News
Christian Inclusion Consulting: Building a Faith Based ERG Just Got Easier!
by Courageous Third Communications
August 21, 2024
In 2019, two guys walked into a corporate event on a mission: invite 4-5 Christians to meet for breakfast and talk about Jesus. 46 people showed up. They knew they were onto something big. There was a burning desire from Christians to connect in the workplace.
Today, in addition to their day jobs, they run Christian Inclusion Consulting a Christ centered non-profit offering free consulting to help organizations leverage DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives to design, develop and launch Faith Based Christian Employee Resource Groups* (ERG’s).
This is their story and how they can help you start a Faith Based Christian group at your company. To begin, let’s start with who these two guys are. Meet Tim Billingsley and Jack McEowen, the founders of Christian Inclusion Consulting:
Tim Billingsley lives in the Columbus, Ohio area with his wife Heather and 2 young children. Tim serves as the Vice President of Revenue Operations for a large industrial distributor. He’s an Elder at Sycamore Creek Church and serves in multiple ministries including the Worship Team, Guest Services, and Addiction Ministry.
Jack McEowen lives in Aynor, SC with his wife of 24 years, Kari, and their son. Jack serves as a Sales Leader for a Fortune 500 company. He is a member of The Rock Church where he serves as an Elder.
Their Story: The Path (and Spark) that Led to a Calling
Before Tim and Jack were Christians, they each encountered Christ in a “Road to Damascus” kind of way which radically changed both of their lives. Tim was an alcoholic and Jack a staunch atheist and both were actively working against faith in the workplace. Upon conversion, each felt alone in their new identity until God reconnected them after several years to find their old friend gone and a new creation born again through faith in Jesus Christ.
Back in those days, Tim and Jack would secretly meet together at work events and fellowship rather than go out with their old crowds. At one sizeable corporate event in 2019, they decided to invite the 4-5 Christians each of them knew to meet for breakfast and talk about Jesus. Word spread, and 46 people showed up that morning to break bread and talk about Jesus!
They knew they were onto something big. There was a burning desire from Christians to connect in the workplace. Working for a large conservative organization proved to be challenging to get formal support for a “recognized” ERG that had a Faith designation. All the while, the Group grew organically and unofficially, and the Holy Spirit was moving in the workplace.
And Along Came DEI…
A company initiative to bring Inclusion into the workplace was the perfect catalyst to bring Christ into the conversation. You simply cannot ask employees to “bring their full selves to work” and not include Faith in that conversation.
After nearly a year and a half of business plans, support from external resources, and countless calls to align on the design, development, and launch, Tim and Jack were officially given the green light to launch a Christian Employee Resource Group.
Today the “Christian Fellowship Group” has hundreds of members and is making a positive impact in the workplace through discipleship, mentoring, Bible Study, Prayer Groups, and quite simply, showing the light and love of Christ in the workplace.
God called them to take the learnings from the experience, along with the great network of support and resources, and give that back free of charge to those who are seeking to start a Faith Based ERG.
Q & A: Tim Answers a Few Key Questions
How does Christian Inclusion Consulting help those wanting to start a Faith Based ERG?
We offer free of charge consulting engagements to help organizations leverage DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives to design, develop and launch Christian Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s).
Our first call is to assess the company’s current DEI program structure & ERG approval process and the current state of what has been done up to that point to start a Christian ERG. Based off that fact finding discussion, we’ll offer suggestions to help called individuals to build, gain approval, launch, and operate their ERG.
Is Christian Inclusion Consulting solely for those in the United States or do you also provide assistance globally?
Anyone who can speak English!
How has being a part of Christian Inclusion Consulting impacted you personally and/or professionally?
This has become more of a ministry than a consulting firm. Most people who find CIC are engaging with people at their company who have never heard the gospel, or if they have heard, have a stereotype of Christians. These discipleship opportunities by far have the greatest personal fulfillment I could experience knowing it will help spread the gospel and potentially multiply through others.
Do you have any advice for those who have always wanted to start a Faith Based ERG at their company but perhaps felt there were too many obstacles to pursue it?
We advise every client to do these 4 things:
- Pray! Pray for God’s will to be done in this effort. Pray for the members and potential members of the ERG. Pray for the company and its leaders. Pray for those in HR/DEI that will be part of the approval process. Pray for lives to be changed and souls to be saved through the power of the gospel. Pray for those who might oppose the formation of a group.
- Start small and start now. Begin a grass roots group as small as 2 people and meet during off hours (breaks, lunches, after hours).
- Research the DEI policies BEFORE reaching out to someone in HR/DEI. It’s far easier to craft a message that fits the mission statement of the ERG/DEI initiatives than it is to come back after you’ve already been shut down.
- Find a Sponsor. It’s imperative to find the highest-ranking Christian at your company and get them aligned to your cause. There will inevitably be roadblocks, and you’ll need the highest title you can find to hurdle them.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit the Christian Inclusion Consulting website for more information or to contact Tim and Jack.
Key Terms and Definitions
Not Familiar with the term ERG or BRG?
Commonly referred to as an Employee Resource Group, Business Resource Group, Affinity Group, Activity Community, etc. is a “Company Recognized” community where individuals can connect from a specific demographic or common interest. Companies employ these Groups are part of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies.
What is a Christian ERG?
The Christian ERG’s are effective when they are non-denominational, faith-based group open to all team members. The groups provides a conduit that allows for team members to bring their whole selves to work. Groups shine a light on challenges we face daily and discover ways to experience joy, hope, encouragement and purpose in and outside of the workplace. Members strive to make a positive difference in the workplace and community by demonstrating a commitment to such values as excellence, integrity, honesty, kindness, empathy, respect for one another and service towards customers, communities and coworkers in addition to a personal commitment to Company guidelines.