Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians

Contents

1 Feeling Guilty About Expansion

The business was doing well, but to stay competitive they had to expand. Why did they think the folks at church wouldn’t understand?

2 Time to Share?             

Doreen sees her star employee struggling with family problems and purpose in life, though his work is fine. When, she wonders, is it appropriate for the boss to bring up personal faith?

3 Truth and References             

This was one employee reference form Lois didn’t want to fill out. She wanted her friend to get a good job—but this position seemed far beyond her reach. How candid should she be?

4 The Pious Pressman             

Dennis was a good pressman, but now he was fasting every Monday. By mid-afternoon he was light-headed. His boss, a fellow Christian, worries about production quality and safety.

5 A Thumb on the Scale of Justice             

Angry when passed over for a promotion, Ivan stole from the firm. When he got caught, Evelyn gave him another chance. Now other staff are furious with their wimp of a boss.

6 When You’re Offered a Windfall             

The computer diskette had it all: the competition’s customer profiles, marketing strategies, and expansion plans. Ethical or not, Warren was being offered a windfall.

7 To Tell the Truth             

The editor of the company newsletter has just learned layoffs are likely. How honest should she be? Will telling the truth spook good employees into looking for other jobs?

8 A Bid Is A Bid             

Elmer awarded a big construction contract to a fellow church member. But the bid had been too low; now the builder is in trouble. Should Elmer hold to the original bid, or pay the overrun?

9 They Call It Harassment             

Lucretia doesn’t want to quit, but she’s getting tired of the “unwanted attention” from the company’s rising star. Janet wants to blow the whistle, but Lucretia is afraid.

10 When Can You Sue?             

When they bought the land for cash from a fellow church member, they didn’t do a title search. But there was an encumbrance. Now they’ll lose both land and house. Should they sue?

11 More Than Money             

Vic squirmed as the church meeting turned to nominations. He just knew he’d be asked to serve on the fund-raising committee—again. Didn’t they think he had anything else to offer?

12 When Illness Strikes             

Before he got sick he was a sharp accountant. Now his mistakes cause extra work and cost clients’ money. What does it mean to “go the second mile” in such a case?

13 The Great Porn Debate             

His recently acquired magazine distribution business handles everything from Penthouse to Parents magazine. “I don’t censor,” he says. Some people think he should.