Our Mission

To present Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to business and professional men and to develop Christian business and professional men to carry out the Great Commission.

Psalm 45.4 describes, and in Your majesty ride on victoriously, For the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; Let Your right hand teach You awesome things. LSB

The Lord is always working and His people must also be about their Father’s business for this is the example given to us by the Son of God. The Lord has commanded us to go and make disciples and to pray for laborers to join Him in the work of harvesting the souls of men by sharing the gospel and discipling men in their faith.

The culmination of this work collectively done by the church, across the globe, leads to a greater revelation of truth upon the world. The fact that our world seems increasingly anti-God, morally bankrupt, filled with war between men, is the direct result of the church’s failure to embrace their occupation to work with God in the world to make Him known in the world so that the world will obey Him.

We who claim to be reconciled to God through Jesus the Savior have become His church, His body for doing this work of reconciling men to God. Our purpose is to embrace God’s command to make disciples wherever we live using whatever vocation we have chosen to fund our ministry and the ministry of others. Our specific work is among the specific neighborhoods, businesses, and families God has surrounded our lives with, but the work is the same for all, share the truth of God’s love in the manner of Jesus, Who came as a servant not a Master, until all men obey Jesus living righteous and holy lives.

If we would obey God and have a better world we must engage our mission to make disciples.

Our Opportunities

1. You can partner with us here: https://give.idonate.com/cbmc-inc/lansing 

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917  / 517 481 5996 www.lansing.cbmc.com

 MONDAY MANNA

A service to the business community

A Publication of CBMC International

May 9, 2022 

Pursuing ‘R.A.R.E. Leadership’ In The Workplace

By Rick Boxx 

In their book, Rare Leadership in the Workplace, authors Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder use RARE as an acronym for how to become a mature leader. The first R stands for “Remain Relational.” I would like to explore those principles from my own vocational experience. 

While in public accounting, a manager thought I had undermined her authority. Instead of rebuking me personally and appropriately, I was called into her office so a partner and this manager could humiliate and belittle me. If she had remained relational, I would have learned the necessary lesson and corrected my actions. Instead, feeling humiliated and angry, I quit my job immediately. 

The Bible speaks to this. Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” When problems surface at work, they can be handled as tasks, or you can remain relational, solving the problem without damaging the relationship. 

The A in “Rare Leadership” stands for “Act Like Yourself.” A former boss of mine modeled this quality when a customer began verbally assaulting one of our bank employees. My boss stepped in, confronted the customer, and when the argument escalated, he gave the customer a check for the total in his bank account and closed the account. My boss acted like himself, the adult in the room. 

Jesus declared, “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). Strong, mature leaders act like adults. They are not easily manipulated, and they are protectors, not predators. 

The second R in “RARE Leadership” stands for “Return to Joy.” Years ago, I asked an employee how she was doing. Although she answered, “Fine,” I could tell she was not “fine” – something obviously was troubling her. Looking into her eyes, I said, “How are you really doing?” Tears welled up as she began to share her fears and concerns. She later said that simple act helped her return to joy, even though her circumstances were still difficult. 

We find this principle taught in Proverbs 15:23, “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” As mature leaders, it is important that we cultivate awareness of those around us who are currently living in fear and desperately need some joy. 

The E in “RARE Leadership” stands for “Endure Hardship Well.” James Parker was named CEO of Southwest Airlines just months before 9/11, the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Most airlines reacted by immediately began laying off people and slashing expenses. Parker, however, did not lay off any employees, nor did he reduce their compensation. Instead, he gave calm and steady leadership to his team. He proved that Southwest valued their team above the fiscal bottom line. 

Great leaders are not recognized most during times of flourishing. Instead, they become known as great because they endured hard times. As Hebrews 10:36 admonishes, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” 

Based on the principles above, would you consider yourself a RARE leader?

Copyright 2022, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org to sign up for UBN Integrity Moments emails. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community. 

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996  lansing.cbmc.com

MONDAY MANNA

A service to the business community

A Publication of CBMC International

May 9, 2022 

Reflection/Discussion Questions 

1. Because “Monday Manna” is made available in many different languages, the acronym used for “RARE Leadership” may not translate well into every language. But the point is, these four principles are not as common as they should be in today’s marketplace. Which of these principles seems to you to be the “rarest”? 

1. What in your mind enables a good leader to remain relational? Can you think of an example of someone who is successful in doing this? If so, describe that individual. How effective are you in remaining relational? 

1. The principle, “Return to Joy,” does not necessarily being able to make people feel happy about their circumstances, especially if they remain unresolved. However, it is suggested they can still experience joy. What do you think is the difference between happiness and joy? 

1. How would you define “perseverance”? How does this quality, especially during times of great trial and difficulty, enhance a leader’s effectiveness and credibility? 

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: Galatians 5:13-14; Philippians 2:3-4, 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4 

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996  lansing.cbmc.com