Christ-Centered Values

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces college students to the foundational principles of Christ-centered values in business. It emphasizes the role of purpose, integrity, and servant leadership within organizational contexts. Students will critically engage with these concepts through discussion, analysis, and reflection to understand their practical application in modern business environments.

---

Common Core Alignment

Focus Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1
  Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2
  Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1
  Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2
  Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and explain core Christ-centered values: purpose, integrity, and servant leadership.
2. Analyze the relevance of these values within organizational structures.
3. Participate in meaningful discussion reflecting on how these values influence real-world business decisions.
4. Begin to formulate written reflections connecting Christ-centered values to personal or observed business practices.

---

Materials Needed

• Projector or smartboard
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout: Summary of Christ-centered values (purpose, integrity, servant leadership) with brief business examples
• Excerpts from business leaders’ statements incorporating these values (printed)
• Reflection worksheet
• Timer

---

Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

1. Hook & Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a thought-provoking question projected on screen:
  “What values do you believe are essential for ethical leadership in business?”
• Use think-pair-share: Students think individually for 1 minute, discuss with a partner for 2 minutes, then share 2-3 responses aloud.
• Transition: Introduce the idea of Christ-centered values as a timeless foundation for ethical business leadership.

2. Direct Instruction: Core Concepts (10 minutes)

• Present a concise mini-lecture defining:
  • Purpose: Understanding business beyond profit, aligning with meaningful missions.
  • Integrity: Commitment to honesty and moral principles in actions and decisions.
  • Servant Leadership: Leading by putting others’ needs first and fostering empowerment.
• Use real business examples where these values have been demonstrated (e.g., a company emphasizing community service).
• Distribute handouts summarizing these principles for reference.

3. Guided Textual Analysis (10 minutes)

• Provide students with excerpts from business leaders who highlight Christ-centered values in their leadership philosophy (text excerpts on printouts).
• In small groups (4 students per group, 16 groups total), assign them to read and identify evidence of purpose, integrity, and servant leadership in the excerpts.
• Each group writes brief notes citing textual evidence (aligns with CCSS RI.11-12.1 & 2).

4. Class Discussion (10 minutes)

• Facilitate a full-class discussion, inviting groups to share their textual evidence and interpretations.
• Ask guiding questions such as:
  • How do these leaders’ statements align with Christ-centered values?
  • Why might these values be particularly important in organizational structures?
  • Can these values coexist with profitability goals?
• Promote thoughtful debate to deepen understanding (aligns with CCSS SL.11-12.1).

5. Written Reflection & Exit Ticket (8 minutes)

• Distribute reflection worksheet with prompts:
  • Identify one Christ-centered value you see as most critical for businesses today and explain why.
  • Describe an example from your own experience or observation where a business demonstrated or failed to demonstrate this value.
• Students write individually (aligns with CCSS W.11-12.2).
• Collect reflections as exit tickets to assess understanding and prepare for next lesson.

---

Assessment & Follow-Up

• Formative:

  • Observation of group discussions and textual analysis engagement
  • Quality and depth of contributions in class discussion
  • Exit ticket reflections for comprehension and personal connection

• Next Steps:

  • Use reflections to identify students’ varying interpretations of Christ-centered values.
  • Prepare to delve deeper into each value in subsequent lessons—servant leadership, integrity, and purpose in specific organizational frameworks.

---

Differentiation & Engagement Strategies

• For diverse learners:

  • Visual handouts and excerpts assist with comprehension.
  • Small group work encourages peer support and articulation of ideas.
  • Reflection prompts allow expression in writing or, if preferred, verbally.

• To increase engagement:

  • Use real-world examples relevant to current business news.
  • Incorporate brief video clips in later lessons to show Christ-centered leadership in action.

---

This structured, standards-aligned lesson introduces complex ethical concepts in business through accessible, interactive pedagogy, balancing critical thinking, textual analysis, and personal reflection.