In antiquity, companies of soldiers were trained for pertinent missions, were provided munitions and supplies, and were sent off with a set of expectations to specific destinations on foot. Historians say they were given their marching orders, a term we use in much broader application today. Employee development programs rest in the idea that managers continue to provide adequate training, ensuring employees and employers share a similar set of expectations. The called and the trained continue to be sent out with their marching orders.

Even those who can name all twelve original apostles are sometimes surprised that Jesus enjoyed a far greater number of responsive followers. The tenth chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke opens with Jesus sending out six dozen disciples. In commissioning them to their work, the Lord issued their marching orders. “The Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this household. If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it, and say to them, The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ ”