June 2008: Volume One, Number Six
God Is My CEO
An Interview with David Thompson
Welcome to Believers in America. This month's interview is with David Thompson, Assistant CEO of Thompson Technologies, Inc. During my interview with David he mentions High Tech Ministries. These high tech professionals, friends and family from the greater Atlanta area, strive to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, becoming His ambassadors in the Atlanta technology marketplace. You can become involved with High Tech Ministries in a number of ways. Find out more by visiting their website, www.hightechministries.org.
QUESTION: David, to begin with, could you share with us the vision and purpose of Thompson Technologies, Inc.?
To provide top-tier consultants and a level of service unequalled in the technology staffing industry, while making a significant difference within the communities we serve.
QUESTION: Do you have a company motto? If so, can you elaborate on its meaning?
“Precision IT Staffing” – we are focused on getting to know our customers' needs and providing them with the IT technical resources that are a match both technically and culturally. Our team of experienced Technical Recruiters are experts and quickly identify “Gold Candidates," screening them thoroughly and getting them deployed where they are needed for both short and long term opportunities.
QUESTION: How has your faith affected your career?
My faith has created my career! I started Thompson Technologies in 1995 as a step of faith. God opened the door and my wife and I agreed that we should be obedient and follow His leading. I named God as my CEO (that’s why I am the Assistant CEO) and Proverbs 3:5-6 was my business plan (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”). God has honored that and has blessed me, my family and my company in amazing ways! I am an active member of High Tech Ministries and just completed their Ambassador Leadership training program. Their mission is to create Ambassadors for Christ in the Atlanta Technology marketplace.
Question: Are Christian-owned businesses any different than other business? What makes them different?
That all depends on the individuals and how serious they are about their faith and their obedience to God. Personally, I try to live out my Christianity in my actions and how I treat others. I attempt to be a role model and source that people can approach when they are hurting and/or need prayer. Not everyone that works for my organization is a Christian, but we are all on the same page when it comes to integrity, business ethics, treating people with respect and serving the community.
Question: What are some things you are doing within your company that you hope will affect today’s business climate from a spiritual dimension?
We offer faith-based opportunities at the office for people who are Christians wanting to grow or for seekers that are looking for more information. In addition, we actively serve and support several different ministries including three international children’s orphanages and MUST Ministries in Marietta. Through High Tech Ministries, we are hoping to have a significant impact on Atlanta’s business climate and bring the Gospel message of hope and salvation.
QUESTION: How does the workplace become a mission field for Christian business people?
I believe that all Christians have a mission and calling per Matthew 5:18 to “go and make disciples." God did not call us to be believers just one day a week when we attend our Church or Synagogue. Those of us who spend the rest of our week with business associates at work are also supposed to be living the “Christian life” and using our gifts and talents God has given us seven days a week! There are many people in the workplace who have been turned away from the Church for various reasons or have never heard the Gospel before. The workplace provides a non-threatening environment to have those kinds of discussions and to see lives impacted.
QUESTION: What would you tell the person who has a strong faith in God who feels he may be selling out by staying in the marketplace instead of seeking “full-time” Christian service elsewhere?
My first response would be that Jesus really set the stage for modeling what “Christian Service” is all about. Jesus spent half of His adult life in the marketplace as a carpenter before He started His ministry at the age of 30. His disciples were all called out of the marketplace (Peter/fisherman, Matthew/Tax Collector, Luke/Doctor, etc.). Of Jesus’ 132 public appearances, all but ten took place in the marketplace. Of the 52 parables in the Scriptures, 45 had a workplace context. Of the 40 divine encounters and miracles listed in the Book of Acts, 39 were in the workplace. I think you get the point here – the marketplace is where most believers spend a majority of time and God desires to use us there for His Glory and to advance His Kingdom!
QUESTION: As a leader, I often find myself learning more from the mistakes and challenges in my life rather than the successes. Can you share some of the mistakes or major challenges that you have faced and how you overcame those?
Well, I thought I had made a mistake once but I was mistaken! I have made more mistakes and experienced more failures than successes by worldly standards. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had plenty of “opportunities” to fall down or “go around the mountain” a few times before success was realized. Instead of specific examples (of which there are dozens), I’d encourage those reading this to have real expectations that are clearly defined and communicated and expect plenty of failures along the way. Additionally, be open to change and to learn from the “mistakes” you experience.
QUESTION: How do you want to be remembered, both personally and professionally?
I want to be remembered as a good husband, father and grandfather who has used the gifts and talents that God has given to me to have a positive impact on my family, friends and associates.
QUESTION: If you could live your life over again, what two things would you do differently?
Hmmm – tough question. I honestly don’t think I would change a thing! I have been so very blessed (in spite of myself) and have grown from all the experiences I have had in life, both good and bad. It would have been great to learn about God’s love and salvation at an earlier age, but that was God’s timing – not mine. I also wish I could take back some of the hurtful things I have said to people over the years – especially those who are closest to me.
– Thank you, David. May God continue to bless your endeavors in today's workplace.
God has placed each and every one of us in our individual workplace environments for a reason. His reason. What is He challenging you with? The requirement to be a minister in today's workplace is not religious education; rather, it is the spiritual conditioning that comes from "having been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
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Believers in America®
Believers in America® is committed to offering exciting and uplifting real life testimonials from various individuals who have successfully incorporated their faith into their workplace environments and is an answer to a calling that has filled my heart as a Christian entrepreneur. This WebMag endeavors to provide tips, encouragement and support for those experiencing a similar desire to "live their faith" at work.
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Bill Weaver, President
Weaver Associates
www.weaverassociates.com
Established in 1976, Weaver Associates is a graphic design and creative development studio based in the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions for clients relying on technology to grow their businesses. Our clean approach to our clients’ design challenges has been integral to their success throughout the years.
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