SECOND CROWNING FOR CHRISTIAN COMPANY
Friday 6 March, 2009
Economy
UK
By Charles Gardner
With debt among the country’s most pressing problems, not only for individuals but also for banks and even the Government, a second successive award for a debt counselling Christian charity is heartening news.
Christians Against Poverty is this week celebrating that it has again, in 2009, scooped the prestigious award of Sunday Times Best Small Company to Work For.
In an unprecedented development, the national debt counselling charity once again fought off stiff competition from nearly 1,000 other companies.
CAP aims to show God’s love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counselling, advice and practical help. And their growing network of centres – now 92 – all work in partnership with a local church and have a combined annual turnover of £5 million.
One of those centres operates in the North Yorkshire town of Selby, where I work and where my paper, the Selby Times, once ran a front page story on a family not only helped out of poverty and debt but who had their lives completely turned around after becoming members of the sponsoring church, known as the King’s Church.
Another couple got married with financial support from the church after first approaching the centre for help.
Yet centre manager Bernadette Maxfield stresses that while increasing church membership is an extra bonus, it is not their main motivation, which is to show Christ’s compassion.
“Winning this award is fantastic news not only for us, but also for our clients. Winning two years in a row proves how motivated and enthusiastic we are and we’re convinced that this passion, determination and quality is passed on to our clients.
“We pride ourselves on giving clients in Selby the best possible debt advice and the support that they need to turn their finances and lives around and we are pleased that this award goes some way to show the award-winning service we offer.
“Our service is completely free and we work with anyone from the local community, whether they are Christian or not.”
CAP won the award based on responses to anonymous questionnaires that were sent to all employees. Responses to questions surrounding many aspects of working environment, including ongoing training, career prospects and quality of leadership placed the Christian charity above the competition.
Ninety-seven per cent of respondents felt proud to work for CAP, with 93 per cent also stating that working for the charity was good for personal growth. In addition, 99 per cent felt that the company made a positive difference to the world we live in.
CAP’s UK chief executive Matt Barlow added: “Our staff are on the frontline of dealing with society’s biggest problem, so creating a fantastic working environment is the least we can do to support them as they change lives.”
The work of CAP well demonstrates the truism that the church is the only organisation existing primarily for the benefit of non-members.
And of course, job satisfaction comes with doing something for others, not just for ourselves. Jesus taught: “Give and it will be given you”… “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” … And “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Alex Woods. wrote:
I have worked as a volunteer for a number of good works organizations both in our country and overseas. The number of atheists in them? None at all.
In my career as an engineer I have never found atheism or evolution any use whatsoever. But those with whom I worked with no fear of God had no conscience. Short cuts, shoddy work, theft, damage to property, blame shifting, you name it I have seen it. To believe in God is to realise there is an afterlife and we will be held accountable for our actions in this life.
Jez wrote:
In answer to Alex’s comment – atheists are doing something positive for humanity everyday – just because we don’t feel the need to label our generosity by what we believe (or not believe), doesn’t mean we don’t donate money or time to charities.
In any case, congratulations on the award!
Brian Symons wrote:
Charles,
This is an excellent article and is most inspiring.I live in Sydney Australia but have a son living London and take an interest in UK affairs. Thank you for your courage in standing up for the great British traditions and Christianity against the totalitarians who seem determined to emasculate your wonderful traditions.
Alex Woods. wrote:
When are the atheists going to do something positive for humanity like this? Christians do not need to apologise for their faith. If you do good you will feel good as well. Where do atheists think the Golden Rule came from?
Comment on this article
Please Note: All comments will be subject to moderation before showing up on the page, subject to approval.If you would prefer to discuss the issue in more depth and interaction, try the new forum here.