11/2/2011--It was a special morning for the Rancho Margarita Christ@Work group, as Terence Chatmon, FCCI President and CEO, visited to introduce himself and hear directly from our chapter members.

Just 6-weeks into the new job, Terence set out to meet with members, starting in Oklahoma City and a sit-down with former FCCI President, Kent Humphreys.   Next was Colorado and this week, southern California.

Terence began with a quick overview of his background, which includes corporate positions at Johnson & Johnson, Citibank and CocaCola – providing insight into sales, finance and marketing.  Ready to blend this experience in his own company, for 10-years he ran multiple franchises of the Atlanta Bread Company. Initially, Terence ran his company with a, “for profit” motive, but later aligned his business with a Christ@Work model.   Including 10-years in ministry, authoring and distribution of, “Charting Your Family’s Spiritual Course” (Sunday school curriculum.) Terence served at VP level with Focus on the Family, helping leverage special programs like, his own curriculum and “The Truth Project.”

Recruited to FCCI by Doug Hunter, Terence’s approach to the new job can probably be summed-up in his comment, “It’s all about appreciating God’s mercy and grace.”   He is clearly compelled by God’s great love to produce fruit and experience His great joy.   A solid foundation for the work ahead.

Terence sees Christ@Work as a ministry outreach for business leaders, “Tell them who you are, tell them about Christ’s salvation and tell them about His Grace.”   Christ@Work should increasingly be known as experts at applying Biblical principals in the workplace – and business leaders will come to FCCI/Christ@Work for counsel.

Terence also believes we need to grow.    And that growth should follow Christ’s discipleship model.   The first step is experience, then training.   After a minimum of 1-year in a group, some will be called by God to start their own group and Terence plans to create an online training program called FCCI University to develop new group leaders.   He feels we need at least 24-groups in southern California in the next 2-years.

Lastly, Terence gave us 3-charges:

1. Growth.   Share my commitment to expand FCCI and Christ@Work

2.   Support.   Sign-up for the September 2012 FCCI International Conference in Marina Del Ray Click Here

3.   Prayer.   Lift this ministry in prayer – no great ministry will succeed without it.As you might expect, our meeting ran late (and there was no time for individual prayer requests), but before we concluded, Terence listened to each person share their perspectives and recommendations for this ministry – and more importantly, I felt he received it.

Next year, Terence plans a return visit, and he doesn’t want to speak, but rather hear, “God stories” springing from this group!- John David Carson, John David Photography, Dana Point, CA, USA

Discover Tour stops include:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• FCCI Pre-Conference Tour 

• Atlanta

• Greenville & Sparanburg, SC

• Reno, Nevada

• Denver/Longmont, Colorado

• Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, California

• Hartford, Connecticut

• Raleigh, North Carolina

• Charleston, South Carolina