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Fellowship of Companies for Christ International

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Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) is a membership-based 501(c)(3)non-profit. Originally founded in 1977 as Fellowship of Companies for Christ (FCC) in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1985, ‘International’ was added to the name to reflect the international vision. FCCI members include Christian business owners, CEOs, managing directors, professionals and other business leaders. Members believe Jesus Christ can be a positive change agent in their personal lives, the culture of their workplaces and the broader marketplace where they conduct business. While FCC originated with a small circle of business and ministry leaders in the 1970s in Atlanta, Georgia, US, FCCI now reports activities in over 80 nations, as of 1/2014.

Overview

"The Fellowship of Companies for Christ International aims higher than your basic business-networking organization. It's a group that supplies spiritual inspiration and guidance for born-again-Christian CEOs"—Inc. Magazine[1]

Fellowship of Companies for Christ International equips and encourages company leaders to operate their businesses and conduct their personal lives according to Biblical principles. For over 35 years, as a cross-denominational group, FCCI has been exploring the question: "What does it mean to run a company for Christ?"[2] FCCI is now a global fellowship with a local vision, focused on personal, business and community transformation through a growing relationship with Christ, believing that Christ can change the world through how members do business.

Biblical mandate--FCCI embraces the discipleship of leaders and nations as described in Great Commission. FCCI's Vision is unique as it focuses on leaders' transformation impacting their personal lives, leadership styles, and business cultures that can lead to a transformation of their community, city and their respective nations. --"Transforming the world through Christ, one business leader at a time."

Long before What Would Jesus Do?-WWJD wristbands appeared in the 1990s, in the 1970s FCCI's founding circles wrestled with the question: "What would Jesus do--if He were running my company?" This question was penned by Charles Sheldon in 1896 in a series of articles that became the book In His Steps

FCCI is part of a revival of interest on matters of faith, expressly discussed in workplaces, including prayer, study and discussion groups in break rooms, conference rooms and dedicated spaces allowing free expression of faith, in compliance with Title 7 requirements.[3]

Cultural Transformation

FCCI sees business as a bridge to reach the world for Christ by allowing clients, employees, leaders, competitors and stakeholders to experience the blessings that come with alignment to Biblical principles.[4] A company's culture is positively impacted by an outflowing of the Abundant Life experienced by its leader. When a city, region or nation has enough leaders and businesses in alignment with Biblical principles, cultures can change through how business is done. FCCI promotes a purposeful strategy to positively impact the cultural hub cities around the world, expressed in the Influential Cities Outreach.

FCCI supports a broader movement of Fortune 500 Companies to proprietorships that allow free expression of faith within the (US Federal law)Title 7 context.[5] FCCI estimated the number of workplace study and prayer groups was around 10,000.[6]

Organizational Structure and Activities

Operating as a 501c3 non-profit sustainable through membership and donations, FCCI produces an annual international conference drawing Christian business leaders from dozens of countries. Speakers address issues common to all business owners and leaders from a Biblical perspective. Live conference sessions are streamed from the conference around the world and video is captured, segmented and uploaded for ongoing use in Business Leadership Groups in the USA and other nations. The International Conference is a source of watershed moments for attendees, sometimes provoking transformational change in their personal or business lives[7] The FCCI conference has also exhibited a catalytic effect, sometimes inspiring spinoffs when attendees return home.[8]

FCCI Business Leadership Groups [BLGs] convene weekly or monthly for fellowship, encouragement, prayer, counsel and Godly wisdom. Business issues are discussed in the groups from a biblical perspective which considers the impact on both relationships and resources.[9]

Concepts of Biblical stewardship are promoted to FCCI's membership and modeled by the organization, a founding member of the Evangelical Counsel for Financial Accountability ECFA FCCI promotes the Biblical concepts that our purpose in work: 1. is of utmost importance to God and 2. is key to eternal reward (Col 3:17, 23-24). Business as Missions and Business as Ministry is most effective when Eternal Purpose is clearly understood, Eternal Values are clearly communicated, taught and most importantly, modeled by business leaders. The preeminence of eternal purpose is central to all of FCCI's activities. This idea is reinforced by the name given to FCCI's process for developing leaders-Pathway to Purpose. FCCI provivdes ongoing prayer support for CEOs, business leaders, their employees and others through a through a web-facilitated network of volunteers.[10]

Staff

FCCI's global fellowship is served by a small team of employees, supporting a cadre of distinguished volunteers leading Business Leadership Groups and Area Teams, all overseen by an International Board.

Pathway to Purpose[tm](P2P)

P2P is a template for all of FCCI's conferences, seminars, groups and materials. "P2P" promotes four developmental objectives: Spiritual Maturity, Servant Leadership, Business Excellence and Kingdom Impact. The concept of a "Kingdom Company" is promoted as one where Biblical purpose and values, servant leadership and excellence lead to business transformation. Jesus Christ is the model; His teaching is the framework—all energized by the work of the Holy Spirit. Kingdom Companies are great places for anyone to work and often present non-Christians with their first exposure to Kingdom principles at work. Proselyting is not the objective. Conducting oneself in a manner that provokes questions on matters of faith is a goal (1Pet 3:15.) FCCI resources are developed with all of these P2P objectives in mind.

Notable Participants

In the 1970s, FCCI's founding circle included: Larry Burkett, Bert Stumberg,[11] Bobby Mitchell, Bill Leonard, Jim Moye, Smith Lanier, Ben Lively, Thomas Harris and Jimmy Pursell. Bruce Wilkinson, Larry Burkett, Walt Wiley, Ron Blue, Stanley Tam, Truett Cathy, Smith Lanier and Cade Willis were involved in the early years, providing teaching, training and leadership direction in various roles.[12] A few days after September 11, 2001 at the 2011 FCCI International Conference in Maui, Dr. Henry Blackaby spoke very powerfully in one of FCCI's most memorable moments. More recent content contributors for FCCI's conferences and group materials include: Ken Blanchard, Rick Warren, Dr. Richard Blackaby, Dr. John Townsend (author), Joel Manby [Undercover Boss], Dr. Tony Evans (radio), Pat Gelsinger and Francis Chan.[13]

Organizational Milestone CHRONOLOGY [14]

1977—The founders form the first group Christian Business Fellowship)
1980—FCC was launched at the first conference in downtown Atlanta at the Marriott Hotel
1980–1986—Bruce Wilkinson, Larry Burkett, and Ron Blue join the Fellowship casting vision and articulating the key teachings
1985–1989—Don Kline, Buck Jacobs and Mike Stevens become the first Area Coordinators and lead expansion
1989—FCC becomes FCCI, emphasizing the fellowship’s international vision. Growth triggers restructuring. Board of Directors appoints Ray Miller as the first President and CEO to take over operations
1990–1996—Executive Team grows to include the first Vice-President, Doug Hunter, active for many years as a member and business owner. Area coordinators grow to twenty under the supervision of Don Kline
1996—A changing of the guard prompts the development of a new God-sized strategic plan. Bert Stumberg retires as Chairman, Bobby Mitchell takes his place, and Alan Ross comes on as the new CEO.
Fall 1996—Largest ever International Conference challenges members to support new vision; changing our world through Christ one company at a time
2001—FCCI merges with Crown Financial Ministries
2002–2008—Kent Humphreys steps into the role of CEO, bringing his dynamic leadership and powerful teaching to FCCI at a critical time. Under his leadership, FCCI, using the Christ@Work brand, expands internationally into several thousand members in over 30 countries. God moves leaders to expand the mission to serve business leaders—owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and business students. Vision recast as transforming the world through Christ, one business leader at a time[15]
2008—Doug Hunter returns as CEO with a heart to inspire business leaders everywhere for maximum kingdom impact and global transformation
2010—Emphasis in the USA is on new groups in every state, bringing the ministry of FCCI closer to every Christian CEO
2011—Terence Chatmon is unanimously appointed President & CEO, bringing a heart for discipleship and a passion for encouraging and equipping business leaders to further the kingdom, September. Global Cities Plan is announced, targeting the top one hundred strategic cities–worldwide.
2012—New York City Area Team launches, April 2–3, 2012. Terence Chatmon announces new technology advances, including the launch of FCCI’s first Global Learning Portal and Conference Streaming event. Global Cities Plan is launched, focused on 30 of the world's top hundred strategic cities.

References

  1. ^ Hansen, Susan (2/1/2003). "Let Us Now Pray ... for Accu-Fab". Inc. Magazine. Retrieved 2014-02-19. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ Hamiltion, Robert (1995-05-14). Q&A: Drew M. Crandall; A Minister Goes to the Marketplace "Q&A: Drew M. Crandall; A Minister Goes to the Marketplace". New York Times. Retrieved 2014-02-21. {{cite journal}}: Check |url= value (help)
  3. ^ Ellin, Abby (2000-06-21). "In the Name of Peace at the Office". New York Times. Retrieved 2014-02-21.
  4. ^ DeButts, Jimmy (2007-1-18). page=all Articles "Business and the Good Book". Birmingham Business Journal. Retrieved 2014-02-19. {{cite journal}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing pipe in: |url= (help)
  5. ^ Hamiltion, Robert (1995-05-14). [Connecticut Q&A: Drew M. Crandall; A Minister Goes to the Marketplace "Connecticut Q&A: Drew M. Crandall; A Minister Goes to the Marketplace"]. New York Times. Retrieved 2014-02-21. {{cite journal}}: Check |url= value (help)
  6. ^ Chen, David (1997-11-29). "Fitting the Lord Into Work's Tight Schedules". New York Times. Retrieved 2014-02-21.
  7. ^ Morawski, Lisa (1999-08-23). "A Divine Mission". Dayton Business Journal. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
  8. ^ Lawley, Erin (3/5/2006). "Working the Word". Nashville Business Journal. Retrieved 2014-02-21. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ O'Neal Parker, Lonnae (1/11/2002). "Prayer and Profits". Washington Post. Retrieved 2014-02-19. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Hansen, Susan (2/1/2003). "Let Us Now Pray ... for Accu-Fab". Inc. Magazine. Retrieved 2014-02-19. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Stumberg Family (2013-2-20). "Family Placed Obituary". Legacy.com and The Atlanta Journal & Constitution. Retrieved 2014-02-19. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Robert L. Mitchell, A Walk in the Market, Milestone Publishing, 2013, pp. 74, 93 & 96]
  13. ^ Chan, Ella (2013-08-26). "Francis Chan Speaking at 2013 CCI Conference". Crossmap.Christianpost.com. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
  14. ^ [directly quoted Robert L. Mitchell, A Walk in the Market, Appendix C, pp. 187-189, 2013, used with author's permission]
  15. ^ Hillman, Os. "Bringing God to the 9 to 5 Window". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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