"Here I Am, Send Me!"

Let me tell you a story of two young teenagers.

Forty years ago, their lives intersected at a youth conference in San Diego, Ca. After a week of talent competition and nightly rallies, the closing session was on Friday night July 13, 1979. The speaker challenged the teens to commit to full time Christian ministry for their lives. These 2 teens both made that commitment on the same night - declaring:

"Here I am, send me." Isaiah 6:8

Three years later these 2 teens, Jim and I, would finally meet each other, become best friends and get married. We both believed that our commitment in 1979 meant we were to be full-time pastors or missionaries. God kept us from attending seminary but we struggled with how we would fulfill our commitment while we worked our "secular" jobs.

Fast forward a few decades and we slowly started to understand that our work was our ministry and our mission field. What a liberating way to live! To know that God had gifted us as entrepreneurs to be missionaries right where we conducted business every day.

It's been 40 years since the day we committed ourselves to full time ministry, if only we understood that all 40 years we have been serving in ministry (at work). Now, Jim and I have the pleasure of helping our radio and podcast listeners understand what we really committed to 40 years ago - living in full time ministry every day. We don't live with regret, but we do live more intentionally - understanding that "our workplace is our mission field, and in that mission field we may be the only Jesus our co-workers and employees ever see."

I'm grateful to have been challenged as a teen to make a commitment, and hope that you too will commit to "Here I am, send me (to my workplace each day)". You might consider joining the iWork4Him Nation as a great first step towards this commitment.

Happy 40 years of ministry together!

About the Author, Martha Brangenberg

Born into an entrepreneurial family, Martha has been involved in small business her entire life. Gifted with an attention to detail and a sweet sensitive spirit, Martha is a servant leader with a deep faith in Jesus.

Please Stop Using This Word

"Jim, you're not cut out to be a pastor. You could never handle having 400 bosses. It's ok, you can be a lay minister. The church needs lots of volunteers."

Oh, my church pastor missed a huge opportunity to send me in the right direction there on that day.

Read on.

On July 13, 1979 I committed my life to full-time Christian Ministry, so did Martha on that very same day (3 years before we met). Now, naturally, I thought that meant that I would be working within a 4-walls church because that is what I grew up hearing.

When I finished college, Martha and I settled in a little town called Lakeville, MN. We joined a local church and we immediately got involved in the youth ministry as volunteers. After Martha finished college, I enrolled in Seminary to get my master's degree so Martha and I could fulfill my commitment to the Lord. My church pastor found out and he spoke those words above to me. I unenrolled in seminary and resolved to be just a lay minister.

UGH! The lies spoken into me that day crippled my attitude towards my work for 16 more years. If only there had been a different approach. Maybe I wasn't cut out to be a church pastor, but I could have been encouraged to be a pastor in my workplace.

What if I had been commissioned to see my work as my mission field and my place of ministry?

I could have grasped my daily work as a high calling on MY life and that I should take it very seriously.

The very term "LAY" minister implies that there are two tiers in ministry. Those who get paid to do minister, and then everyone else: the Lay ministers. This word derives negative feelings in me about a two tiered system of importance in the kingdom. IT IS A WORD I WILL NOT USE ANY MORE. What about you? Would you stop using it too? We need to let everyone know that your work in your office/field/parking lot/warehouse/ hospital - all of that is ministry.

You are not a second tier citizen in the Kingdom because you don't get paid by a 4-walls church organization.

Please encourage your pastors to recognize the hurt and harm that this word causes. It also causes a bunch of confusion, which is why I wrote last week's blog that you can read HERE.

So please STOP using the term "Lay Minister" and START recognizing that you are a minister in your work, which is your mission field. You have been assigned there by God and its not by chance.

I'm grateful to now understand that I am a minister in my work and you are too!

Col 3:23 23 -

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Something That Really Irks Me

I’ve got something on my mind. Something that really irks me.

Sometimes “Christians “quit a perfectly good job, so that they can go and do full-time ministry work. It’s crazy. Where did we get the idea that we HAVE to quit our job in order to be in ministry? I almost did it several times early in my career. Now, of course some are truly called to preach and teach, but most are called to create, design, manage, organize, and so on.

There is good news. Keep reading…

Let’s shift the paradigm of our thinking within the world of Christianity. Part of being a Jesus follower means living in the world but not being of the world any longer. Our thinking should be different than the worlds thinking.

The world says = ministry is done in the “church building”

Jesus says = ministry is everywhere – to GO

You do not need to quit a perfectly good job that uses your skills, pays the bills, and fills a need. You do need to make a change in your thinking - to recognize that your workplace is your place of ministry. It is full of people who don’t know Jesus because they will won’t go to church to hear about Him. If you quit your job you will be alienated from the very people who actually need to meet Jesus. Your workplace is full of people who need to meet Jesus and you have been placed there on purpose so they can see you live out your faith in Christ.

If you ever really want to know the solution to the problems in the United States of America, look in the mirror. You, as a Jesus follower, are the solution that God brings to earth each and every day. Jesus living through you, powered by the Holy Spirit, is the plan to transform our world. Don’t quit your job just quit your wrong thinking. I REPEAT “DON’T QUIT YOUR JOB! Thanks, I feel better now 😊

Proverbs 8:12 -

For I am Wisdom, and I am shrewd and intelligent. I have at my disposal living understanding to devise a plan for your life.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

What Are You Doing On July 4th?

Simply put: The world needs Jesus. He is the answer to every issue they have. He can bring complete healing and restoration to anyone who trusts in Him. I was asking myself when was the last time I told someone that Jesus was the answer? Yesterday, last week, probably two weeks. How many people have I encountered in the last two weeks who needed to hear it? Several dozen for sure.

I need to be aware and better at loving on those around me.

July 4th is just around the corner. It lands in the middle of the week this year, so it's possible many people will just have one day off and not a long weekend. So what? This is a great opportunity to plan a neighborhood or workplace BBQ for those you live/work alongside every day. Don't panic! This doesn't have to cost you a lot or even take much prep. Make it a potluck. You provide the grill and ask everyone to bring paper goods, drinks and a dish/dessert to share. You can even suggest they bring their own meat to BBQ and you serve them by being the grill master!

Seems simple enough, but most of us will gravitate towards the comfortable and spend time with people we already know well. Martha and I will be reaching out to neighbors in our new neighborhood. How about you - will you step out of your comfort zone?

All of life connects to Jesus - let Him impact your 4th this year.

Jim

P.S. Martha and I had a past tradition of providing fireworks for the sunset celebration. What new tradition can you start with your neighbors/co-workers? Fireworks, picnic, kiddie parade, pet parade, or red-white-blue dessert! Please share your stories of the 4th with us. Email me at Jim@iWork4Him.com

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

It's Just Where I Live - Part 2 of 2

Mission Field Neighborhood - week 2

The practicality of living out your faith in your work is something we talk about on iWork4Him all the time. Living out your faith where you LIVE, now that is a whole different conversation. Last week, we talked about the tool Bless Every Home as a way to impact your neighborhood by praying and getting to know your neighbors. Back recently, we interviewed Kathy Branzell from Love2020 and discussed practical ways to get connected in relationship with our neighbors. We need to be intentional because most of us suffer from Summer Faith Drought Syndrome, and seem to “check out” from faith while we are on vacation.

In case you can’t listen to the podcast of the show, here are some of the things we suggested in connecting with our neighbors over the summer:

* Host a potluck

* Invite neighbors over to dinner

* If you are going on a day trip, invite some neighbors to come along

* Go for walks and be relaxed so you have time to meet and talk with people

Really, it just starts with the intentionality that your neighbors need to meet Jesus too and they can meet Jesus through you. Don’t turn off your faith this summer, turn it on in your neighborhood. God planted you there on purpose!

Who is up for a potluck? I am!!!

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

It's Just Where I Live - Part 1 of 2

Mission Field Neighborhood - week 1

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of "chronologically superior" friends in Arizona. We have had several opportunities over the years to speak to this group in their Sunday morning small group. We took some time to talk about our neighborhood mission field. Have you ever thought about it that way? We started with the question of "How many of you know the four neighbors who live in front, behind, and on both sides of you?" So many couldn't name all 4, even though they had lived in their home for 10+ years. So, how do we shift our paradigm and recognize our home as a place planted in a mission field?

It takes intentionality.

Most of us think of our home as a place for us to rest and relax and launch us into our Sunday or Workday ministry/mission field. But what about the neighborhood that God placed us in? Have you ever thought about that fact that you live where you live on PURPOSE. God placed you there and surrounded you with people who need to meet the Jesus you know and love.

How do you start? Here's an idea:

Spend time outside. It is impossible to meet people in your neighborhood if you remain behind closed doors all the time. You need to know their names too. “Bless Every Home” can help you with that.

Today, try this ONE THING. The next time you pull your car into the driveway - STOP before you rush inside, LOOK to see if any of your neighbors are outside. If they are, walk over and introduce yourself and apologize for never doing it before. It's a start. Next week we will get specific on how to be prepared for your neighborhood mission field.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Living Bible (TLB)

11 So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!

Love is spelled T.I.M.E.

It is often said that love is spelled T.I.M.E.

Jesus always took time, with everyone who came across his path. I don't think he ever said "Hold on a minute. Or can we talk later?".  His was one that was fully present with whomever he was with, in their moment of need.

In today's fast pace of life, the DOING, that we forget as Christ followers, we are to be mindful and intentional with every person. How do you slow down during the day?  One good way, is to STOP multitasking, slow down and focus on one task or conversation at a time. Our pastor shared in a recent sermon, that he takes "Praise Breaks" seven times a day. I have started to try it this week.  It seems to slow me down so that I am more present.  When others seek my attention, I was taught by the Lord years ago to stop the work of my hands, be still and look into the person's eyes as they speak to me. This is the best way for me to stop multi-tasking and give the best gift I can: the gift of my time.

Pray to be AWARE of the needs around you during the day.  Then, when in conversation with others, stay aware - ask the Holy Spirit - "Is there something you would like me to ask? Or share? What do they need?" 

We are called to LOVE our neighbors (and that means whoever we bump up against all day long) and loving them is spelled T.I.M.E.

Colossians 4:5-6 Living Bible (TLB)

5 Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. 6 Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.

For His Glory,

Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador

Have you subscribed yet? Faith@Work podcasts

About the Guest Blogger, Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador, iWork4Him

Caroline’s Mission: To raise the visibility of Christian Women in Leadership. She is passionate about empowering each woman she meets to be free from that which keeps them oppressed.

Is Your Mouth A Weapon Or A Blessing?

Our mouth. It can be a weapon or a blessing.

As a Christ follower, we know that our mouths speak what is in our heart. I think sometimes as Christians we might keep our mouth shut TOO MUCH. In other words, when we hear something that doesn't line up with our faith, especially in the workplace, we think the best thing to do is "keep the peace", by keeping our mouth shut. But is that in keeping with the Word, and being the best witness we can be?

Ephesians 4:25 commands us to:

stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body

But do we?

Discernment from the Holy Spirit will enable us to know, when to keep quiet and when to speak.

D.L. Moody said: I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit constantly, because I leak! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He will give us the wisdom to know what to say, and when. We can use phrases like "I believe________. " "My faith tells me _________" in a way that is winsome and engaging vs. condemning or sanctimonious. Some may be offended. That is not our concern. We are called to faith and obedience, and the results are up to the Lord. Psalm 51:15 says

Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you

I pray that you may open your mouth for Christ in the workplace today, when you are led to.

For His Glory,

Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador

Have you subscribed yet? Faith@Work podcasts

About the Guest Blogger, Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador, iWork4Him

Caroline’s Mission: To raise the visibility of Christian Women in Leadership. She is passionate about empowering each woman she meets to be free from that which keeps them oppressed.

The Godly Coach-Parent

What's more stressful than raising kids? Raising ADULT kids. There doesn't seem to be much out there that takes this season of life head on.  I have never had someone offer to come alongside me during this season, with this particular sticky space in my life.  For me (parent of one 19 year old), the best I can come up with is to shift to "Godly Coach-Mom".  A coach is someone who is your cheerleader, tells you what they honestly see, encourages you and pushes you to be the best.

The professional executive and life coaching industry (of which I have been a part of for 30+ years) has had a mantra over the past several decades that keeps playing in my mind about this. 

"Never want more for the client then they want for themselves." 

How hard is THAT?  To not want more for your child then they do for themselves?  The Godly part includes: not being your child's Holy Spirit (letting them own their own relationship with Christ), but modeling, praying and then asking Godly questions that lead them back to Christ in a particular situation.  In a radio show recently, Jim and Martha came to the conclusion that two things work best regarding their adult children: pray for our adult children (unceasingly), and ask them good questions. If they're adults, we have to treat them like adults, and shift from telling them what to do, to coming alongside and trusting and encouraging their ability to think and make wise decisions. Too many parents today are making the nest too comfortable, so the kids don't want to leave.  Who can blame them?  We have to seek God's will and our own hearts, to ensure we are not enabling irresponsibility or dependency.  We also need to trust God with their lives. He has them, and He has a plan for them.  I often cling to Jeremiah 29:11 in these times:

11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

God bless your shift to Godly Coach-Parent!

Caroline Mendez

About the Guest Blogger, Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador, iWork4Him

Caroline’s Mission: To raise the visibility of Christian Women in Leadership. She is passionate about empowering each woman she meets to be free from that which keeps them oppressed.

The Love-Driven Leader

“Love-driven leaders are excellent followers of the ultimate love-driven leader. Jesus”.

~ Dr. Steve Greene, author of Love Leads via a recent interview on iWork4Him - listen to it HERE

Love in the workplace? Love in leadership? "What's love got to do with it?" Tina Turner famously asked.

EVERYTHING. If we are a Christ-follower, love is the basis for everything we do, because it is the basis for all He did. And if we have just one person following us, then we ARE a leader, regardless of our age, our role or where that is. Work, home, church, school...And in order for us to be a God-honoring leader, the first requirement is to love as Christ loved us. That love, by the way, is an action. An "active" intentional action that holds deep affection (vs. the type of love as the world defines it) and shows itself.

I had the privilege of interviewing Cheryl Bachelder, former CEO of Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen several years ago. This anecdote from her sums up the power of "love in leadership" well:

“I had a boss who was an encourager-leader. The first thing he said to me was 'I chose you for this role because I love what you bring to it. You're innovative, you're creative, you're bold.' Nobody had ever told me they loved that. And then every week he told me how excited he was about what I was doing. And boy, I was like, this is new. I never experienced this before. How uplifting! And, no surprise, I did some incredible work for him because we had a vibrant, encouraging relationship. The man that I worked for right after him was the opposite. The first words he said to me were, 'I've heard you were good. I'm going to see if I can trip you up.' And I said, 'Really? That's the most inspiring thing anyone's ever said to me.' I worked for him for a year. It was ugly. It was not fun; he was constantly drawing my weaknesses to my attention.”

Sound familiar? If you're a boss, are you the love-driven leader? Or the opposite? How would your team members describe YOUR leadership?

If our leadership is rooted in the love of Christ, it will have a solid foundation. The motivation behind our leadership will be well-placed, well-rooted and well-directed.

Romans 13:8 directs our love-based leadership:

Owe nothing to anyone-except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.

Lead in love well this week.

For His Glory ~

Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador

About the Guest Blogger, Caroline Mendez, National Brand Ambassador, iWork4Him

Caroline’s Mission: To raise the visibility of Christian Women in Leadership. She is passionate about empowering each woman she meets to be free from that which keeps them oppressed.