By Theresa Clark
A powerful book dealing with ethical issues Christians face in business has just been released by BMH Books of Winona Lake, Indiana.
Minefields in the Marketplace: Ethical Issues Christians Face in the World of Business is written by Jim Pearson, senior pastor of Brookside Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Prior to entering the ministry, Pearson enjoyed a successful career in sales and marketing with corporations in metals and scrap iron in both Ohio and Indiana. He is a graduate of Grace Theological Seminary and pastored in Fargo, North Dakota, before taking the Fort Wayne church.
The 116-page paperback addresses six specific ethical minefields that many Christian businessmen and women encounter on a daily basis. They include ethical compromise, materialism, power, sexual temptation, neglected relationships, and spiritual stagnation.
Pearson says, “Again and again I have seen one or more of these bring a well-meaning Christian down–careers ruined, reputations lost, and marriages destroyed.”
In a world where Christians are constantly bombarded with temptations, Pearson offers hope and guidance through the Word of God as well as his own personal experiences.
“It is my prayer that this book will challenge businessmen and businesswomen to maintain an authentic walk with Christ,” writes Pearson. “You can stay close to the Savior while climbing the corporate ladder. God has called us to a high standard.”
In addition to its eight chapters, the book provides a section of reflective study questions, making it an effective tool for Sunday School classes and small-group discussions.
The book has received numerous strong endorsements from both business and ministry areas.
Steve Alford, men’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa, says, “Jim Pearson has been a successful leader in both the world of business and the world of ministry. His heart’s desire is to see Christians excel in the marketplace while achieving spiritual excellence.”
Ambassador Steel Corporation President Daryle Doden writes, “An excellent read for those of us in the marketplace who are committed to set a standard of ethical, moral, and spiritual excellence.”
Mark G. Holbrook, president of Evangelical Christian Credit Union, states, “Minefields is great reading that exposes insidious workplace threats to our character and offers biblically grounded, actionable answers.”
And Dr. William J. Hamel, president of the Evangelical Free Church of America, expresses, “Discussing Jim Pearson’s book in a group or pondering his insights in quiet moments before the Lord may save your Christian walk, witness, and family. Minefields is a refreshing approach to the issues that can derail our lives in a pressure-packed world.”
Minefields in the Marketplace: Ethical Issues Christians Face in the World of Business retails for $10.99. Its ISBN number is 0884693023 and it is available online through www.bmhbooks.com or by calling 1-800-348-2756. Call BMH Books Division Manager John Leonard at that toll-free number for quantity discounts to use as ABF or small-group texts.
Theresa Clark, a Grace College journalism major from Delaware, Ohio, was editorial intern with FGBC World during the fall, 2005 semester.
