Description
In This Issue…
Editions of FiBQ aim to present a mix of theory and practice, theological reflection and real-life experience. The parallels are very clear in this issue on the theme of investment risk.
Peter Heslam gives us part 1 of a Theology of Investment: we are vested by God with dignity and authority. David Parish encourages us to seek the welfare of the city in the workplace where God has put us, through ‘Living’, ‘Investment’, ‘Benefaction’ and ‘Passion’. This is vividly demonstrated by Matt Parfitt’s businesses, ‘Radiant Cleaners’ and ‘Jubilee Events’, which invest in the people whom others have neglected – in this case in the city of Nottingham – as interviewed by Richard Higginson.
Business investment drives the welfare of the city. But investment is risky, as Jamie MacAlister illustrates from his research into investment risk-takers in the UK and Uganda – are we ‘elephants’ or ‘tigers’ in our approach to risk? Peter Cumming and Kara Martin use the Book of Ruth to remind us that risk has been inherent for many people throughout history: Naomi and Ruth in their different ways confront and overcome risk through God’s grace and providential help. Richard Gamble returns to FiBQ with an update on his audacious ‘Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer’, scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, but still requiring God’s provision of expertise and funds, in God’s timing. Val King takes us on her intensely personal ‘investment journey’ of commitment and risk to COP26 and the Climate Emergency. This is not theory, it’s real-life investment through campaigning in Glasgow and civil disobedience in London.
Richard Higginson reviews Tristram Hunt’s biography of Josiah Wedgwood, the eponymous innovator of Wedgwood ceramics. In the same vein Phil Jump profiles a 21st Century technological innovator, a Russian composer and musician. From different centuries they show us how innovators start trends and revolutionise fossilised industries.
Are we overwhelmed with these stories of investment risk? Marjory Mair’s review of Penny Pullan’s ‘Making Workshops Work’ brings us back to the everyday business of getting colleagues, partners and clients to collaborate fruitfully and successfully. Without collaboration no investment can succeed.
‘God’s Investment and Ours’ is the theme of this year’s Faith in Business Leadership Retreat, 20-21 May: we encourage readers to attend. Investing our lives in the welfare of the city is the best way to use our skills, talents and resources for the Kingdom of God.
We hope this issue of FiBQ stimulates your thinking and provokes you to action. If there is something in this issue that you particularly agree or disagree with, or which prompts you to do something new, please let us know! The editors are always delighted to hear from readers, either by email or letter. You will find our contact details inside the back cover.
The Editors
