit topics are accessible to organizations and individuals from any faith background. Although topics are organized by format, it is possible to adapt the topics to other formats.
Business
|
These workshops highlight areas of inquiry that have emerged through ongoing academic research, writing, and teaching.
Truth and Candour in Leadership. There is the general assumption that open and sincere communication is good because it builds a culture of honesty, fosters trustworthy knowledge, and allows relationships to thrive. Yet we rarely do it well, often saying things in the wrong way at the wrong time. Drawing from ethical philosophy, social psychology, and leadership theory, this session explores trust in leader-follower relationships and the virtues that support a genuine approach to communicating well with others. How to Choose Ethical Employees. With the risk of high-profile leadership failure and public exposure through social media, companies are in a reactive mode as they struggle to achieve ethical objectives when recruiting staff. This session examines the challenge by drawing upon interview and philosophical research focused on executive experiences, leader virtue, and HR-related ethics. The talk will provide a practical framework for building ethically focused staffing strategies in for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Religious Diversity as an Opportunity. Religious expression is commonly seen as something to be accommodated or tolerated. We miss the opportunity to see it as an asset, an important part of who we are that allows us to flourish in the face of daily pressures. Based on extensive thesis-based research, this session guides participants to discover how their work-related thinking is affected by common dilemmas and is also connected to our religious and spiritual beliefs. The approach provides a way to engage colleagues in mutual appreciation and growth. |
Nonprofit
|
These seminars are aimed at strengthening management within nonprofits, including faith-based organizations and church communities.
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits. Strategic planning requires an effective assessment of where we are, where we want to go, and how we're going to get there. This session introduces a framework for strategic planning in nonprofit organizations that takes into full account the context of the community, their understanding of the issues, and their readiness for change. For faith-based organizations, strategic planning should also incorporate the spiritual development of members and a confident sense of calling into the community's vision. Strengthening Faith at Work. Faith-based organizations often promote religious observance in the workplace but do not have an understanding of how to deepen the link between the faith and work of their employees. Through a session of interactive exercises and presentations, employees gain a clear perspective of the different dimensions of faith at work, and learn practical steps toward integrating their faith into their daily work lives. Leaders and managers are also empowered to address faith matters as they engage their staff. Guarding Against Tyranny in Leadership. The excesses of authoritarian and unethical leaders have left few people untouched in today's world. Before it is too late, communities may wish to guard their hearts against the factors that drive our attraction to them. Drawing from research on tyrannical leadership and numerous biblical examples, this session explores the ways in which human psychology, organizational culture, and religious beliefs have an affect on the leaders that eventually emerge in churches and other organizations. Broadening Our View on Prosperity. Development and ministry workers often engage in field work feeling apologetic about being among people in extreme poverty because they themselves come from a place of abundance and security. This session guides participants to reflect on the religious, sociological, and historical reasons for economic wealth, allowing them to have a view of their religious heritage that is balanced and grateful. Ultimately, participants are left with a hopeful narrative about how faith impacts the well-being of those in need. Gaining Insight by Listening. It has been said that the true heart of service is a ministry of listening and understanding rather than talking or doing. This session provides the philosophical justification and practical framework for using basic market research and social scientific methods—surveys, interviews, observation, and more—to support a respectful and effective approach to ministry. Examples of challenges and tools are given from pastoral, educational, and congregational contexts within the church. Marketing Management for Ministry. Getting the message out about your ministry takes careful planning, the right tools, and a well-crafted message. Marketing and fundraising promotion is based on a rational planning process that is attentively respectful of the needs of audiences. This session uses principles and tools from marketing theory, brand management, database marketing, direct marketing, campaign management, graphic design, and copywriting, and will look at samples of various types of marketing materials. |
Sermon
|
Typically delivered using a verse-by-verse interpretation of a key passage, these sermons are best presented in a series that help listeners understand holistically the role of faith in work life. They can also be adapted to individual sermons, conference sessions, or religious courses.
Faith at Work in the Life of Joseph. The life of Joseph is likely the most relevant biblical story to faith-at-work questions today. The series explores how Joseph's experiences provide a unique and inspiring perspective on common work challenges. Topics include spiritual calling, divine presence, moral temptation, disciplinary hardship, administrative wisdom, and godly blessing. The Big Picture on Christian Giving. The Bible and Christian history say far more about the importance of stewardship than many are aware. Listeners will hear a hopeful message about why they should give faithfully. The series draws from Old Testament wisdom, the sociology and psychology of Christianity, and an understanding of how churches and organizations grow. Biblical Wisdom on How We Think. The Bible has tremendous wisdom about how we think and act. The Word's extensive counsel accounts for the limitations of human psychology, and counteracts some of humanity's worst prejudices and dysfunctions. This series provides a deeper appreciation of passages that grow healthy relationships, leaders, churches, and societies. The Old Testament Master Plan. The Old Testament is rarely discussed for its sweeping account of God's plan to build a prosperous, just, and holy human community. This series brings insight to passages about the law, wealth, justice, wisdom, and idolatry, and ties them into current realities such as competition, capitalism, poverty, ethics, and leadership. God and the Wonder of Diversity. Religion is often thought of as rigid, judgmental, and divisive, yet one of the best legacies of the Church is a thriving God-ordained diversity among denominations, within congregations, and between genders. This series explores the meaning and blessing of diversity across the Christian community in an edifying, non-politicized way. |
Religious
|
Weekly contact with participants allows for a level of engagement not possible in one-time opportunities. The duration would vary depending on the goals of the course. They can also be adapted to conference sessions, individual sermons, or sermon series.
Dimensions of Faith at Work. Drawing from dissertation research on religiousness and spirituality in the workplace, this course explores important ways in which faith can be a rich part of our everyday thoughts at work. Participants are invited to explore their own work experiences and support each other in edifying discussions. Biblical Wisdom for Work. Drawing from the Old and New Testaments, this course explores the richness and relevance of the biblical viewpoint on several work-related topics. These include property rights, economic justice, Sabbath rest, civic laws, master-servant relationships, creation stewardship, and the value of work. Spirituality at Work. This course explores the many ways that the Christian tradition brings meaning, humanity, and renewal to our day-to-day work life. Included are discussions of the theology of the creation and fall, the significance of the embodied life, spiritual virtues and vices, the disciplines of balancing life and work, and the spiritual and ethical aspects of leadership. Rethinking Faith at Work. By introducing basic theological and philosophical topics supporting faith-work integration, this course helps participants to rethink preconceptions about work. The class is invited to renew their own role in redeeming the workplace, and to appreciate the extensive missional work being done around the globe. Finding Your Calling. This course discusses the concept of personal calling from a theological perspective and compares the distinct but related concepts of human vocation, the calling of the church, and divine guidance. The class is introduced to steps that can help discern personal calling and deal with the ever-changing landscape of today's marketplace. Entrepreneurial Innovation. Many religious denominations have developed innovative social, economic, and environmental projects to help those in need and achieve a mandate for renewing creation. This course takes the class through examples that illustrate a key biblical principle and affirm the relevance and adaptability of the scriptures. |