299 episodi

The Christian Working Woman began in 1984 as an outgrowth of a ministry for workplace women that began at The Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois. Because of her own experiences of being a Christian in the marketplace, Mary (Whelchel) Lowman had a burden to encourage women and to teach them sound biblical principles in order to equip them to live godly lives in their workplaces. Little did she know that the radio program which had its humble beginnings on one station in Chicago would now be heard on over 500 stations and crossing international boundaries! Since its beginning The Christian Working Woman has become a non-profit organization currently producing two radio program formats, distributing books and materials, providing web resources, and organizing retreats and conferences in the United States and abroad.

The Christian Working Woman Mary Lowman

    • Religione e spiritualità

The Christian Working Woman began in 1984 as an outgrowth of a ministry for workplace women that began at The Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois. Because of her own experiences of being a Christian in the marketplace, Mary (Whelchel) Lowman had a burden to encourage women and to teach them sound biblical principles in order to equip them to live godly lives in their workplaces. Little did she know that the radio program which had its humble beginnings on one station in Chicago would now be heard on over 500 stations and crossing international boundaries! Since its beginning The Christian Working Woman has become a non-profit organization currently producing two radio program formats, distributing books and materials, providing web resources, and organizing retreats and conferences in the United States and abroad.

    Faith at Work – 4

    Faith at Work – 4

    Presented by Lauren Stibgen



    We have all been there. You feel the fiery flames of the enemy sting at work. We all face trials at work, but how we handle them is another way we can reflect our faith through our work and express a Colossians 3:23 attitude.



    James 1:2-3 tells us to consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.



    When trials hit you at work, we may find joy very difficult, but how we handle the trial will also speak volumes to those we work with.



    No matter what position you hold for work, receiving constructive feedback about your performance, being the subject of gossip, or being passed for a promotion can be some of the most personally difficult things you go through.



    Maybe the trial isn’t about you personally, but you are carrying the burden of knowing your company might be considering layoffs or even a pay cut.



    Feelings well up. We feel anger, frustration, less than, anxious, eager to retaliate or gossip in return, disengaged in general. These are all natural but not how the Lord calls us to respond. In fact, God uses these trials to draw us closer to and more reliant upon him.



    In, Exodus 14:13-14, Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’



    It takes time to process emotion during a trial. Those feelings, they want to spill out, but if we want to show our faith through our work, expressing our anger, frustration, anxiety, or harmful words don’t show our faith at all.



    What would happen if in the moment of difficult feedback, gossip, or disappointment, you chose to be silent and not react, to stand firm in your faith knowing the Lord will work for you? You don’t need to do anything in that moment, but remember the Lord fights our battles and walks with us in our trials.



    Taking this approach allows you to process a different response—a biblical and faithful one. After all, constructive feedback may be hard to hear but can help you grow. Not receiving that promotion may mean God has something better ahead. Flying above the gossip targeted at you and remembering what a reward you have in Christ can refresh your attitude. God even calls us to repay our enemies with kindness!



    I have personally experienced everything I spoke of here today. Yet, holding fast to the Word has helped me learn not to react but to lean on the Lord.

    • 3 min
    Faith at Work – 3

    Faith at Work – 3

    Presented by Lauren Stibgen



    As we continue to explore how we show our faith through our work, thinking about our relationships with our colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and clients is key. Remember, we are thinking about Colossians 3:23, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…



    So, what does God have to say about our relationships? Well, if you study the bible, you know he says a lot! However, if we are to take a wide lens view of what the word says about our relationships, it is summed up well in the greatest command. While this command is found throughout the gospels, Luke 10:27 says we need to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.



    Love your neighbor as yourself. Those that we encounter at work today are our neighbors. How can we show them love?



    We have already covered one way to show love to others and that is through our time. Let’s take this one step further and think about being present. Mary recently talked to us about the ministry of presence. Truly being in the moment and present for someone is a way to show our faith and love for God. When you meet with someone, think about leaving your phone behind or silencing notifications. How is your eye contact? Are you actively listening to what they are saying?



    Think about how you connect with others at work. Are your connections authentic or surface? How are you getting to know more about them, beyond their position in your workplace? Knowing more about their favorite past times and even their family time can help build authentic community at work. Maybe you can ask about a child’s birthday, an important sporting event or buy them a gift card to their favorite restaurant for a special occasion. You won’t know if you don’t take the time to connect.



    Being in a leadership role makes your relationships even more important. As part of my role as a leader in our organization, I am responsible for reviewing team performance and ensuring goals are set for the upcoming year. With a few new team members this year, I was surprised to learn two of them had never had managers who asked about their goals. In fact, one told me her goals were always the goals of her manager. Now, while part of this is true of any position, it was clear no one had shown an interest in her talents, strengths, and goals. Simply asking the question made her feel valued.



    Most importantly, spread the love! Don’t silo yourself to your team. Building cross-departmental relationships is both good for you and for your organization! Be the builder!

    • 3 min
    Faith at Work – 2

    Faith at Work – 2

    Presented by Lauren Stibgen



    I am sure you have heard the phrase, dollars and cents add up! As we look at showing our faith through our work, I want to remind us of Colossians 3:23, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.



    Luke 16:10 states, whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.



    How you steward the financial resources entrusted to you at work can be one way to show your faith at work. You don’t need to be managing a budget or working in accounting to impact your company’s financial wellbeing. We don’t often stop and think of the implications of small actions or seemingly unrelated things that truly add up for our company. How are you faithful in the small things?



    First, let’s consider the ways we interact with the financial resources of work.



    Maybe you are in a support capacity for your office. Let’s think of something as simple as sending a package in advance of a meeting. While sometimes you may not be in complete control of all the materials, sending this package a week ahead versus a day ahead will mean lower shipping costs for your company. I have personally seen the difference in shipping be greater than $50! Maybe you are only rushing a package once, but what if this becomes a weekly occurrence? If we just consider the $50, this will equal an added $2,600 annually for your company. Again, $2,600 may sound small, but what if everyone on your team was managing this way? You can imagine the math could add up well into the six figures depending on the size of your organization.



    Are you in a customer facing position? Whether you are in customer service or sales, the relationships you have with your clients have financial implications for your organization. Being responsive and solving the customer’s concerns can both retain sales for your company or even add sales. What are the implications of having a poor client relationship? Lost sales?



    Maybe you are fulfilling orders in a warehouse. Getting the orders fulfilled on time and with accuracy matters. Impact on shipping costs or having to replace an order because it was incorrect all add costs for your organization.



    Maybe my examples seem small, but reflect on Luke 16 again, he who is faithful in very little…. Don’t discount the little things you can do to be a good financial steward for your company. Whether it is time, relationships, or accuracy, your faithful actions can truly add up and make a difference!

    • 3 min
    Faith at Work

    Faith at Work

    Presented by Lauren Stibgen



    Faith can feel very personal, especially when it comes to thinking about faith at work. Maybe like I used to you are overthinking the concept of faith at work. What we will talk about this week isn’t about starting a bible study, quoting scripture, or offering to pray for a colleague. It is a little different. I consider it faith at work 2.0!



    Colossians 3:23 implores us to work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…



    Let’s look at different ways to show your faith through your work rooted in Colossians 3:23.



    First, let’s consider time.



    What do you do when the boss isn’t around? Are you a remote worker or even hybrid? According to a recent McKinsey report, 5% of remote workers are working two full time jobs! While I am sure there are talented people out there, as a leader, I would not want to get ½ of someone I think I am employing full time.



    Have you stopped to think about how you spend your work time? Perhaps you aren’t in this 5%. But whether you work remotely or head into an office, the reality is how you spend the time your employer expects you to be working matters. From signing in to work or showing up for a meeting on time, to being focused on your work during the day, you can show your faith by being a good steward of your time.



    Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us to be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.



    Perhaps it isn’t being on time that is your issue, but the temptations of social media, a long lunch, or online shopping that take you away from your work. Are you prone to gossip or make personal calls during your day?



    Being consistent and faithful with your time shows respect both for your employer and for your colleagues. I am sure like me, you have sat looking at yourself on zoom, waiting for someone to join, or maybe you have a colleague or boss that is always late. How does that feel? Maybe there is someone who scrolls through their phone during a meeting or misses a question because they are distracted. While there are sometimes good reasons for being a few minutes behind or being distracted, be aware so this doesn’t become a pattern in how you spend your time at work.



    God has entrusted you with the time you spend at work. How you spend this time is a direct reflection of how you take Colossians 3:23 to heart and live out your faith through your work.

    • 3 min
    Fran and Jesus Still on the Job – Finances Part 2

    Fran and Jesus Still on the Job – Finances Part 2

    It’s true what Jesus told us. We cannot serve God and Money, spelled with a capital "M", because he recognized the power of money. He knows how easily we can be fooled into thinking money is the answer to all our problems. Fran finds herself in this mental trap.



    At work this day the money worries are heavy on her mind, and she really doesn't want to listen to Jesus. She's into self-pity and sometimes it's hard for Fran to leave her pity party behind.



    As she sits at her desk worrying and feeling sorry for herself, her phone rings. "Mrs. Langley," the voice says.



    "Yes," Fran replies.



    "Mrs. Langley, I'm calling for Dr. Carrow. I was just calling about the bill for Alice's dental work. It's past due and we were wondering when you might be able to pay it?"



    Fran is stunned as she realizes what this is—a collection call. "Uh," she mutters, very embarrassed, "well, I know it's a little late, but I'll try to pay right away. I'm sorry, it's just that so many bills have come due this month. I’m sorry."



    "Are you saying then that you'll get a check off to us soon? When can we expect it, Mrs. Langley?" the cold voice asks on the other end of the phone. Fran can't believe how pushy he is.



    "Uh, well," Fran tries to think, "I'll try to get a check off this week."



    "Then we can expect full payment this week, is that right Mrs. Langley?” he continues.



    Fran is starting to get irritated. "I'll do the best I can."



    "Well," the voice continues, "I'm sure you realize this is already 60 days late, so we'll expect your check in the next few days."



    "You know," Fran replies, "you shouldn't be calling me here at work. Don't call me here anymore please."



    "Well, Mrs. Langley, if you pay your bills on time, we won't have to call you again at all," he says with emphasis.



    "I don't believe that guy," Fran says as she slams the phone down. She has never been so humiliated in her life. The rest of the day is pretty much a wipe-out. Fran can't think of anything else, and she gets angrier and angrier.



    Several times during the day, Jesus tries to get her attention, but Fran chooses to ignore him. She knows what he'll say: Fran, you're feeling sorry for yourself. Fran, you're letting your imagination run away with you. Fran, I'll take care of you. She doesn't want to hear it.



    Fran stops at the station to fill her car on the way home. Johnny says to her, "Mrs. Langley, do you realize your tires are real thin? Those two on the back, well there's hardly any tread left. You oughta get some new tires soon, I think."



    Fran looks at Johnny and then at the tires. How dare he suggest that she needs to buy new tires—today of all days. She's so upset she can't even respond to him; abruptly she pays for the gas and drives off.



    As she arrives home, Drew rushes up to her. "Mom, what happened? We can't get the kids channels anymore?"



    "Oh, Drew, I canceled the cable service today," Fran replies.



    "You canceled cable? But why?" Drew demands to know.



    "Because we can't afford it, that's why," Fran replies with a raised volume in her voice.



    "What do you mean we can't afford it? We've always afforded it before," Drew asks.



    "Drew, we don't have money like we did before your father died. You kids have to realize that," Fran replies.



    "Oh, we realize it all the time. That's all you talk about," Drew throws back at her with anger.



    "Now, listen to me son," Fran grabs him by the shoulders, "I'm doing the best I can. I have to cut our costs, and we can do without cable television, that's all there is to it. Furthermore, we're probably going to have to sell the house and move to a cheaper place.”



    As soon as she says it,

    • 14 min
    Fran and Jesus on the Job – Fear of Layoff – 5

    Fran and Jesus on the Job – Fear of Layoff – 5

    Fran has just learned from her manager, Ben, she may be laid off. Driving home that evening, Fran says to Jesus, “That was pretty incredible what Ben said to me today, Lord. He wants to keep me!”



    “And it looks like he wants to ask some questions and I know I have to be ready to give answers for the hope that is within me,” Fran smiles as she pulls in her driveway.



    After her evening with the kids and putting them to bed, she sits quietly and talks to Jesus: “You know, I really worry about John. If he gets laid off instead of me, it could be devastating for him. And with all his expenses now—he's got it worse than me, Lord. Should I suggest to Ben that he keep him and not me?” Fran needs some wisdom, and she has learned to ask for it when she needs it, because the Bible promises to give us wisdom if we ask for it.



    That still small voice impresses on her it would be better to let this work itself out and just keep her hands off. As long as she’s willing to accept it either way and she knows the Lord will take care of her either way, she’s in a win-win situation. However, her concern for John continues, and she prays for him.



    “And Louise, too, Lord. If I stay and she goes, that would be hard for her and me, too,” Fran reminds Jesus. But, of course, he never forgot.



    Did Fran lose her job? No. The next day Ben told her he had decided to fight the decision to lay off five people and convinced them to cut that to four. So, Fran stayed and so did John. But Louise was laid off.



    But, you see, for Fran the outcome was decided when she gave the situation over to the Lord and looked to him for her support and trusted him to take care of her. Once she did that—and continued to do that—she was in a win-win situation. Regardless of the circumstances, her peace remained.



    Obviously, Fran is very thankful. She is, however, very concerned about Louise and has been spending lots of time with her in the evenings, encouraging her and praying with her.



    She did have lunch with Ben, and they talked about what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's all new to Ben and he finds it a little scary. But Fran is sowing seeds and praying they will take root in good soil in his heart.



    Whatever circumstances you're facing today, remember with Jesus at your side, you have a resource of strength and wisdom that will not fail you. Be sure you practice his presence in your everyday life. Just like Fran, you need to realize Jesus is there beside you all the time.

    • 3 min

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