The Ground Before the Cross is Flat….even for Children
It probably seems odd that in a “business” discussion, we’re even introducing the topic of children, especially when we’re talking about The Ground Before the Cross is Flat. However, I have to confess that at one time I considered children to be….well, chidren. Somewhere I grew up thinking that children are to be seen, not heard. I grew up thinking that church is for adults…and we take care of the children to get the adults to come.
However, for those of us who have a dramatic impact in the “real” world, outside of the four walls of the institutional church, we need to have our Biblical worldview inform all our mindsets.
I recently read Transforming Children Into Spiritual Giants: Why Children Should Be Your Church’s #1 Priority by Georga Barna. I realized that our children are our future leaders, our
future Marketplace Ministers who are willing to be strong moral and spiritual leaders. To be wise stewards of God’s Kingdom work, we must diligently attend to the spiritual growth of our own children and all ages of children.
Here’s what my friend, Suzanne Elliot, founder of KidShift and thought leader in children’s and family ministries, says,
“How the current generation of church leadership teaches and interacts with families currently raising children, places a significant stake in the direction and influence of tomorrow’s church. Kids, today, are being raised to get along, to not stand out, to make decisions collectively, in short, and to be a community. In response to this inclusive culture, the church is teaching kids to be good people. Honesty, sharing, kindness, obedience and getting along with others are the core values of most Christian curriculum.
“While these are all wonderful Christian values, I think we’re missing something important. I wonder if we are raising a generation who not only doesn’t know how to lead but that shuns leadership. While history shows us leaders do emerge in every generation, the question remains, “What sort of leaders?” I believe the church has to make a shift that shakes up the core of how today’s church leaders think of kids and their place/role in church. In this wicked-fast-changing world, we must think about the church of tomorrow. And its future leaders may be sitting next to mom and dad during worship, but they are texting their friends because they don’t belong and they don’t have a role and they don’t know it should be any different.”
What do you see as some of the core issues in training our children to be spiritual leaders?
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
The Ground Before the Cross is Flat….even for Women
Here’s another area where the Ground-Before-the-Cross-is-Flat truth applies.
Somehow, I unconsciously come to the conclusion that as a female, I’m destined to be a second-class citizen. I’m still not certain which of the following wounds my heart the most:
• enjoying math and science throughout both high school and college,
when women are expected to prefer Home Economics and typing.
• being in leadership positions throughout those years,
when girls aren’t to be leaders if there is a viable male available.
• succeeding in sales at Xerox Corporation,
when women are just beginning to be hired for sales, especially in western North Dakota. And, when we are successful, it’s only because we use our female powers to close the sale.
• asked to be acting manager over a team of men during my first year at Xerox
when they give me the hardest time!
• serving as the only woman on the all-male leadership team at Micro-Tech,
when the CFO smugly says, “No matter how competent you are, Danita, I’ll never give you the VP title. You’re a woman.”
• voted as the first woman to be President of our church in St. Cloud,
when women are often considered second-class citizens in the leadership of local congregations.
Maybe it is the lifetime, cumulative effect that wounds the heart the most!
At the same time that I’m being challenged that The Ground Before the Cross is Flat for Businesspeople, I’m also challenged with the healing truth that The Ground Before the Cross is Flat for Women also!
The resource that is most helpful to me in realizing this freeing truth is Beyond Sex Roles, What the Bible Says About a Woman’s Place in Church and Family by Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian. I love Bilezikian’s approach; he does a thorough process of evaluating the historical context of the scripture. He methodical digs into the original scriptures to unearth the context of all the controversial women-stay-at-home scriptures.
I’m coming to realize the truth that the Ground Before the Cross is Flat. We are all equal, called to have dominion over the earth through shared authority, being mutual in equality (Genesis 1: 26-28).
What healing! What freedom…to realize that I have God’s anointing as a businessperson…and as a woman!
It’s double freedom! Double anointing! Double humbling as I realize the awesome responsibility as Marketplace Minister.
Other resources that are insightful to me on a continual basis are as follows:
Christians for Biblical Equality
Called and Gifted Booklet, DVD and Study Guide
What resources are helpful for you in your journey as a Marketplace Minister, actively engaging your workplace with your faith?
“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.
Making Much of Christ from 8-5
Thank you for the great dialogue surrounding, “The Ground Before the Cross is Flat…even for Business People.”
Here are some of the responses.
Response 1: “Interesting article. Are you sure you weren’t raised Catholic? I have never thought of any type of ministry ranking; might be simply ignorance on my part. I can, however, see where it comes from. Silvoso’s book is good and there are many who have picked up the mantle of Marketplace Ministry.” Rich Breu, VP of Sales and Marketing at Mendell and President of Breu Bros Garage
Response 2: “I can relate BIG time to what you’re saying.” Terri Sayler
Response 3: “It’s exactly right when you speak of the culture as viewing some professions as being more spiritual/Godly/faith focused than others. And, isn’t that interesting given that in Scripture Jesus seems to prefers hanging and working with those who “live outside the walls of the temple (church).” In fact, Jesus seems to be regularly fighting with these leaders.
“So, it makes sense that those who live and work in the secular world are the ones who are on the front-lines, daily living out their faith, having it tested. They are sharing or showing their faith, and perhaps even having to defend their choice to live a Christian life, in a world that is not very accepting of it. The only other option is to hide or stay silent about one’s faith. And, in the secular world, you have the choice of keeping silent about your faith or taking the risk of speaking outloud, which takes bravery. I think it’s harder to do what you are talking about here than it is to be “inside the walls of the church.” Those of us on the inside of those walls have forgotten…and the church is not better for it.” Suzanne Elliott, KidRev
What additional thoughts do you have?
By the way, if you’re interested in this dialogue, you might be interested in this meeting: Making Much of Christ from 8-5 on March 31st.
© Copyright 2010, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
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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
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"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
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Medina, Minnesota