THE PRIVATE SIN

August 3, 2009

The private and hidden sin that is causing America to erode from the inside out, and growing at an alarming rate, in spite of the economic times we live in, is pornography.  As a corporate chaplain to many companies in Oklahoma City and beyond, I am witnessing one of the most devastating and damaging acts to marriages, self-esteem, finances and family relationships.

The onslaught of pornography in the lives of our families, businesses, entertainment, and yes even in our churches is causing my spirit to grieve with heaviness.  I have realized for quite some time that pornography was an evil and growing menace in our society, but until I recently began doing some research on the topic, I was not aware of the size and scope of the issue.

It is time for the people in America to wake up and take action on this very damaging evil in our nation.  The statistics are telling me that $3075.64 is being spent on porn in America every SECOND!  Every 39 minutes another pornographic video is created in the United States.  World wide revenues from pornography have topped over $100 billion dollars annually.  In the United States alone, Americans are spending in excess of $13.3 billion dollars in the midst of the worst recession most of us have ever seen.  My own city, Oklahoma City, now ranks in the TOP 10 cities for “adult search requests” over the internet, right in the buckle of the Bible belt.  This single statistic is probably what saddens me the most.

In the offices of corporate America, 20% of men and 13% of business women confess to using porn at work, placing their careers, reputations, finances and families at risk because of their addictive behavior.  There are over 40 million adults who regularly (multiple times weekly) visit porn sites.  47% of Christians who were polled, say that pornography is a major problem inside of their families.  Promise Keepers were polled and 53% of men polled, had visited a porn site within one week of the survey.

The numbers are staggering the deeper I looked into the statistics.  The average age of the first exposure to pornography is age eleven.  ELEVEN YEARS OLD!  The seeds of lust, selfishness and desire are planted in the hearts of our youngest children.  For many, it began as they found one the magazines their fathers were hiding in their bedroom or closet.  The seed began to grow and take root in the hearts of our teenage boys.

Their warped sense of love and desire begins to produce evil fruit before they graduate from middle and high school.  They have no right perspective for treating young ladies with dignity and respect as they enter the dating years.  Their obsession has progressed beyond the magazines and pictures, now they are into videos and live strip clubs to satisfy the unquenchable lust for more erotica.  They naturally compare what they have been feeding their minds and spirits for years, with the young ladies who now desires some level of relationship with them.

These young men grow up into adults and carry their hidden sin with them as they begin their family.  By now it is out of control and they have no idea how to stop this monster that rages within them.  They have probably discovered by now that the addiction has control over them, and most are at a loss as to what to do or where to go, so they are copping the best they know how.  Eventually, they will be found out…but at what cost?  Will the addiction cost them their job, marriage, family, friends, or even their lives?

Romans 12:2-3 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  We must renew our minds with the word of God.  Philippians 4:8 states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  More than anything, remember that James 5:16 states, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Seek the help of your pastor, friend, or counselor—but seek help, and overcome this powerful addiction.  Luke 1:37 states, “Nothing is impossible with God.”  We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus and we too can overcome the evil one, because, “Greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4)  Seek help today!  You may contact me privately if you desire at boeparrish.1@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you and pray for you!!

Posted by Boe | Filed Under Business | 3 Comments 

What’s Wrong with God

June 27, 2009

What’s Wrong with God?

Does everything have to be so sterile, cold and secular when it comes to work?  Are corporations so afraid of litigation, and offending someone, that they have completely outlawed God from being present anywhere near their business or employees?  Why are people offended so easily when God is mentioned outside of the walls of the church?

Is there no need in anyone’s life for a compassionate, caring and comforting God?  Do employees have to check their souls at the door as they enter their respective places of work?  Has all conflict, job stress, marriage issues, chemical addictions, and financial challenges vanished from the workplace?  Are employees totally free from the clutches of pornography, drug addiction, gambling, alcoholism, depression and anger issues?  I believe all of us are intelligent enough to realize the answer to these questions.

Certainly, there have been numerous times in the marketplace, when the dogma of one person has been offered without sensitivity, and offended or alienated other employees.  Everyone should learn to be very sensitive and respectful of each other’s spirituality.  I believe we’ve learned from many years of discussing religion in the work environment, that there is a hunger in the soul of corporate America for some deep and meaningful dialog about God, faith, church, and how God makes a difference in every part of our lives.

No one wants to be judged, condemned, or alienated because of a faith in God, nor an absence of a faith in God.  Every human being has been created with a desire and a thirst to know more about how we came to be, and what our purpose on this earth is?  It is a natural quest to know more about our spirituality, and who better to dialog with than with our friends and co-workers at the office that we know and trust.

The spirituality issue will always surface as we travel through the journey of life.  I propose that allowing God’s gentle presence into the halls and boardrooms of corporate America is vital and even necessary, for the well being of our employees.  I’m not advocating turning our companies into houses of worship, but can’t we just allow Him a place among us as we go about our work day?  Is there anything wrong with that?

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Layoff Employees Need Help…Survivors Need Hope

January 17, 2009

Another layoff is announced, and another significant percent of the workforce is being laid off.  Thousands are losing their jobs everyday, with no end in sight.  Profits are declining, sales are off, and executives are left with no other choice than cutting expenses in order to remain competitive, or simply to survive.  The evening news once again depicts many of the well-known companies are making personnel cuts deep into the ranks.

 What occurs next is wide-spread fear, anxiety and stress.  Many of the workers who are relieved of their jobs are losing much more than income and security, they are losing friends, futures, and even health.  Their homes, possessions and mental well being in an instant, are placed at great risk.  We know all these things, we hear them every day on the news, read about them in the paper and even discuss them with the very employees being terminated.  The statistics are staggering when you examine them.  Everyone from the Whitehouse to the outhouse is talking about the economy, layoffs, and statistics.  In November alone, employers took 2,328 mass layoff actions involving a total of 224,079 workers according to US Labor statistics.

 What is being offered to assist these displaced employees, besides just the unemployment benefits, which fall woefully short?  Is there any counseling of employment, emotional, financial, or spiritual help or hope being offered?  Where do these hundreds of thousands of individuals and families turn for help beyond the obvious?  Local churches, non-profits, and companies who may still be hiring, need to be stepping up and serving the masses who are devastated, hopeless, and unless something happens soon, homeless.

 A few practical suggestions for terminated employees might be to tap into some government funding for education during this season, and improving your marketability.  Immediately, I would set up a profile on Linked In, Plaxo, My Space or Facebook for higher visibility, so the companies and recruiters who are still searching for quality employees, can find you.  If you do not have access to computers at home, the public libraries normally have a few for the general public to use for free.  Next, I would begin networking with family, friends, neighbors, churches, coffee shops or anyone you may cross paths with about employment opportunities. 

 For those surviving employees who didn’t receive a layoff notice, they are probably being asked to increase their workloads, while struggling to overcome the guilt of still having their jobs.  The anxiety, increased levels of stress and fear of losing their jobs, and increased pressure to produce more, will eventually wear these employees down.  Unless management and business owners proactively offer hope and help to these employees, they will soon observe performance downturns with their remaining employees.

 Layoff survivors need businesses to offer them hope for the future, and help for the present, as they press on with more to do than they ever imagined they would find themselves responsible for.  Increased pressure at the office, coupled with more and more demands from home and marriage, is almost more than most employees are able to handle.

 Corporate Care, Incorporated is offering employees hope and practical help during these trying economic times of today.  By placing corporate chaplains in companies for the surviving employees, there is a strong measure of hope that is offered.  Chaplains are there for the employees to listen and offer strength, hope, direction, guidance, and options for employees to consider.  Armed with many years of practical life experience, professional and business knowledge, as well as compassionate hearts and listening ears, these men and women are there for surviving employees 24/7/365!

 It’s not just prayers being offered employees, although we can all use as much prayer as we can get.  No, these seasoned professionals are knowledgeable and deeply networked throughout their communities.  They are aware of low-cost and no-cost programs through the United Way, churches, and non-profits.  Many times they are serving on the board, or are directly relating with organizations that have tremendous resources available for employees.

 Additionally, they befriend employers too, offering listening ears and encouraging words of wisdom for them as well.  No one feels worse than employers feel about having to layoff employees.  The employers are walking around with heavy hearts, if not broken hearts, resulting from having to layoff employees.  They are mentally and physically exhausted from the difficult tasks they have been forced to carry out.  They need encouragement and hope as much as the employees do, if not more.  Most of the employers have very few individuals in whom they can totally confide in.  Corporate chaplains offer help and hope to employers and employees alike.

 This may be an option your company has never known about, or considered in the past, but with these trying times today, they may be more open to this type of relationship, if someone offers it as a suggestion.  Companies all over the nation are now receiving hope and help from some of the most unlikely places.  Remember, your employees don’t care how much you know…until they know how much you care!  Proving you care in a very tangible and practical way, has never been more important than today.  Will you offer hope and help?  Will you be there for your surviving employees?  Will you allow professionals to become the extension of your caring arm and compassionate heart, or will you keep doing the same thing and expect the results to change?

 Corporate Care is making a difference everyday to thousands of employees and employers…what about you?  Will you partner with Corporate Care today, and bring the intangible difference to your team?  Contact us at www.corporatecareok.com and let’s discuss practical ways we can partner together, helping your employees thrive not just survive.  Your People…Our Passion!  Placing corporate chaplains since 1987.

Boe Parrish, President

 

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What in the World is God Doing?

September 22, 2008

By Kent Humphreys, Worldwide ambassador for the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International. Kent was a member of the Business as Mission Issue Group at the Lausanne 2004 Forum for World Evangelization. Read the Business as Mission Lausanne Occasional Paper (.pdf).

Kent Humphreys Today the church of Jesus Christ is facing perhaps its greatest challenge since Christ’s resurrection.  And unfortunately, the only institution that can seem slower to change than the government is the church.  On a given Sunday only 17% of the population attends church in the United States, closely following the pattern of Europe.  Yet, the Spirit of God is creative and constantly doing new things among us in Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere.  So the question is:  “What in the world is God doing today, and what does he want us as leaders to do?”

I want to look at briefly at just one area where God is obviously at work in our day - The Workplace.

For the last twenty or thirty years we have seen God moving among his followers in the workplace, just as the church in many countries appeared to become more institutional.  While many churches invited the “lost” to come in, many also seemed to keep members “inside and busy with programs,” except for occasional activities out in the community or around the globe.  Although mission trips are more common than ever, many churchgoers continue to compartmentalize their lives into “the sacred and the secular”.  The “priesthood of the believer” is preached but not always practiced.  When Christians get really “spiritual” it’s sometimes assumed they’ll give up their regular job (and in some cases their relationships with the lost) and go on the staff of a church or para-church organization.

As marketplace organizations attract, train, and release workers back into the workplace to model Christ and live out their faith in their professions, some have found resistance from churches.  What’s missing is a sense of trust between the church and workplace organizations, that efforts to equip Christians for marketplace ministry would actually give leaders back to the church, increase giving, produce more leaders, and open the doors to those who do not know Christ.

Will God have to bring a spiritual earthquake to get our attention?

While hundreds of workplace organizations have sprung up in the U.S. alone, until recently many of those organizations didn’t dialogue with the local church.  I’m encouraged by the growing, healthy conversation that I see happening around the world between the church and workplace organizations.  These conversations among leaders are allowing them to learn from each other and listen to each other, leading both groups to lay their control issues on the altar before God.  My book (Shepherding Horses) encourages workplace leaders to build these bridges with their pastors and work together to reach their cities.  I believe that when we get leaders out of their “silos” into the areas of the marketplace, education, government, arts, media, and the church, coming together in Kingdom unity, emphasizing relationships and community, then we will see transformation in our cities.

In a recent survey in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas, USA it was estimated that the average church budget costs US$25,000 per conversion, while the average workplace chaplain costs just US$1,700 per conversion.  It has also been calculated that the average full-time workplace chaplain leads twenty-eight people to Christ per year, while sadly some churches do not lead one adult to Christ in a year.  One part-time workplace chaplain led 750 people to Christ over fifteen years – what an amazing impact!  Perhaps every church should consider turning a third of their staff into workplace chaplains, providing them free to the organizations in their community.

Jesus always went to the temple and we know the importance he places on the body of Christ, but we must also remember that he spent most of his time in the marketplace, with some rugged workplace leaders and hurting people.  My prayer is that leaders in the Body of Christ will come together and turn the focus of our churches outward toward the lost in our cities, and begin to reap a harvest in the greatest mission field in this century – the marketplace.

Equipping believers to share Christ in their sphere of influence at the workplace offers a great opportunity to have a daily impact on those who do not know Christ and on the community as a whole.  May we as leaders become equippers and encouragers of believers as they invade their workplaces with the Gospel of Christ.

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The Greatest Commandment by Boe Parrish

June 30, 2008

Lord I love you today and pledge my devotion,

And do as you ask to put love in motion.

Show me a need and connect me to others

Who requires a touch from one of the brothers.

 

Whose hands are clean and heart is pure,

Accepts inconvenience and delivers the cure.

He knows the call and accepts the task,

To model discipleship and do what you ask.

Come along side and love and to teach,

So our new-born believer will soon go to reach,

Another like him whose need is so great,

He must not tarry as time is getting late.

With passion for caring now graphed inside,

He looks and he searches and watches their eyes,

For hurt and for hunger so long been the norm,

The Word placed within to calm every storm.

Living our life and now looking above,

Longing for purpose and distributing love,

Realizing so many need only a touch,

From a compassionate friend that could unleash so much.

Help me remember as we pass through our days,

It’s not about me, and having my way.

But investing our lives in those walking beside us,

With hurt in their eyes, their hope is inside us.

Getting it out and sharing with all,

Is what He requires its part of our call,

Of living and caring and listening to God,

Following his precepts and being a servant to all.

Boe Parrish

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Crossing Over into the Market Place

April 28, 2008

Crossing Over into the Market Place

By Boe Parrish

Today is like most days as we all prepare for another day at the office. Planning, thinking, executing, meetings, reports, deadlines, stress, pressures, bosses, co-workers, overtime, etc…Does Jesus really desire to have a meaningful presence in the midst of all of this? Can he breakthrough the corporate veil and touch lives in this setting? Do individuals check their souls at the door when they enter the marketplace? What kind of people would God select to use if he desired to manifest his presence in the middle of our business world? Would the servant in the marketplace wear robes, priest collars, suits, or other religious garb to set themselves apart from others working in the rank and file? Would the preachers that fill our churches be received by today’s work force? Would they be effective in their efforts to bring compassion into the boardroom? There are so many questions concerning the opportunities available in today’s marketplace.

Since we all have everything totally together at home there is no need to have any advice or assistance for marriage relationships, children, finances, health issues, mental or emotional bumps in the road, aging parents, or wayward teenagers, right? There are so many things employees face day in and day out which require wisdom and counsel. So much encouragement could be utilized if we could somehow bring the compassionate presence of our God into our second home…our office. Most of us continue to bottle up the “life issues” we deal with everyday and think I really must get some help with this when I can find a little time to sort everything out. Problem is, that day seems to never come unless there is a crisis which forces us to have to face our giants. We are all very similar in that if it isn’t broken…don’t fix it right? Wrong. If it’s not broken let’s break it and then we can put things back together the right way in a proactive manner verses a reactive manner.

I am always amazed at how many issues we deal with every day. Most of the time we do an admirable job, but what about the few times in life when nothing we do seems to make any difference, and the weight of all the pressures comes pressing in on us? What do we do then? Who can we turn to? Do we visit with our employer? Should we visit with our boss? Should I visit with a co-worker? The ideal person would be someone with years of practical life experience, deep business experience, comprehensive and wise understanding, compassionate heart, listening ears, and faithful hands. Where would we ever find someone with these attributes? The answer may surprise you when you look closely enough. It would be a person just like YOU! You are uniquely qualified to offer encouragement, counsel, guidance, options, and answers to life’s everyday challenges. How, you may ask would I be qualified? Many times you have already walked through the challenges which many of your co-workers are currently facing both personally and professionally. You have survived and even thrived through it all. By taking your life’s experiences and sharing them as the Lord leads you.

God is calling countless thousands back into the very marketplace we have vacated to venture into “full time” professional ministry. I am not knocking that if that is what God is calling you into, but for many professionals turning away from the culture and the people God has around you currently, and moving into a sphere of influence you have never worked or prepared for, can lead to some serious culture shock. Church business is very different from business in the marketplace, as you can only imagine. I realize many professionals are being tapped by the hand of God to work inside the walls of the church…but at the same time there is a huge need of God to have many thousands of individuals remain in the marketplace where the need is so great as well. I have been a minister inside the church walls, and I have served as a corporate chaplain for almost twenty years as well. It is equally rewarding in either role, when we are allowing God to use our gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others around us.

I grew up during a season of time where individuals who were preparing for a ministry position and in fact entered a full time church ministry position, were thought less of if they ever ventured outside of that role. Today is so different because there are some very exciting ministry opportunities existing outside the walls of the church. Corporate chaplaincy happens to be one of those positions. If you have a call of God on your life, and are finding it hard to face another church position roll, then a position in corporate chaplaincy might just be perfect for you.

God is invading the marketplace today and finding thousands of individuals hungry for knowledge about God, but may never find their way into the walls of a church setting. Ministry is so much more than sitting inside the walls of a church building and hanging a shingle out on the street. God wants us to go into all the world and preach, teach and baptize in his name. I have discovered a wonderful sense of acceptance and openness among the professionals in the marketplace for the Lord.

Most people enjoy conversations about God, heaven, and the Bible…they just do not want to be judged or condemned by some religious person who has some hidden motive. People love to engage in thought-provoking discussions and expanding their knowledge about the Creator of the universe. Building relationships with people long before any crisis occurs, opens the door of opportunity during the crises of life. Relationship positions us for being at the right place at the right time for people when they need us later. Remember there are two times in life when people need you…when they need you, and when they need you. We must be there when people need us.

Is it possible that maybe the Lord is calling you to a ministry outside the walls of the church, and into the confines of the boardroom? Search your heart and listen to the still small voice of God. You will not go wrong if for some strange reason God begins a movement of caring for the masses right where they work everyday. Is he calling you to a fulfilling ministry career in the marketplace? Only you and God know for sure.

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The Aroma

February 21, 2008

The Aroma

By Boe Parrish

Recently I returned from a life-changing ten day trip to China. There I worked with a group of Chinese businessmen who have a heart to start corporate chaplaincy in Hong Kong and throughout China. Touring over a dozen factories and one elementary school, surprisingly, I found some of the warmest and most gracious people on earth. Most of the factory owners were believers in Christ, but unable to share their faith as a result of the position the Chinese government takes against people of faith.

The businessmen in Hong Kong wanted us to communicate how we are caring for employees in the States, and if it would be possible to offer a program similar for the workers in China. I affirmed that Chinese companies were very similar to the companies in the US. Chinese businessmen fear government intervention if they offer a “faith-based” program, and here in the States there is fear of litigation if we offer a “faith-based” program. In either case there must be great sensitivity to the employees with an on-site, care-giving program.

Through the Holy Spirit Paul tells us in II Corinthians 2:14,15 (NIV), “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Equally, if I go into a business in China or in the United States and try to push religion on employees, it wouldn’t set very well in either case. But a wiser way to help businesses care for their employees is to walk as Jesus walked through life…as a servant of all. Servants never demand; rather, they simply and humbly serve everyone to the best of their ability.

In serving, if I leave the aroma of Christ, then wonderful and fruitful results will occur. By building quality relationships with those around me, I have a much better opportunity to speak about my faith, than if I do so without an invitation or if I am pushy.

How is your fragrance? What aroma do you leave behind? Do you leave the aroma of Christ or some other smell? In II Corinthians 2:16 (NIV) it continues, “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”

Our goal is to spread the fragrance of life everywhere we go and to every person we meet.

Boe Parrish

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Facing Life’s Challenges

February 11, 2008

By Boe Parrish

Nancy, my bride of thirty years as of August 28th, 2007, recently went through one of the most challenging times of her life. I watched as one month the doctors gently shared that they were pretty sure she had ovarian cancer, and the next month where all tests indicated the total opposite probability.

The emotional roller coaster she and I were on was one I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Three months later, once again test results were very discouraging and not giving us much hope. But we hoped against hope and quietly trusted God for whatever outcome he decided was best.

She made comments throughout the ordeal I thought were amazing for someone facing everything she was facing. Comments like, “I somehow hope God can receive some glory through this season,” and “This just can’t be about me because so many others are facing challenges of their own,” and “I just don’t want to make a fuss over this.”

I decided to jot down a few of her thoughts and comments during that season and share them with all of you. You see, none of us are without challenges in our lives. You may not be facing any at the moment, but different seasons of life bring different challenges to learn from.

We decided early on we were not going to ask why, but why not us, why not now, and what do you want to teach us through this? These are much better questions to ask God, and I think he enjoys teaching us wonderful things we would never learn if not for the trials in our lives. In James 1:2-4 it says, “2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV)

We received the best possible news after surgery, with all the pathology reports coming back cancer free. But we would’ve been just as okay if they hadn’t, because God had given us great peace throughout the ordeal. I was so proud of the strength and grace Nancy displayed as she walked one of life’s toughest challenges and passed the test!

I gathered many of her thoughts and comments and put them together in a poem which I gave to her before she entered the hospital for her surgery. I wanted to share what I wrote and named as Nancy’s Prayer. It is also posted here on my blog.

This prayer was truly the heart of my bride as she walked through a very low valley last year and with God’s help, sparkled all the way through it. We consider it the highest honor to walk through life with each of you who enjoy this site.

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