A Wesleyan church has been recognized by Best Christian Workplaces Institute as a 2014 Best Christian Workplace.
College Wesleyan Church (CWC) in Marion, Ind., has been named to the list and was compared to other churches.
The church, which averages 1,400 in attendance, scored high in several categories that are relative to other similar Christian organizations. Some areas of high scoring include:
- Leaders keep a focus on putting Christ first in daily decision-making.
- The church acts on the suggestions of staff and employees.
- There is a high level of trust between senior leadership and staff/employees.
- Those surveyed said they have had opportunities at work to learn and grow.
Senior pastor, Dr. Steve DeNeff, is proud of his staff and congregants as he sees God changing lives all around him.
“I’m proud of the way we’re/they’re letting God change us/them,” said Dr. DeNeff. “Lots of people go to church their whole lives without changing very much, without becoming better people. But we’re seeing genuine transformation take place in the lives and families of our people.”
Executive pastor, Rev. Chris Williams, said God has “brought a great group of people together and has forged us into a strong, healthy team. Together we are committed to seeking God’s leading, working together, and serving one another, the congregation, the community, and the Church as a whole.”
Leaders and congregants at College Wesleyan believe God has called them to “restore the future.” Rev. Williams said this is the shorthand way those at the church “refer to our mission to partner with God as he makes all things new.”
The effectiveness of CWC is found in how many people are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ and becoming agents of transformation in our community and world, not in attendance or number of baptisms. This is evident in the church’s priority to make spiritual formation a core ministry available to every generation in the church.
Best Christian Workplaces Institute also serves other faith-based organizations such higher education, parachurch and missions agencies, Christian schools, and other organizations. The Wesleyan Church Headquarters was also named a Best Christian Workplace in 2014.
