Workplace Minute: The Gift of Community
“My house burned down—everything is gone.”
Olga and her family moved here from Nevada about 5 years ago. As she tells the story, she says, “I cried every day. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t have any friends.” And, not speaking English, only Spanish, she says, “I couldn’t communicate.” “Emotionally, I never would have survived my house burning down.”
“But now, I can make it, she says.” Having invited Jesus into her life about 4 months ago and becoming involved in a local church, she says, “I know that God’s heart is good…that he cares for me. For He has given me friends at church who are helping me.”
How are you, as a Minister in the Marketplace, giving the gift of community to those you interact with every day in the work place? How are you introducing them into the community of Christ followers who can get them through the difficult times they will invetibly encounter? Do they know that God’s heart is good, because of your love, care and concern?
“For updated insights, comment on Danita’s upcoming book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador. If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out her speaking topics.
© Copyright 2009, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Workplace Minute: Spiritual Questioning
As a marketplace minister, how often do you invite your co-workers and colleagues to ask questions about spiritual things….and then not answer them immediately like you know it all?
Since my oldest daughter, Brittany, got married recently, I’m talking to everyone who will listen about the wonderful time we had at the wedding. Consequently, people are telling me their wedding stories. These stories often lead to our discussing their faith roots.
Josh, a colleague, mentioned that he married into a Jewish family. Although he wasn’t actively involved in the local temple, he had a favorable view of the Jewish religion. He claims to be an outsider to Christianity, having been inside a church only seven times during his entire life. I asked Josh what caused the positive outlook on the Jewish religion. He said, “Because they ask questions. The very first time we looked at scripture in the Intro to Judiasm class, the rabbis asked questions about the text.”
Intrigued, I asked, “What’s do think would happen in an Intro to Christianity class?” “Oh, I think they’re talk more about the “do” and the “don’t” or the “should” and the “shouldn’t”.
His answer is challenging to Marketplace Ministers, isn’t it? Christianity has a “bad brand.” Yet, as Christ followers, we know that we have freedom to ask lots of questions. God is big enough to hear all of them and delights in hearing every question!
What’s the lesson? One of the ways we demonstrate God’s love to our colleagues and co-workers is by not only inviting their questions, but also being willing to talk about our own questions. In short, be authentic. As I was relating this story to a friend of mine, he suggested I read Love Jesus. Hate Church. Have you read this book yet?
“For updated insights, comment on Danita’s upcoming book manuscript, Letters to the King: The Journey of a Reluctant Christian Ambassador. If you need an upcoming speaker for an event, check out her speaking topics.
© Copyright 2009, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
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About Danita
Bold and Refreshing
Danita has a special gift of igniting others into action. Her skill and experience, partnered with ministry insight, makes Danita a powerful marketplace minister! Her sharp precision cuts right to the heart of business matters – assisting others in breaking new ground for Kingdom Advancement!- Rhonda M. Kalal, President
MN Christian Chamber of Commerce
Connects in Conversation
"Danita delivered a powerful, insightful and thought-provoking talk that dramatically kicked off the new semester with great success. She is a polished, professional and prepared speaker, yet connects with her audience as if she were having a conversation with a good friend. Thank you, Danita!"- Heather Lam
Communications & Marketing Director
Moms In Step, Woodridge Church
Medina, Minnesota