How Then Should We Work?: Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work

Businessman Hugh Whelchel provides a thorough, deeply-satisfying biblical answer to the age-old question, "Does my work matter to God?"

Many Christians struggle to make sense of their faith and work. Some are taught the only value in their work is evangelism among their coworkers and earning money to donate to the church and missions. With more than 25 years working in the business sector, Hugh Whelchel was just that guy. He knew there had to be more. His thorough investigation reveals the eternal significance of work within the grand, biblical story of God's mission throughout history.

In How Then Should We Work, discover:

• The rich biblical meaning of work - from Genesis to Revelation
• The difference between work, vocation, and calling as a Christian
• The history of the Christian view on work
• The call to "reweave shalom" through your job
• How to live a life of deep significance

Endorsements:

"A biblically-based and compelling argument supporting the integration of faith and work into a noble calling to serve God in the marketplace."

Steve Reinemund, Dean of Business, Wake Forest University Schools of Business and Retired Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo.

"Our vocation: Curse or obsession? Hugh Whelchel lays out the biblical case that our work is neither a necessary evil nor the center of our self-worth. It's God's holy calling through which we use our God-given talents for the furtherance of His ultimate plan - the Kingdom of God."

Hon. John Scott Redd, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and First Director of the U. S. National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)

"Hugh Whelchel's work comes at a critical time when both the church and the culture in general are questioning the purpose and value of work. His solid examination of the biblical teaching on work is an excellent starting point for anyone wrestling with these issues."

J. Michael Thigpen, Executive Director of the Evangelical Theological Society

"Hugh Whelchel has done an exquisite job of calling Christians to their role in the kingdom of God. He is straightforward in his approach and direct in stating his own opinion. At the same time he weaves the thoughts of many, many others from Calvin to Keller into the development of this concise book that begins with a foundation of biblical theology and moves all the way to our individual and collective callings as believers in the Almighty God of this universe. It is a must read, wonderful for profound discussions."

Dr. Robert C. Varney, Former hi-tech CEO, Currently VP of the Leader-led Movements for Global Cities at Campus Crusade for Christ International

"What an important book! We often sing, 'I owe, I owe, I owe and it's off to work I go.' That's from the pit of hell and smells like smoke and Hugh Whelchel will tell you why in this book. Not only does he do that, he does it in a refreshing way with great biblical insight. When you add the wisdom of his lifetime of experience to the mix, you have a book that ought to be read by every Christian, underlined and referenced often and then given to everybody you know. You will 'rise up and call me blessed' for having commended this book to you and Hugh Whelchel for having written it."

Steve Brown, Key Life Ministries, and Author of Three Free Sins: God Isn't Mad at You

How Then Should We Work? has really shaped the way I look at work as a Christian and how I see the work that I am called to do as meaningful and important from a kingdom perspective. Every chance I get, I put a copy in students' hands and read through it with them.

Dr. Gordon Richards, Lt. Col. (ret), Associate Professor of Business and Computer Science, Geneva College

Hugh Whelchel is executive director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, a Christian research organization in the Washington, D.C. area (tifwe.org).

Previously, Whelchel served as executive director and guest professor at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS), Washington DC. Hugh also has over thirty years of experience in the IT business. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a master's degree in religion from Reformed Theological Seminary.

Whelchel has a unique passion for helping individuals integrate their faith and vocational calling and is frequently called upon to teach and speak on this topic at conferences, churches, business groups, and universities around the nation.