The Beyond Babel Model:
Man was created in the image of God and charged with the task of stewarding God’s physical universe (Genesis 1:26
– 28). Consequently, it follows that man is to reflect the character and nature of God as we go about the task of ruling the earth. Therefore, the philosophy, values, and principles that man embraces to carry out the Genesis mandate should reflect God. The Beyond Babel Model will help you fulfill your responsiblity to obey the Genesis mandate by teaching you a biblical way of building excellent world-class organizations.
What readers say about Beyond Babel:
Thanks for your excellent book!
I finished Beyond Babel about two weeks ago and have been meaning to write to you ever since. Your book has a strong message and deserves to be used by anyone building a business, or life, for that matter. The only way to build an excellent organization/business comes down to this: It must be done by pleasing Jesus Christ, fleshed out by heart application of the principles of God, as you ably articulate. DW
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I teach a course called Management of Innovation. The course is about building and maintaining organizational capacity, which is directly impacted by the climate (values) an organization is nurturing and the extent to which the organization’s vision is understood. This book is in complete alignment with my course and I will be referring to you and your model in some elements of my course.
I personally believe that we are on the crest of a new renaissance in management theory and thought, where “faith based management” will be the new critical driver of successful organizations (“such a time as this”). It is from this belief that I think your book will prove to be groundbreaking, as it clearly clarifies the importance of aligning leadership and faith. Therefore, equal “yoking” will be a necessity. The importance to the greater Church of this new understanding provides the linkages between “Kings and Priests” and therefore the keys to the inheritance that God’s Word refers to. Historically, these linkages were once there, although they were forced (but such is not the nature of God).
I am humbled and inspired by your book. The use of recognized business authorities such as Collins and Peters and comparing to other recognized models was essential to add weight to this significant body of work. This extra effort enables me to use and refer to the book extensively in the university environment. As a Christian in a secular university, the potential Kingdom impact is clear. There I am, in a secular university, in the business school, no less, openly discussing a business model built on biblical values
— for me and my Christian students
— what a testimony!
At some point, I would like to discuss with you your model in detail and perhaps attend a conference or two. Prior to that, I felt compelled to let you know how much I appreciated your book. After reading it, I came home and told my wife this fellow has written the book I was telling you I wanted to write, but he did it much better than I could have.
When the individual finds work that can be a testament of their faith, he or she takes a quantum leap from success to significance. Your model provides the tools that will take an entire organization from success to significance. LW
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I just wanted to let you know that I have continued to have tremendous success with the C4 method of interviewing. Internally we have recently shifted 2 employees that were in the "wrong seats" on the bus. They are now more productive and enjoying a higher degree of success. I am currently interviewing 7 individuals for 2 positions now available in the company and find myself in awe as to how effective this method is in discerning a person's character and their gifting/passions. I am more confident and I know, based on the feedback that I am getting, that my hiring practices have proven to become more effective because of C4.
My Pastor has approached me and is interested in discussing this technique and how it can assist him in the church. I am very excited about this new opportunity. I have helped a few friends also discern their C4 which has been great. It is a very "tangible" way to support a person.
I also wanted to let you know that your “Beyond Babel Model” has become the template we are using to build and define our leadership team. Combined these 2 teachings have really transformed our thinking and our business model. I can't say enough about the information in these teachings.
Thank you again for your wisdom and obedience to your C4 calling. CH
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After being inspired by the first few chapters, I went to Dr. Chester's web site and bought four more copies and requested the other four principals read it also. We are now close to finishing the book and the enthusiasm is high to embark on more formally setting up the business to operate in the way ordained by God. JW
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The book is excellent! I had my MBA director order a copy for himself several days ago and he and I have enjoyed discussing it. We may want to use Beyond Babel in our curriculum in the future. We are working to incorporate biblical principles into our curriculum and your book provides many wonderful tools we want our students to understand. JD
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I am sorry I have not already written to tell you how much I appreciate your writing the book. Having written a few myself, I know the work involved in completing such a project. You have addressed a much needed subject with language understandable to the marketplace person. I recommend it to all who are interested in really understanding business from a biblical perspective. Thanks again for being a serious disciple of Jesus. DH
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I thoroughly enjoyed Beyond Babel. It is very well written...very cohesive structure and outline...and documents the premise with actual examples that exemplify the success we can attain when we build our businesses on a solid foundation! Well done. I'd recommend it to all business people interested in "getting it right." MH
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I think it's an excellent message and needs to get out.
Ever since we met, my whole perspective has changed and I find myself talking to more and more people about it. My sons belong to a soccer club and I know the director very well. He's a strong Christian but right now the club is being ripped apart. I think it has a lot to do with the leadership and I was able to talk with him about your model. KH
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Your book is rich with wisdom on how to run a successful company in such demanding times. You can never go wrong having biblical principles running your business and life! SS
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I was given a copy of the book by my friend, Pastor Tim Chapman of Dallas. I appreciate the way that you help me to be able to better articulate my belief and experience that organizations succeed when they intentionally choose to align themselves with God's purposes and implement the Golden Rule as they view their client/customers and their employees. God designed the universe and He wired it with certain immutable laws. I prefer to have His wind filling my sails than to try to sail against Him. RL
Who should read this book:
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managers
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business owners
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nonprofit leaders
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employees
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board members
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pastors
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parents
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government leaders
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educators
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professionals
Whether your organization is a company, church, or nonprofit, the Beyond Babel Model will help you align your philosophy, values, and principles with God’s plans and purposes. In the end, only organizations that are so aligned will endure and deliver excellent products and services.
View Samples of Beyond Babel (in pdf format):
