As we have been trying to get the Transformasphere Movement in high gear, there have been some questions raised regarding how some professions fall into the seven spheres (CHARGED). One group of professionals in particular in our church who has been asking questions is the engineers. How does engineering fit into the Transformasphere Movement? There does not seem to be a clear category. Why are we being left out? (And I am sure that there are other professionals in other fields who are asking similar questions).
To answer these questions, we must first understand the definition of spheres. It is important that people understand that we are not using the word “spheres” to directly describe a field, industry, or career. If we were trying to describe all the careers and industries then we would have to have an exhaustive list or some people would feel disrespected and unappreciated if they were left out. Also, since the world is constantly changing, we would have to add careers and industries to the Transformasphere Movement each time something new emerged. This would become an arduous task and once again, there would be the possibility of excluding someone.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word sphere as, "an area of power, control, or influence; domain." There are specific spheres or domains that have an influence over society. In fact, many sociologists and anthropologist in their study of human culture and human development have agreed that every society is made up of some basic pillars such as religion, family, business, education, government and the arts. These pillars have influence and control over society. Simply put, they shape our world. This is why we need to penetrate these spheres of influence with the Gospel message.
Therefore, the spheres have to be looked at in the bigger picture rather than specific careers or industry. In the same way, some of the other vocations that deal with technology, construction, and telecommunications would fall under one of the bigger category of spheres. In the case of engineering, the practice could and would fall under multiple spheres.
According to Wikipedia’s definition of engineering, it is define it as, "the applied science of acquiring and applying knowledge to design, analysis, and/or construction of works for practical purposes. The broad discipline of engineering encompasses a range of specialized sub-disciplines that focus on the issues associated with developing a specific kind of product, or using a specific type of technology. Engineering is a subject that ranges from large collaborations to small individual projects. Almost all engineering projects are beholden to some sort of financing agency: a company, a set of investors, or a government."
In essence, engineering is broken down to various sub-disciplines such as, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering to name a few. Each of these sub-disciplines contributes to various spheres and at times overlaps with others. For example, the engineering sub-discipline of civil engineering deals with the “A” (Arts and Media) because it involves “creativity” and designing bridges and buildings. At the same time, it also deals with the “C” (Commerce) since it is contributing to the business aspect.
This is the same situation with biotechnology engineering or pharmaceutical engineering. They deal with the "H" (Healthcare) of the CHARGED acronym but it also overlaps with the "C" (Commerce) since there is a business aspect of it.
So, which sphere do the engineers fall under? It can be best answered by what specific focus or specialty that engineer has as their job description. But the key is we need to make sure that we do not look at the Transformasphere Movement in terms of the career or industry aspect.
It is important that we do not make the transformasphere so dogmatic. Things in this world are constantly changing and God is always moving. We need to be flexible and sensitive to where the Holy Spirit is leading us. The main concern is simply – are we being God’s agents in bringing forth transformation to the various parts of society through our studies and our vocation.?
Abraham Kuyper said, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!'" Everything belongs to God and we are trying to use our studies and vocation to reflect God intended purpose for every area of our lives, our spheres, and our world.
I appreciate the posting
I appreciate the posting about engineers as to clarify for the engineers as to where we stand and how God has opened up opportunities for us to take part in the movement that He has started. Further, I believe that engineering majors open up lots of doors that will allow the Church to enter into places that many cannot, thus I encourage the engineers to continue persevering and asking God to see how He can use us for His glory.
My question/concern is for some of the people who I have been talking to. For myself, talking about transforming the world and seeing how I can use my God-given gifts and major to do things of the kingdom that are beyond myself gets my blood flowing. But for others, the same is not true. And from talking to people who are already in the workplace and working in these various fields, even if they have the same vision for the transformaspheres, many get frustrated as they're sphere of influence is little to nothing and they realize that there is only so far in terms of where they can go.
Thus, for those who don't have those spheres of influence or leadership-like characteristics, it seems hard for them to fit into this movement of God. My feelings are definitely that with man these things are impossible, but with God all things are possible, yet practically speaking, I'm just wondering how the transformasphere movement would fit in for these people, who feel they are in dead-end jobs and have little influence in their spheres. Thanks.
Teamwork and Time
Thanks Gabe for the response.
You share a good concern that a good percentage of people have been voicing to me as well. I think the important thing to keep in mind is the 2 “T” words, “teamwork” and “time” When we think about “transforming the world or spheres” we cannot forget that it is best accomplished in teams. Then the task does not seem so overwhelming because if we all do our part (no matter how small it appears), we will start to see some changes.
Secondly, we cannot forget that it is a process that will take time. It might even take the next generation (your children’s generation) to see some of the changes. In fact, I cannot forget that what the previous generation did has really opened up doors for our generation.
One picture that the Lord gave me awhile back is the dripping of water on a rock. It seems like nothing is happening but over a period of time (years), the rock has a dent in it due to the constant pounding of the tiny little water drop.
We can all make a difference
I remember how frustrated I was when I graduated from grad school and took an entry level job at Ernst&Young. That first year, I thought to myself, "What in the WORLD am I doing. I am not adding anything of value to the world with my job right now." I got so frustrated whenever I heard someone say, "You can change the world." I was like, "No I can't. I'm just crunching excel documents all day long!"
Well, that first year I met a co-worker whom I eventually became really good friends with. He was not a believer in Jesus. And just last month, I had the opportunity to stand in His wedding, seeing him commit his marriage to Christ.
You see, that first year that I was working at E&Y, my thoughts on transformation were something along the lines of, "I need to be the CEO and be an influence!" But God placed me there that year so that I could minister to a fellow co-worker and share the good news of Jesus Christ to him. Boy, are his ways higher than my ways!
Fast forward about 5 years. That first year of working laid a solid foundation for me and helped me in so many ways in the years after. That first year, though I didn't see it at the time, was a building block for future things. God connects all the dots in our lives faithfully...it's just that sometimes we don't see the big picture. When we focus on the one dot, we can easily get frustrated. But take a step back and see the Master Painter a work.
But I do want to say this. Not all of us are going to be the next Bill Bright or Billy Graham. Some will lead movements and some will faithfully show up to work each day. Some may have influence over thousands, while others may have influence over one. Is one person better than the other? No. We are all part of the same team, working toward one goal, all playing different roles.