Best U.S. Christian Workplaces Named for 2008

By Ethan Cole, Christian Post Reporter Monday, May 05, 2008

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) recently announced its annual list of best Christian places to work in the United States for 2008.

BCWI surveyed more than 7,834 employees in 67 organizations across the nation to identify the best workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values. Based on the survey, people love to work for the Best Christian Workplaces for two reasons: the cause and the culture.

"I get to use my skills to help thousands of the poorest children in the world, and work at a place where people care about me," one survey participant said, according to BCWI.

BCWI President Al Lopus said such a response "is a good example of why people are measurably more engaged and fulfilled in their jobs working for these Christian organizations."

In the survey, employees were asked to rank over 50 statements about their ministry, including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, Christian witness, supervisory effectiveness, work satisfaction, personal growth, customer/supporter satisfaction, teamwork and communications.

The 33 winners of the 2008 Certified Best Christian Workplaces in the U.S. were divided into six categories – Christian schools, Parachurch & Mission, higher education, publishing, service and product, and churches.

Some of the well-known winners include EQUIP, Joni and Friends, Open Doors with Brother Andrew, Harvest House Publishers, and Olivet Nazarene University.

"Being named a finalist is a real honor," said Carl Moeller, CEO/President of Open Doors USA, in a statement. Open Doors' mission is to support the persecuted church and Christian around the world.

"Creating a workplace in which our employees can thrive in order to fulfill our mandate and passion of ministering to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ is so important," he said. "We really attempt to make Open Doors USA a place where we can blend the creative minds and willing spirit of our staff. I am so excited what the Lord is doing through our dedicated staff and volunteers."

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute has surveyed more than 65,000 employees across North America in the past six years. BCWI is a research-based organizational and human resources consulting firm based on Mercer Island, Wash.