A Fellowship of Companies for Christ - International
CROWN COMPANIES
Standards of Excellence for Leading a
Fellowship Group
For Fellowship
Group Facilitators
CROWN COMPANIES AFFIRMATIONS
CROWN COMPANIES Leadership Affirmations
The Chief Executive Officer...
.... believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has personally accepted His gift of salvation.
...believes the Bible is God's inspired revelation to man and endeavors to live in obedience to its
principles and commands.
...is a member in good standing of a local church and supports the work of Christ through the
church by his time, talents and financial
resources.
CROWN COMPANIES Corporate Affirmations
The Chief Executive Officer strives through the company...
...to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with its employees and also its customers, competitors,
suppliers and other business contacts.
...to take an active part in the development of the spiritual life and Christian testimony of its
employees.
...to operate in accordance with the commands and principles of Scripture in dealing with its
finances, in handling its personnel, and in administering its policies.
...to regularly give a portion of its financial and personnel resources in meeting various Christian
responsibilities in accordance with Scripture. This pertains to the needs of its employees as well
as others, and may be accomplished through direct gifts or through contributions to agencies and
ministries.
CROWN COMPANIES Biblical Affirmations
The Chief Executive Officer strives through the company to maintain a biblical
perspective recognizing that...
...there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
...the Bible is God's written and inspired revelation to man and is the primary authority for man's
life.
...the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide
for our redemption, resurrection, bodily ascension into heaven, present ministry of intercession
for us, and His return to earth in power and glory.
...the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, His power to perform the miracle of the new birth
in unbelievers and to indwell believers, enabling them to live a godly life.
...man was created in the image of God and because of sin was alienated from God - that
alienation can be removed only by accepting, through faith, God's gift of salvation which was
made possible by Christ's atoning death and resurrection.
...Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and all believers are to assemble together regularly for
worship, for edification through the scriptures, and for mutual encouragement.
...Jesus Christ commanded all believers to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and to
disciple men and women of every nation. The fulfillment of that Great Commission requires that
all worldly and personal ambitions be subordinated to a total commitment to Him who loved us
and gave Himself for us.
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WHAT IS AN CROWN COMPANIES FELLOWSHIP GROUP?
A CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Group is a small group of 6-8 CROWN COMPANIES
members who have gathered together as peers, to focus on marketplace and business related
issues from a decidedly biblical perspective. Because they agree to strict confidentiality, it is a
group that grows to deep levels of trust and sharing and support. Members of the group are
always CEOs and Owners of companies (Managing Directors) and come together by invitation
only. Leaders, who are called facilitators, guide the meeting and maintain a focus on prayer,
sharing and biblical application. They use case studies, personal issues and other Master’s
Institute resources. Facilitators are not teachers. They do not use the Fellowship Group s a
platform for teaching doctrine. The Fellowship Group is not a Bible study. Fellowship Groups
hold themselves accountable to the CROWN COMPANIES Purpose and Vision. They recognize
the Regional Board as the spiritual authority under whom they participate in the ministry.
THE GOALS OF AN CROWN COMPANIES FELLOWSHIP GROUP
GENUINE PEER FELLOWSHIP
BIBLICAL APPLICATION-INTEGRATION
“It’s lonely at the top,” is more than a neat
phrase. It is a reality for many Christian
CEOs in the marketplace. The CROWN
COMPANIES Fellowship Group is a
support group open only to CEOs and
Owners of companies for sharing and
fellowship. The single focus is on building
relationships within a biblical context in
order to meet the specific needs of CEOs
and Owners.
Using Master’s Institute for Groups
materials, case study focus cards, and other
resources, the Fellowship Group works
together to bring application-integration of
biblical principles to each area of need. The
Fellowship Group has a discipline of
prayer and sharing so that each meeting
will accomplish the goal of meeting
participants needs.
GENUINE TRUST IN RELATIONSHIPS
Maintaining confidentiality in all areas of
the group’s life is absolutely essential for a
Fellowship Group. Trust building is a
critical factor in meeting the needs of group
members. This is the major reason for
having group membership by invitation
only so that new participants will not
interrupt the developing trust within the
group
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SOURCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
As members are ready they may ask for the
group or one of the group members to hold
them accountable for a particular action
discussed in the meeting. The process of
accountability requires that a request be
made to be held accountable. No one is
granted liberty to hold anyone accountable
without his or her expressed desire to be
held accountable.
A Call to Leadership
The Call-the Commitment-the Competence
The Call
A wonderful illustration of the dynamics of a call from God to serve is found in
Isaiah 6. In the commission of Isaiah we can learn a great deal about the meaning
of a call from God.
1. Isaiah saw the Lord highly exalted and "his robe filled the temple."
When in the presence of God the only legitimate emotion-action is
complete and utter focus on His power, glory and grace.
2. The choirs of angels affirmed the majesty and glory of God as part of
Isaiah's experience as they called to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is
the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Only God can
issue a call to serve.
3. Following on this experience of focusing only on God, Isaiah reaches
to a new depth of humility in God's presence, "Woe to me! I am
ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of
unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty."
Humility is the foundation for understanding a call to serve.
4. The angel flew to Isaiah with a live coal taken from the altar. "With it
he touched my mouth and said, See, this has touched your lips; your
guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Isaiah's heart and mouth
were cleansed and the blood of the Cross atoned for his sins enabling
him to serve only the Lord. A personal relationship with God is
essential for an effective call.
5. Finally the Lord issues the call. "Whom shall I send? And who will go
for us?" There is some choice involved with a call from God. It can be
refused which maybe why Scripture affirms that we should "stay
wherein we are called." An affirmative response to the call requires
absolute humility and selflessness like the "mind of Christ"
(Philippians 2). The call is confirmed in obedience.
6. Isaiah's response is undeniably compelling, "And I said, Here am I.
Send me." A call from God evokes an overwhelming desire to serve
only Him with grace and obedience. A genuine call is irresistible.
7. God promises to give us the word to say in any circumstance and
situation and no less with Isaiah. Verses 9-13 give the detail of God's
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expectations of the serving ministry to which He has called Isaiah
Grace is the foundation of every call. "Cheap grace is the preaching of
forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church
discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without
personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace
without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Grace is costly because it compels a man or woman to submit to the
yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: My yoke
is easy and my burden is light." (Bonhoeffer)
8. The vocational role of the Christian requires a call from God to the
task of serving people through their work experience. If the role is
perceived as a "job," rather than a call to ministry there will be little
fruit from the relationship. The called Christian is a man or woman of
great humility, obedient to God through Christ, with a solid
relationship with God by faith in Christ, with an absolute focus on the
power, grace and majesty of God, and a firm statement of commitment
regarding his or her role, "And I said, Here am I send me."
The Commitment
In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer defines commitment from a biblical
perspective. "A Call from God to serve is a call to die to self and live for God and
others, it is literally a call to die to oneself and live for Christ. Jesus calls the
twelve and immediately they give up everything to follow Him. They are
compelled by the love of God in Christ Jesus and motivated by costly grace
because it is Jesus who is issuing the call. Both the call and the motivation must
be focused on God not men. The commitment to serve God through your vocation
requires total reliance on God and total grace in dealing with His people.
The Competence
Character and role qualities are important if the call to serve God through your
vocation is to be effective and bear fruit. It is clearly the case that the DISC and
other measuring instruments have helped all of us to understand others and
ourselves better. The key to all of these instruments is that Jesus Christ epitomizes
all of the possible personality traits. Jesus as God surely rises above even the
totality of all of the personality characteristics. There are some competencies that
will help the Regional Director to fulfill his or her call to ministry.
See also: Romans 11:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Matthew 4:19; 8:19; 8:22; 16:24; 19:27;
Luke 9:23,61; John 10:4, 5, 27; 12:26; 21:19; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Peter 2:21;
Revelation 14:4.
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Timothy-Titus-Deborah
Qualifications for Leadership
The Scripture records several character
qualities required for deacons and
elders in the church. Most of these
qualities are recorded in the letters to
Timothy and Titus and offer a good
summary of biblical discernment in the
selection of leaders.
1st Timothy Chapter 3
Being an overseer (elder) is a noble task
 Must be above reproach.
 The husband of but one wife.
 Temperate.
 Self-controlled.
 Respectable.
 Hospitable.
 Able to teach.
 Not given to drunkenness.
 Not violent but gentle.
 Not quarrelsome.
 Not a lover of money.
 He must manage his own family well
and see that his children obey him with
proper respect
 He must not be a recent convert or he
may become conceited and fall under
the same judgment as the devil.
 He must also have a good reputation
with outsiders so that he will not fall
into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy
of respect
 Sincere.
 Not indulging in much wine.
 Not pursuing dishonest gain.
 They must keep hold of the deep truths
of the faith with a clear conscience.
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
They must first be tested; and then if
there is nothing against them, let them
serve as deacons.
Titus Chapter 1
An elder must be blameless
 The husband of but one wife.
 A man whose children believe and are
not open to the charge f being wild and
disobedient.
 Since an overseer is entrusted with
God’s work, he must be blameless-not
overbearing.
 Not quick tempered.
 Not given to drunkenness.
 Not violent.
 Not pursuing dishonest gain.
 He must be hospitable.
 One who loves what is good.
 Who is self-controlled.
 Upright.
 Holy and disciplined.
 He holds firmly to the trustworthy
message as it has been taught, so that he
can encourage others by sound doctrine
and refute those who oppose it.
Deborah
References: Judges 4:4-14; 5:1.

Deborah was a judge and a prophetess,
Judges 4:4.
 She summons Barak to deliver Israel,
Judges 4:6.
 She agrees to accompany him to battle,
Judges 4:9.
 She inspires him to action, Judges 4:14.
 She sings song of victory, Judges 5:131.
She rebukes the indifference of the tribes,
Judges 5:16, 17, 23.
PROFILE OF A FELLOWSHIP GROUP FACILITATOR
CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Group Facilitators are members of CROWN
COMPANIES who volunteer to serve under Regional Directors in a Region, working
with groups of a maximum of 8 members in a peer fellowship group. The Regional
Director and the Regional Board to whom they are accountable approve them. They take
responsibility to use CROWN COMPANIES resources to encourage and equip CROWN
COMPANIES members in the process of applying biblical principles in their companies.

Members must meet the same character qualifications expected of all CROWN
COMPANIES leadership:

Adheres to the CROWN COMPANIES Affirmations (page 1)

Demonstrates maturity and leadership experience in business

Models the Timothy-Titus-Deborah qualities for biblical leadership (page 6)

Knows, understands and supports the CROWN COMPANIES Vision,
personally and corporately

Has a track record of successful business experience preferable as the CEO or
Owner of the company. Has a good reputation in the marketplace.

Accountable to Regional Director, Regional Board

Volunteer member of CROWN COMPANIES

Meets periodically with Regional Director and weekly (where possible) with
CROWN COMPANIES peer fellowship groups

Communicates Fellowship Group needs to Regional Directors.

Works one-on-one with CROWN COMPANIES Members

Has good skills in leading small groups including an understanding of small group
dynamics

Recruits CROWN COMPANIES Members

Uses CROWN COMPANIES Master’s Institute materials or other CROWN
COMPANIES resources for Fellowship Groups to help members to integrate biblical
principles in and through their companies.

Must submit application attached to this material which will include a minimum of
two references to the Regional Board.
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CROWN COMPANIES FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
1. CROWN COMPANIES Membership
Membership in the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International is held by Christian
Companies and affirmed by the CEO or Managing Director (International term
equivalent to CEO in the United States). He or she agrees with the CROWN
COMPANIES Affirmations and shares a common vision for ministry to the market place
defined by the company’s purpose and vision statements. This is the only membership
available. The commitment made by the CEO, Managing Director, on the application for
membership clearly states his or her intention to operate the company on biblical
principles according to the eternal perspective and grace of Jesus Christ.
2. CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Group
CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Groups are unique in focus and composition.
Gathering as members of CROWN COMPANIES who have made a commitment to
focus on operating a company on biblical principles, there is a distinctive unity and
direction in the group process. Fellowship groups are a small (fewer than 8 persons)
peer fellowship. They are exclusive in that only CROWN COMPANIES member
CEOs and Managing Directors may attend. They are intensive in that every member
makes a commitment to attend the meetings regularly and to participate in a trustbuilding relationship with the other members. Generally a weekly meeting of one hour or
one hour and a half will allow for 1/3 Prayer, 1/3 Sharing of an issue, 1/3 giving advice
and counsel from the Scriptures regarding the issue that was shared. In some cases groups
are formed by invitation only in order to preserve the confidentiality and consistency
needed for the growth of the group.
3. CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Group Leaders are Facilitators

Fellowship Group Facilitators must be approved by their Regional Broad and
recommended by the Regional Director. They are expected to submit an
application to the Regional Board defining the task and confirming their call to
serve. They are accountable to the Regional Director and the Regional Board.
CROWN COMPANIES Facilitators are members of CROWN COMPANIES,
practice the Timothy/Titus leadership affirmations and are gifted in leading others
much like a shepherd.

CROWN COMPANIES Facilitators are servant leaders, leading by providing
guidance and direction without controlling the group. They are not teachers in the
sense of learning from one master teacher. Their motivation is to put others before
any self-interest. They model the role of servant before the group. They serve by
helping others mature, by being ardently devoted to their spiritual and intellectual
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growth. They facilitate growth rather than trying to control it. They are shepherds
rather than directors. Jesus is the model servant-leader (Mark 10:35)

Facilitators encourage the stimulation of growth in others by helping them to
develop their own skills and resources. They do not use their position to vent pet
issues or to gain status and authority. They speak the truth in love. They help
others learn how to listen, sympathize, and solve problems. They encourage group
members to take more initiative and assume more responsibility in ministering to
one another. And by so doing, they help group members realize that they have
within themselves vast resources for creatively dealing with market place issues.

Facilitators are process oriented. They realize that growth often involves a series
of complex and subtle changes that occur over time. They are more interested in
creating a climate for learning than in direct teaching or lecturing in order to
transfer information

Facilitators know that the Holy Spirit is the change agent in the lives of group
members. The changes that come about in the believer’s life are due to the work
of the Holy Spirit. Facilitator’s function with the knowledge that only the Holy
Spirit can create the essential atmosphere of trust and sharing required.

Facilitators are not teachers. They encourage growth in others by helping them to
develop their own gifts and resources provided by the Father.

The Regional Director in cooperation with the International staff trains
facilitators.

Fellowship Group Facilitators are accountable to the Regional Director and
Regional Board for maintaining the CROWN COMPANIES Vision and focus as
well as for the content of the meetings.
4. CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Group Dynamics
Fellowship Group Facilitators need to be sensitive to the uniqueness of individuals
and their needs within the group meeting. Because we are created with special gifts,
graces and personalities there will always be divergent opinions on all issues within
the group.
Group dynamics is a term most often used to define the interactions of people in
small groups. Don’t panic! You need not become a para-psychologist to understand
group dynamics. There are, however, some basic things that all facilitators should
know.
The most important dynamic of the ministry of CROWN COMPANIES, the
integration of biblical truth and market place practice, requires the following three
things of all leaders.
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Know the Person
Spend quality time with individuals. Try to get to know about their relationship
with God and others, their spiritual gifts, their family relationships, their vision
and goals.
Know the spiritual maturity of each individual
Spend time listening to each individual to discover special spiritual gifts and the
application of those gifts to their decision making. Is there still a question of
sacred and secular in their decision making? How deep and wide is their personal
trust in God? How do they evidence their faith at work with others?
Know the Company.
CROWN COMPANIES Facilitators must have first hand information and
knowledge of the company. When leaders do not understand the company they
cannot understand the member! It is absolutely critical to develop a hands on
experience with the vision, goals, direction and practices in the company. It is one
of the key doors to a deeper relationship with members.

Fellowship Groups will take on individual characteristics and may appear to be
warm, cold, involved, indifferent, alive, barely alive, formal, loving, accepting
and rejecting from time to time.

Mid-course corrections will be needed frequently and some members may need to
be placed in another group more in tune with their perspective and personality.

Very often a vital issue in the life of a member will interrupt the meeting plan.
God often interrupts our plans to fulfill His purpose. Learn to read the difference
between human domination and God’s interruption. “Many are the plans in a
man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails, Proverbs 19:21 NIV.”

Always be aware of the “hidden agenda” or “hobby horses” that tend to interrupt
the group process. Don’t allow them to sap the energy of the group.

The level of trust in any group is the measure of its success or failure. Trust
develops over time through sharing and personal knowledge of group members.
When expectations are clearly understood and lived out, the level of trust will
increase. Trust also grows as a direct result of the total group involvement in
actually doing the things that are discussed in the group. As the group experiences
the application of biblical principles to business issues, the level of trust will
grow.
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5. Tips for Facilitators leading groups
The difference between productive group interaction and random sharing of
opinions is usually found in the facilitator’s technique in leading. He or she has
the responsibility to stimulate, organize and guide the thinking of the meeting as it
proceeds toward the goal of sharing issues with the company that a CEO or
Managing Director may bring to the meeting. Since the quality of the dialogue
depends on the spontaneous interaction of participants, the leader must be both
sensitive, flexible and focus on the participants.
There are two “classic” questions that will help to “jump start” a
group.
What is God doing in your personal life?
What is God doing in your company?

Always be prepared, prompt and maintain the agreed upon time constraints for
the meeting.

Think through the subject or issue in advance when possible and be prepared
to offer questions that will stimulate interaction in the group

Prepare materials in advance when possible to avoid interruptions and meeting
place distractions.

Know the group members and never underestimate the power of the Holy
Sprit to provide questions and answers through them. Never underestimate
group member’s intelligence. Never overestimate the group members fund of
knowledge.

Personalize your relationship with group members and make allowances for
personality and spiritual gift differences in the group. Learn how to respond to
various personality types productively and without debate.

Work “with” rather than “on” your group members. Never manipulate people
in order to achieve a personal goal or direction.

Speak the language of the group. Language is always influenced by attitudes
that find release in words.

Use direct questions very sparingly. Such questions tend to create a school
room atmosphere and interfere with free expression. A direct question can be
used to introduce a particular viewpoint, to interrupt a side discussion, to bring
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either inattentive or shy persons in to the discussion, to curtail a long-winded
monologue or to stimulate argument when the leader is aware of specific
opinions contrary to those already expressed. Otherwise always use openended questions.

Be patient. Group trust and communication take time. Some group members
will resist anything introduced.

Always summarize the meeting.

Always encourage follow up by each group member with a report back at the
next meeting.

The Fellowship Group Facilitator must be a member of CROWN
COMPANIES.

A facilitator must be available for each meeting.

The meeting place must be appropriate for a private meeting and located
conveniently for members.

Materials must be available that deal with business related topics, easily
presented and understood with in a time frame of 1-1 1/2 hours.

The vision and purpose of CROWN COMPANIES should be shared
regularly.

It should be made very clear that no networking for business will be initiated
in the meeting. Any decision to do business together must be made outside of
the meeting.

Facilitators should use discernment, wisdom and caution when considering
outside speakers presenting to Fellowship Groups since they may be
detrimental in the trust building required by the group or undermine the
CROWN COMPANIES Vision and Purpose.

Each meeting should include a minimum of 1/3 time in sharing an issue or
concern, 1/3 time in prayer and 1/3 tune in applying biblical truth to the issues
presented in the meeting.

Building personal relationship and maintaining unity in the group are essential
goals for every Fellowship Group experience.

Doctrinal differences are never appropriate content for discussion at
Fellowship Group meetings. CROWN COMPANIES does publish a list of
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“Affirmations” that should be shared regularly with each group. A copy of the
Affirmations is included in this manual.

Meetings should always begin and end on time, every time.
6. Some Problems to Avoid in Leading Fellowship Groups
When a meeting fails to accomplish what group members anticipate, blame is usually
directed toward the leader. Sometimes the style of leadership may be at fault if the
leader dominates the meeting or discourages group participation. Fellowship Group
Facilitators can be more effective by learning to avoid these areas:

Always avoid embarrassing group members. Never reprimand a group member. If
you do you will encourage a defensive reaction in that member. Use good
questions to draw the member back to the group.

A negative assumption usually creates a defensive action, which leads to arousal
and intensification of anger and hostility resulting in a confirmation of negative
assumptions. Be very careful to guard against negative sharing in the group.

Never think for the group. Your experience and training may often tempt you to
run ahead of the group making a summary or answering questions, instead of
encouraging discussion and dialogue.

Avoid saying things in the wrong way. Group antagonism can easily develop
from careless statements by the leader. Flat statement of opinion tends to inhibit
discussion.

Be slow to answer and quick to listen for solutions to issues and situations God
may be delivering through various group members.

Avoid tangents that draw the dialogue away from the central purpose. Gently
insist that the group follow an orderly, disciplined route toward the meeting goal.

Avoid cavalier treatment of issues and group members. Different people absorb
information at different rates of speed. Check feedback to make sure that the
progress of the meeting has not left anyone behind.

Avoid adjournment without reaching a conclusion or initiating positive action.
Make certain conclusions are mutually understood and initiate any action decided
upon during the course of the meeting.
7. Dealing with challenging participants
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From time to time personalities will become an issue within a group, especially
for the facilitator. Here are some suggestions in dealing with challenging group
members or with conflicting personalities within a group. Personalities may
contribute to the facilitator’s dilemma.

The know-it-all. Encourage other participants to defend their own views. Let the
group deflate this person’s remarks.

The argumentative member. Take this person in stride and keep cool. Use
questions that draw him/her out, then turn him over to the group. Stress majority
opinions and keep participants from being personal in their remarks.

A resentful person. Assure this person that his experiences can be valuable to
other participants and that the exchange of ideas is important to the purpose of the
meeting.

Over-talkative member. Tactful leadership is required to maintain this person’s
support. Pick up on a phrase this person uses frequently and ask others for their
comments and pass the questions around the group.

The reluctant member. It may be necessary to direct a question to this person
by name to encourage participation. These questions should be framed in a way
that is easy to answer well.

Disinterested member. Look for opportunities to praise. Ask for ideas and direct
questions based on this person’s areas of interest.

The disruptive person. This may simply be a “show-stealer” that needs attention.
If the disrupter is a heckler try to restate this person’s objections and/or criticisms
and pass the subject to the group for response. If the disruptions continue, the
group will need to make a decision regarding this person’s participation.

The “yes man.” The “yes man” may give the leader false feedback in order not to
loose credibility with the leader and the group. Discover ways to encourage the
yes man to deal realistically with issues.
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8. Organizing an CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Group
STEP ONE
Contact your local Regional Director for specific help in organizing the group.
Where there is no Regional Director call the International Office for a contact in
your area who will help. (800-664-3224)
Make a list of potential members of the group. Pray daily for God’s direction for
an invitation to potential members. Members must be CEOs or Owners. They
agree to join CROWN COMPANIES as they come into the group. They must
agree to the rule of confidentiality, not to solicit the group for business purposes
and be committed to the Purpose and Vision of CROWN COMPANIES.
STEP TWO
Set a date for a showcase or orientation meeting. It is often helpful to have
potential CEOs and their spouses attend this meeting. Invite only those persons
who are eligible to attend the group. Plan to have a testimony from a current
CROWN COMPANIES member and other resources that will encourage
participation.
STEP THREE
Set a date, time of meeting and location for the first meeting. Work for a
commitment to attend the first meeting during the initial show case or orientation
meeting. Plan to meet for a minimum of 1 1/2 hours. Maintain a good discipline
of starting and ending on time.
STEP FOUR
The meeting time should be divided into thirds with 1/3 prayer 1/3 sharing of
issues and concerns and 1/3 application-integration of biblical principles. Two
questions will always get a group started: What is God doing in your life? What is
God doing in your business?
STEP FIVE
Resources for Fellowship Groups are available from the International Office in
Atlanta. Periodically plan for member-spouse dinners focused on fellowship and
sharing.
9. Core Curriculum for CROWN COMPANIES Fellowship Groups
All resources for Fellowship Groups are available through the IRC (International
Resource Center) in Atlanta. The Core Curriculum for Fellowship groups consists of
the following resources:
Sessions 1-8 Leading a Company for Christ (Wilkinson tapes and syllabus)*
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Sessions 9-25 Master’s Series for Groups-Foundation of Leadership*
Sessions 26-42 Master’s Series for Groups-Financial Integrity
Sessions 77-103 Master’s Series Focus Cards
*Leading a Company for Christ currently available on 2 Video and Audiotapes
with a syllabus and discussion questions.
*Master’s Series-The Foundation of Leadership is available with two video intro
tapes and a 35-page workbook. It is highly recommended that only members of
CROWN COMPANIES use this material.
For more resources contact the IRC (International Resource Center)
CROWN COMPANIES Resource Center
4201 North Peachtree Road Suite 200
Atlanta GA 30441
800-664-3224
Or visit the web site at
Crown Companies.org
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CROWN COMPANIES Discipleship model
This material is not presented as another program or a detailed outline of how to do
discipleship. What follows is an effort to encourage the freedom to develop goals within
the parameters of the Vision and Mission of CROWN COMPANIES.
Discipleship Ministry is defined by the formula E2 =Evangelism and Edification. See
John 17; Acts 5:4; 2 Corinthians 5:18; John 10.
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Two things have eternal value: The Word of God and People.
While all of the commands of Jesus need to be obeyed they do not necessarily
constitute doing ministry.
Someone helping another person run a company by sharing excellent business
practices may not be the ministry. Helping someone run a company with excellent
biblical business practices and doing evangelism do constitute doing ministry. The
motive for ministry must define its credibility. (Acts 17:11)
Discipleship can never be theoretical or an organizational system. It must always be
relational, experiential, spontaneous and dynamic. Christian Disciples are not asked
to follow a theory but a person. The life of Jesus Christ is the illustration of what he
wants His disciples to become.
Having the Mind of Christ and thinking biblically are critical for Disciples.
A Biblical Call
 Disciples are not volunteers. God calls them for service and ministry.
 A biblical call to ministry is almost always dependent on how we have been equipped
for the task involved in the call (Ephesians 2:10). God calls us according to the way
in which He has created and raised us up.
 His call is dependent upon His resources, His confirmation and His competence. I am
the person God gifted me to be (2 Peter 3:10).
Discipleship and Sheep
 Discipleship is a life-long task, not a program or a 12-step process. It is often a “one
another” task and involves walking alongside one another not over and above one
another.
 A biblical disciple is never above his teacher (Matthew 10:21-42) and when he or she
is prepared to be a disciple he will be “like his teacher.” (Luke 6:11).
 All sheep are not disciples but all disciples are sheep. There is a clear distinction
between sheep and disciples. The test of discipleship is more difficult for disciples
than for sheep. Being a sheep means that I have experienced personal salvation by
faith in the resurrected Christ. Being a disciple means that I have been called to a
more committed role in serving the Master. Sheep are event oriented. Disciples are in
it for the long haul. Salvation is not based on my being a disciple but a sheep.
 The bottom line regarding discipleship is thinking biblically with the mind of
Christ.
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Jesus Equipping Model
Jesus, the master teacher, knowing the hearts of all men, was uniquely qualified to draw
out the fullest potential in each of his disciples. His unconditional love and acceptance,
his unparalleled charisma marking each believer with an eternal sense of belonging, and
his power to bring a sense of competency and success in and through a personal
relationship with Himself are three marks of His equipping model. As a son apprenticed
to his father's trade, Jesus is our finest model for equipping His people. "I can do nothing
on my own initiative," (John 5:30), was his confession. God's response was "Apart from
him you can do absolutely nothing," (John 15:5).
A. B. Bruce in The Training of the Twelve, has identified patterns of disciple making used
by Jesus. Bruce suggests that Jesus considered the training He had given the disciples the
principle part of His own earthly ministry. This education of the disciples clearly
indicated that the Master Teacher's influence on the world should be permanent. Ada
Lum writes, "Jesus did not make mere converts He made disciples who learned to train
disciple-makers." (Matthew 4:19)
1. RECRUIT: HE MADE THE SELECTIONS PERSONALLY.
Jesus selected the men He needed for the task which was first clarified in His mind and
heart (Mark 3:13). He made his selections only after careful observation and prayer. In
each selection, He determined that the task fit the gifts of the person.
Possible Application: In companies with fewer than 150 the CEO should be involved at
some point in the interviewing process. One CEO of a manufacturing plant literally
works at every new workstation before writing a job description and hiring a person to
operate the station. He interviews every new person on the payroll at some point in the
process.
2. OBSERVE: HE OBSERVED THEM AT LEAST ONE YEAR.
During the "observation period" the disciples were “initial believers." They were not yet
His constant companions (Mark 1:14; 3:12). The Disciples were carefully taught their
specific responsibilities: being companions to Jesus, preaching the gospel of salvation in
Christ and driving out evil spirits. During the "observation period," their specific job
descriptions were clarified and the nature of their task better understood.
Possible Application: Every new employee should be carefully introduced to the culture
of your company. All employees need to have a period of probation or understanding
during which time they are encouraged to expand on the basic tenets of their job
description and their understanding of the task at hand.
3. INVOLVE: HE INVOLVED THEM IN HIS LIFE, LIVING TRANSPARENTLY
BEFORE THEM.
Jesus was always present alongside his disciples. He did not lord it over them or try to
impress them with his success, power or authority
(Phil. 2). He shared His spirit with them until they caught His vision
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(Mk :14; Jn. 17:6-8). He permitted a great number of interruptions, letting them try His
patience. He did not hide shortcomings, seek extra advantage or privilege.
Possible Application: Living transparently with others is not an easy task. It involves a
decision to allow Jesus to control the relationship and to walk in humility. Some of the
very best testimonies given by employees focus on the personal relationship they have
had with the owner or CEO of their company. Productivity and company culture are
greatly determined by the attitude and behavior of the CEO while dealing with employees
and corporate decision making. The model Jesus gives to CEOs is clear and will work
when applied in the company by the CEO.
4. MODEL: JESUS SHOWED HIS DISCIPLES BY EXAMPLE EVERYTHING
HE EXPECTED THEM TO LEARN.
Jesus was truly an "on the job trainer.” He never expected more of His disciples than he
was willing to do Himself. Head knowledge never became a substitute for action in the
vocabulary of the Master. He knew that a picture is worth a thousand words. He was a
master picture maker.
Possible Application: Modeling and mentoring are the key tools for Christian leadership
in companies. Modeling is one of the very best teaching methods. Your company may
need to consider the implementation of a mentoring program in order to encourage
employees and managers to use a biblical method of training.
5. CONSISTENT: HIS TEACHING WAS CONSISTENT.
There as an unmistakable uniformity and compatibility about the teaching of Jesus. His
teaching was primarily Kingdom oriented with emphasis on our personal relationship
with God and our day to day relationship with others. The greatest of commandments He
said is, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater
than these," (Mk. 12:29-31).
Possible Application: As a leader of a company it is very important that your teaching be
consistent. Saying one thing, doing another simply will not fly. "Adjusting" biblical
teaching to fit a momentary flight into the flesh simply will not work. We all need to
work on “walking the talk.”
6. MENTOR: HE MET INDIVIDUALLY WITH THE DISCIPLES ON A
REGULAR BASIS.
Jesus encouraged questioning by his disciples. He seemed to enjoy clarifying and
deepening their understanding and provoking their further reflection (Mk. 4:10-34; 7:17;
9:28). He knew that they needed to receive His personal attention if His teaching was to
have a lasting effect.
Possible Application: Employees need personal attention on a regular basis. They need
recognition and acceptance from the CEO of the company in order to develop their fullest
potential, spiritually and vocationally.
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7. INTEGRITY: HE WALKED HIS TALK.
Jesus lived and acted on what He taught (Mk. 10:13-16; 15:32-48). He never taught
without using very practical examples and demonstrations that met personal needs in very
practical ways. He was not a philosopher expressing lofty ideals. His words were few and
his actions abundant.
Possible Application: A CEO is a walking witness (positive and/or negative) for Jesus
Christ. Employees need to know that the CEO really means and lives what he or she
professes to believe. Behavior is the key.
8. DELEGATE: HE USED TEAMS IN MINISTRY ACTIVITIES.
Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs, two by two (Mk.: 7-13). When they were sent out,
the disciples were assigned tasks that they could complete. They were not given
impossible assignments. From the start, each disciple knew He was not on his own. Each
of the disciples recognized that they needed to rely on each other to experience a full
complement of spiritual gifts. Each apostolic twosome was a microcosm of the body of
Christ.
Possible Application: Building a team in your company might be one of the greatest
challenges the biblical order presents. Teams are established more easily in an
atmosphere of humility and submission. Helping employees to understand their
vocational and spiritual giftedness might be a good starting point for team building in
your company.
9. REVIEW: HE EVALUATED THE DISCIPLES IN AN ENCOURAGING
MANNER.
Jesus evaluated the disciples in an encouraging manner. His evaluations consisted of
checking on their progress, not searching for reasons to find fault with them (Mk. 6:30;
Lk.10: 17-24). He corrected them in an encouraging manner. He drew on their
experiences and moved them step by step into spiritual maturity.
Possible Application: Peer review methods can be very destructive within a company if
they are misdirected or mishandled by a thoughtless person. Any evaluation of an
employee should focus on the development of the employee, vocationally and spiritually.
Any other motive may not be appropriate.
10. RELAX: HE RETREATED WITH HIS DISCIPLES FOR REST AND
RELAXATION.
Jesus retreated with his disciples for rest, teaching and to avoid the stress and pressure of
the crowds, (Mk.4:35-46; 6:31-32; 8:27-33).
Possible Application: Many CEOs are finding that a company management retreat works
very positively within the company to produce greater creativity and innovation and
harmony. The "change of pace" enables the management team to build relationships and
find solutions thought impossible under normal situations.
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11. PRAY: HE PRAYED WITH AND FOR HIS DISCIPLES.
Jesus prayed with and for His disciples (Lk.10: 21-22, John 17).
Possible Application: Christian CEOs who pray regularly for and with employees find
the process of developing their people to be an exciting task. Many companies hold daily
or weekly prayer sessions for their people. The results being reported are exciting!
12. RELEASE: HE DELEGATED HIS WORK AND HIS AUTHORITY TO HIS
DISCIPLES.
Jesus proved His trust in His disciples by delegating both authority and ministry tasks to
His disciples (Mk.16:14-20; Mt. 28:16-20; Jn. 20:19-23). Jesus took the risk! He really
trusted His disciples! He did it more for their sake than His. He recognized that any
person who is given a task to do without the authority to carry it out would end in
frustration and resignation.
Possible Application: The level of trust in companies is a very significant factor in the
delegation process. When an employee realizes that he or she is trusted with a task they
will usually take greater interest and responsibility in the performance of that task. Smart
CEOs will learn how to delegate as Jesus did.
The twelve disciples arrived at their final intimate relation to Jesus only by degrees, three
stages in the history of their fellowship with Him being distinguishable:
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At first they were simply believers in Him as the Christ and His occasional
companions at convenient particularly festive seasons (John 2:1; 2:13; 3:22; 4:1).
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Secondly, fellowship with Christ assumed the form of an uninterrupted attendance on
His person, involving entire or at least habitual abandonment of secular occupations
(Matthew, Peter, Andrew, John and perhaps James.)
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Thirdly, the last and final stage wherein they entered the chosen relationship by their
Master from the mass of His followers and formed into a select band to be trained for
the great work of the Apostleship. This important event probably did not take place
until all the members of the apostolic circle had been for some time about the person
of Jesus. (The Training of the Twelve, A.B. Bruce)
The Navigators have used the wheel illustration for many years to define the
diciplemaking process. The vision of CROWN COMPANIES includes changing the world
through Christ one company at a time. The focus, the center of everything must be Jesus
Christ as the hub of the wheel around which everything else revolves. The spokes in the
wheel are committed members who have decided to disciple other CEOs and Owners to
run their companies on biblical principles. The outside rim are members of CROWN
COMPANIES who have made the first commitment to join with the CROWN
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COMPANIES vision. The wheel must move on into the marketplace to be effective in
changing the world.
Discipleship Facts
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Discipleship is a life long task, not a program or a 12-step process. It is often a “one
another” process and involves walking alongside one another not over and above one
another.
Discipleship always begins with a CALL from the Lord Jesus Christ to obedience.
Discipleship always includes a call to service and ministry.
Discipleship is transformational requiring heart and behavior change.
Discipleship is not recruitment of volunteers to serve God. It is a call to men with
divine authority, which Jesus Christ shares with his disciples when they are obedient
to his call. Spiritual authority is granted only by Jesus Christ and empowered by the
Holy Spirit. (Luke 9:1-2).
Discipleship and the Call to Discipleship are always empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Discipleship is always directed toward an intimate relationship with God through
Jesus Christ.
Discipleship is directed at bringing believers into spiritual maturity.
Discipleship always has the goal of glorifying God through Jesus Christ alone.
Discipleship never requires disciples to learn a new culture since Jesus Christ is
above culture. The Kingdom of God is always the core subject matter shared.
Discipleship does not consist in maintaining and passing on particular teaching about
Jesus. The essence of discipleship lies in the disciple’s fulfillment of their duty to be
witnesses to their Lord in all that they do and say.
Discipleship closely follows the spiritual growth revealed in Jesus Christ, including:
 Unconditional surrender to Jesus as Lord
 Unconditional love and Humility
 Faith and Obedience
 Possible suffering
 Behavior reflecting the mind and heart of Jesus Christ
There is a foundation principle relating to having the mind of Christ. God’s intention is
for us to have the “mind of Christ” and thereby acquire a true Christian view of life and
the world (1 Cor. 2:16). A mature Christian worldview is developed incrementally by the
Holy Spirit through the use of biblical precepts impressed upon the heart. These precepts
are in turn integrated with one another and our observations of the world until a larger
and more complete understanding of reality is generated, enabling us to act according to
God’s expressed will. Those who have matured to this point are people of wisdom and
we know that wisdom comes from truly knowing and relating to God. Such a relationship
results in our being like Him in character and conduct. This being true, we ought to seek
God as the true “end” of all life. (Dr. Richard Chewning Christians in the Marketplace
Vol. 2)
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Crown Companies
Field Services Discipleship Model
EQUIPPING
ENCOURAGING
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