Dordt University is inviting Christians from a variety of professions to take a deeper look at the purpose and meaning of work through its upcoming At Work in the Garden conference, September 17-19.
The conference is designed for teachers, business leaders, healthcare professionals, pastors, academics, entrepreneurs, and workers from all walks of life to explore a Christian understanding of work, vocation, entrepreneurship, and service.
Luke Hawley, professor of English and dean for arts and humanities at Dordt University, says the conference grew beyond its original concept as an academic gathering and expanded into a broader conversation about how Christians view their daily work.
“We’re trying to reach out to a broader audience interested in that conversation about what it means to do good work, what it means to love the work that you do,” Hawley said.
Work as Part of God’s Design
According to the organizers, one of the central themes of the conference is that work was part of God’s plan for humanity long before sin entered the world.
Hawley says the conference name itself points back to the Garden of Eden and God’s original calling for humanity.
“The idea is that before the fall, God placed us in the garden to do good work, that cultivating the garden was always part of the plan. And if it was always part of the plan, then it must be good for us to do,” Hawley said.
Organizers hope attendees will consider the difference between simply enduring work and finding purpose in it, and explore how work can serve others and glorify God.
Beyond a Paycheck
Dale Zevenbergen, director of Dordt’s K&K Dooyema Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, says the conference encourages people to think beyond the financial benefits of a job and focus on its impact on others.
“The purpose of work is to serve. Yes, there’s the income and what you do with that and the utility part of it,” Zevenbergen said.
Still, he says the most important part is service. Another important theme, Zevenbergen says, is remembering that a person’s identity is not tied to a profession or job title.
“We’re not defined by our job title. Human beings in His image, we’re not defined by our job title,” he said.
The conference will also address what organizers describe as the false divide between so-called “sacred” and “secular” work.
“One of the big themes is that whether we’re driving a truck or being a pastor, neither one is more (important),” Zevenbergen said.
Speakers and Events
The three-day conference will feature keynote presentations from faith-and-work author Jordan Raynor, leadership scholar Michaela O’Donnell, and The Porter’s Gate, a worship arts collective known for creating music centered on faith and everyday life.
Conference Schedule
Thursday, September 17
•Registration
•Opening worship and welcome
•Keynote presentation by Jordan Raynor
•Dessert and networking
Friday, September 18
•Breakout sessions
•Networking opportunities
•Industry tours and workshops
•Evening worship and networking event featuring The Porter’s Gate
Saturday, September 19
•Additional breakout sessions
•Keynote presentation by Michaela O’Donnell
•Conference concludes Saturday afternoon
Throughout the conference, attendees will have opportunities to participate in breakout sessions covering education, business, healthcare, agriculture, nonprofits, and other fields. Organizers say the event is intended to provide learning, networking, and encouragement for churches, businesses, schools, and community organizations.
Conference registration is available here, with options for both full-conference attendance and individual keynote events. Organizers note that refunds are available up to seven days before the event.
Listen to the full conversation with Zevenbergen and Hawley right here.
