The Ground Before the Cross is Flat….even for Business People
I’m not certain when or how it happened, but somewhere over the course of my life, I unconsciously came to the incorrect conclusion that there is a spiritual stack ranking. In this ranking system, certain professions and careers are more spiritual than others. Pastors, missionaries, full-time, paid, church staff and church/non-profit volunteers rank the highest. Then, it’s teachers, doctors and nurses. Somewhere near the bottom of the list are other professions, including business people.
My profession, anything having the word “sales” in it, is at the very bottom of the ranking, at the foot of the sloping hill that leads to the cross.
Do you feel that way, that “secular” is less important, less valuable than “spiritual”?
This unconscious lie is so engrained in my psyche that when we sell our medical device manufacturing company, Micro-Tech, in 2000, I enroll in the M.Div. program at Bethel Seminary. With comfort, I think, “I’m finally preparing for my “real” calling in life: full time, paid, inside-the-institutional- church vocation. I’m climbing the hill towards the cross!”
Then, my world is rocked.
I pick up Ed Silvoso’s book, Anointed for Business, and read, “Unfortunately, many of these marketplace Christians feel like second-class citizens when compared to people who serve full-time in a church or ministry context.”
Stunned, I think, “That’s exactly how I feel: second class…lower on the stack ranking…near the bottom of the hill!” Have you ever felt that way?
Ed goes on, “It is imperative that they (marketplace Christians) realize that not only is it OK to do ministry in the marketplace, but that God has explicitly called them and anointed them for it.”
As this truth settles into my spirit, I feel liberated, “Called and anointed! Called and anointed for business! Called and anointed for sales! Called and anointed for leadership in the marketplace.”
That’s when I conclude, “The Ground Before the Cross is Flat….even for Business People!”
One profession is not higher than another.
We are all called to live a life of service, a life of worship…..24/7.
And, the one-hour church service on Sunday morning is not our “highest moment of worship (as the pastor had preached the previous Sunday!). No, intentionally, deliberately and authentically living our God-walk in the marketplace is worship. We are strategically placed in the marketplace to live incarnationally so that God’s Kingdom and Purposes are advanced.
I’m still at Bethel; however, I switch to a Master’s in Transformational Leadership, focusing on the integration of leadership and Biblical studies. I realize that I am a minister….in the marketplace.
In addition, I’m becoming more active in helping business students learn to authentically walk their faith in the marketplace through the OPIN Apprentice Program.
How are you walking in God’s calling and God’s anointing?
Do you know deep in your spirit that, “The Ground Before the Cross is Flat….even for you and your profession?”
“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 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
OPIN Apprentice Program
Because of my passion for Marketplace Ministry, I’m actively involved as an instructor for the OPIN Apprentice Program. Their vision is to raise up a generation of
marketplace ministry leaders, those committed to living an integrated work-faith life.
Here’s where you can help. The program is growing and we’re looking for other Kingdom-minded leaders and business owners who’d be open to hiring an apprentice or intern for this coming summer. The employer is asked to provide a “real work experience” for this college intern. And, much of the training in marketplace-ministry is handled by the leaders and instructors, including me.
You can view more information on the program in this brochure about the OPIN Apprentice Program.
So, I’m wondering if you could help in any of these areas;
1.) What business owners or leaders might be interested in this type of program for summer of 2010? If someone comes to mind, please forward this posting to them, direct them to the website, or invite to either contact me or Troy Austin, who’s Executive Director of this program.
2.) Which organization’s might be open to a presentation/guest speaker on this topic or other topics related to marketplace ministry? Again, I’d appreciate the introduction.
3.) Any other recommendations you might have?
“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 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Lifesong of Marketplace Ministers
It started out as a “slow” day. You know what I mean…I got out of bed, but really would have liked to stay there an extra hour or two. 
However, I had an morning appointment that I couldn’t miss. As I pulled the car out of my garage, I popped Casting Crowns into the CD player…and it changed the trajectory of my day.
Do you know “Life song”? If not, it’s an incredible encouragement for all of us in the marketplace. You can either listen to it here.
The first verse takes about our being Christ followers 24/7 and our being authentic:
“Empty Hands held high
Such Small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight”
These words are often the cry of our heart:
“May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you”
And, as we see the world around is in deep pain,
“LORD, I give my life
A Living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be your hands and feet”
“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 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Politically Incorrect?
It was politically incorrect.The PC experts, as reporting on the local radio station, instruct listeners NOT to send religious books as gifts to clients and colleagues. However, I do it anyway.
I give her a leather-bond copy of Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. As we sit down for lunch, she says, “Thanks for the book, Danita. I’ll give it to my business partner. I’m not into that Christian stuff….I have my own form of spirituality.”
Well, of course that comment peeked my curiosity! And, so I asked, “I’d love to hear about your life…you own form of spirituality.”
For the next half hour, she shares about her upbringing, her struggles, her recent suicide attempt and her visits with a psychic in at attempt to contact her mom whom had passed away a couple of years ago. When she’s finishes, I ask if I might share my story. Having earned the right to share, I tell about who Jesus Christ is my life leader, providing hope, comfort and victory throughout life.
I’m not certain where the conversation will go in the future. However, God used this “politically incorrect” action to open up the doors for future dialogue.
Where is God asking you to do something “politically incorrect”?
“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 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Marketplace Minister: Brit Hume
If you haven’t seen Brit living out his faith in the public arena, as he talks about Tiger Woods, you’ll be amazed. I’m curious about your reactions.
“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 2010, 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