This article was originally published in the February 2, 2011 “Tip of the Week” newsletter from womensministry.net, a publication of Jennifer Rothschild Ministries.

I pondered a recent survey question on a Christian website: “Do you work in ministry?” Why, yes, I do – but perhaps not the way they meant. My paycheck comes from consulting with business owners. We apply Biblical principles to our relationships with employees and customers, and we work as if for the Lord (Col. 3:23). We pray with believing customers and we pray for nonbelievers. God has granted amazing opportunities for us to proclaim the name of Christ in our consulting company.

Monday Morning Ministry

And it seems we’re pretty typical. The women in your ministry spend 50 percent of their time at work, 45 percent at home and only 5 percent at church or church-related activities. The good news is that God’s design is completely, entirely, and wholly sacred—with no parts secular or separate.

The Hebrews used the same word “abad” for “work” and for “worship.” When our work becomes worship, we impact our communities for Christ, no matter who signs our paycheck or where we spend our time. Entire cities will be transformed when we apply this understanding to the seven areas of culture that shape the way a community thinks and behaves:

Arts & Entertainment
Business
Education
Family
Government
Media
Religion

Powerful Ministry

As a women’s ministry leader, you can speak a powerful blessing over the women you serve:

Teach them how to be excellent in their area of interest.
Release them into your city with a charge to take Christ with them wherever they go.
Empower your women to take back your city by identifying the area where they have experience, expertise, opportunity or passion.
Based on their first-hand knowledge and experience, identify the specific needs and opportunities for each area in your community.
Form small group Bible studies, prayer circles, email chains, bulletin boards or Facebook groups for each area.
Weave Biblical principles and powerful prayers into public policy and practical living, knowing the kingdom mindset will have social, economic, political and religious impact in the homes that line your streets.

We all work in ministry, regardless of our occupation. We aren’t ashamed of the Gospel when we clock in at work, and we shouldn’t be ashamed of our success in the so-called secular world when we walk into church. It’s all sacred.

BONUS: The DOWNLOAD: If God is For Us helps women identify specific prayer needs for each of the seven areas in their community. Consider forming prayer task forces for each area with women who share the same passion. As women pray for these needs, they should also consider sending encouraging notes to community leaders in those areas.

BONUS FOR womensministry.net readers: Enter the Promo Code wmnet at checkout to receive $10.00 off a Café Kit, which contains everything you need to share “Coffee, Conversation & Christ” with your neighbors in your home.

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