We recently visited Cincinnati, OH, to attend the XL Summit, a gathering of 100s of marketplace and ministry professionals from the greater Cincinnati area! On this show, we sit down and talk with the XL Summit’s host, Chuck Proudfit, with At Work on Purpose. 

We catch up with Chuck after the event to get the lowdown on how God is moving in the marketplace in Cincinnati. This year, the focus of the XL Summit was how to reach the city for Christ through the collaboration of marketplace and ministry leaders – something iWork4Him can DEFINITELY get behind! Chuck tells us more about how the XL Summit is working to coordinate the faith and work movements to effectively model what it looks like to run together for the good of the city and the Kingdom of God!

Plus, Mike Burkesmith with C12 Movement and Mike Larkin with the GAP Movement join the conversation to share their perspective as guests of this year’s Summit!

Featured Guests: Chuck Proudfit; Mike Burkesmith; Mike Larkin

Ministry/ Workplace: At Work on Purpose; C12 Movement; GAP Movement

YouTube Video Interview

Sponsored by Belay  https://belaysolutions.com/iwork4him/

Text:  4HIM to 55123 for your free monthly workflow download

Sponsored by GiANT https://GiANT.tv/iWork4Him

IF there is one thing that is certain, married couples who own a business have more stress to work through in their marriage than couples who do not. IT doesn’t matter if both couples work in the business or not. When you own a business in your marriage IT impacts your marriage.  Marriage is work and we have addressed that many times on iWork4Him. If your marriage is struggling so does all of your life tend to be a struggle. If your marriage is a mess, it impacts everything you do & say. We as Jesus followers are supposed to be working on our marriages because they are to be a witness to our pre-believer friends all around us. Our marriages are to be a light. So how do we deal with the tension in our marriages caused by a business. Here to help us parse through the conversation is Robert and Kay Lee Fukui. They run a biznistry called PowerCouplesByDesign.com

Robert and Kay Lee Fukui have a lot in common with Jim and Martha Brangenberg.  You’ve probably heard Jim and Martha talk about how work and marriage really affect each other and if one is stressed then it’s all affected.  We can’t just leave our marriage stress at the door when we come to work, especially if we work together.  Robert and Kay Lee developed their business out of necessity after seeing the struggle with work becoming the mistress in their homes growing up.  They decided to take the 2 year premarriage tools they learned and use them to help business owners strengthen their own marriages and build successful businesses.  What a fun chat this was to talk about marriage and business and how they can thrive, survive, or die. 

One of the most typical struggles this couples has dealt with is that couples work too hard and don’t have great conflict resolution skills.  Learning how to leave work and resolve conflict can be keys to a thriving marriage and prosperous business.  They have developed an 8 step approach to this that they implement with every couple they work with. 

Robert and Kay Lee host a podcast – Power Up your Marriage and Business, and talk about all of these topics on a deeper level.  In fact they turned the tables and interviewed Jim and Martha for one of their future episodes. www.PowerCouplesByDesign.com

Featured Guests: Robert and Kay Lee Fukui

Ministry/Workplace: Power Up your Marriage and Business

YouTube Video Interview

Sponsored by Belay  https://belaysolutions.com/iwork4him/

Text:  4HIM to 55123 for your free monthly workflow download

Sponsored by GiANT https://GiANT.tv/iWork4Him

The Manufacturing world is a little rough and tumble. The floors aren’t always clean and the conversations may be a little rough too. But what do we know about the manufacturing workforce in America?  They are diehard loyal Americans who work hard and sweat hard to make parts, pieces and equipment made right here in the USA.  So where does Jesus fit in to the manufacturing world?  Dee Barnes is here to tell her story of being the CEO of Evans Tool and Die in Conyers GA and how Jesus changed her life and impacts her manufacturing company every day. Dee is also going to tell us about a very special event she is hosting related to her life before Jesus.

Dee Barnes always dreamed of running her family company, Evans Tool & Die and went to school to prepare herself to do just that.  Dee dealt with sexual sin – heterosexual and homosexual and one day a friend showed her Romans 1 and it convicted her.  God is using her testimony of transformation in amazing ways.  She is the first to tell you that God has blessed her through her healing and given her a husband and family as a blessing.  Now years later she is back running the family business as CEO while at the same time leading His Wonderful Works. 

Dee’s love for the Lord comes through by her bold approach to running the company.  She regularly offers prayer to her employees and ends meetings with prayer, asking God to solve their supply chain issues or anything else they may be dealing with.  Dee is a great example of just being bold and trusting the Lord for answers. 

His Wonderful Works is hosting their event in Atlanta September 11, 2021 and is full of testimonies of believers walking in healing from a variety of sexual sins.  https://hiswonderfulworks.com/amazing-love-event/

They are offering:  For His Wonderful Works – The Amazing Love Event – Free admission for 4 to the Amazing Love Event on Sept 11th.  Call the listener line at:  866-713-9675 to win.

Featured Guests: Dee Barnes

Ministry/Workplace: Evans Tool and Die & His Wonderful Works.

YouTube Video Interview

Sponsored by Belay  https://belaysolutions.com/iwork4him/

Text:  4HIM to 55123 for your free monthly workflow download

Sponsored by GiANT https://GiANT.tv/iWork4Him

Why does iWork4Him Exist, because Work Matters. Why did God give Adam and Eve work in the Garden, because Work Matters. Why are you listening to this show today, because Work Matters. Work Matters to God and your work is your ministry and the place you get to display God’s handiwork in your life. David Roth Joins us today from www.WorkMatters.org to give us an update on what they are doing to help Christ Followers like you to live out their faith in their work and to tell you about their online learning program.

David Roth had his “Sunday Christian” years for the first 20 years of his career.  He felt like he was doing the right things, but had no clue about integrating his faith and his work.  As new parents they decided to move near family.  In their new city they were growing in their faith on Sunday and started to think about how that applied at work.  Through the lives of some key influences David started seeing examples of Christians living out their faith consistently between home and work.  He feels he got an MBA in faith and work through observing others. 

David attended a leadership simulcast at his church where they launched Workmatters.  He immediately became a volunteer and on the board.  Through wise counsel they spun this ministry out of the church and God has used this stand alone ministry to reach thousands. 

Fast forward to now, Workmatters is working to scale the Workmatters Institute for Young Professionals this Fall in several cities.  This 12 week commitment allows attendees, physical or digital, to dig deep into their faith and develop actionable items to implement in their work.  www.workmatters.org/institute

David Roth’s words to his younger self:  “Don’t wait to crash and burn before you understand the beauty of work/faith integration.”

Featured Guests: David Roth

Ministry/Workplace: Work Matters

YouTube Video Interview

Sponsored by Belay  https://belaysolutions.com/iwork4him/

Text:  4HIM to 55123 for your free monthly workflow download

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For years we have focused on living out our faith in our work. WE have connected you to resources like ministries, websites and written materials that will aid you in your search for a deeper relationship with the Lord and His impact on your workplace ministry.  In the past we have brought on David Gibbs the 3rd from the National Center for Life and Liberty to tell us about our rights in the workplace for sharing our faith and living out our Christian life in and amongst our co-workers. Today’s show takes a decidedly different turn.  In the last 18 months the civil liberties of the average American citizen have been under attack. For the average Christian American Citizen, the attack has been nuclear. What should we be preparing for? How have our rights changed? What has been strengthened and reinforced and what has eroded and disappeared. David Gibbs has graciously agreed to come on once again to help us with these answers. Get you pen and paper ready, your iPad or other digital device because David is going to be giving you HUGE encouragement today along with some valuable tools and information.

One of our all-time favorite guests, David Gibbs III has a huge heart.  During this past season of Covid David reminded us that we all needed to evaluate what we believed to be essential and key in our own lives.  We spend some time in this interview discussing the rights for Christian Americans in general and at work.  David has been involved in many discussions to help people that are in all 3 camps figure out how to best create a safe space with fairness for those affected.  The 3 camps are from one extreme to the other:  very fearful of death all the way to believing that Covid is a hoax and then somewhere in between.  He reminded us that it really comes down to a health preference and our desire take care of our people with that in mind. 

This past season has also shown us that there’s much work to do around messaging and it’s important for employees and employers to understand their rights. You can find many resources and individual help at www.NCLL.org.  Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions. 

David reminded us to use these 3 guiding principles as Christ-followers:

• Have the Right Stand

• Do it in the Right way

• With the Right Spirit

These simple points can help us all to honor God in our actions.

Featured Guests: David Gibbs III

Ministry/Workplace: National Center for Life and Liberty

YouTube Video Interview

Sponsored by Belay  https://belaysolutions.com/iwork4him/

Text:  4HIM to 55123 for your free monthly workflow download

At iWork4Him we are passionate about supporting the Christian Working Woman. So passionate that we are launching the sheWorks4Him podcast, soft launch this month, and hard launch next month on Labor day.  About a year ago we had a powerful conversation with Joy Dahl, Executive Director of the Christian Working Woman ministry called Polished,  online at www.polishednetwork.org.  Joy was planning an event where all the Christian Working Women-focused ministries can work together for the good of all Christian Working Women. The Boldly Conference is just that event. October 8th, in Dallas Texas, and all over the world, Christian working women will gather to hear over 50 speakers and breakout facilitators teach on  “How Christian Women Can Live & Work Boldly as Ambassadors of Christ”.We are so excited to be a part of this event as sponsors, contributors, and participants. Dr. Joy Dahl and Brandy Baxter are here from Polished to tell us all about the Boldly conference.

Joy Dahl and Brandy Baxter join Jim and Martha to talk about all things: BOLDLY.  BOLDLY Conference sponsored by sheWorks4Him  Faith + Work for Women  Oct. 8th integrating our faith + work while pursuing meaning and purpose in our everyday lives.

Dr. Joy Dahl realized in her own career that once she became a Christ-follower she wasn’t really sure how to connect her faith to her work.  She studied what she came to learn was “theology of work” and realized that women have a unique need for community around this topic.  Polished is an organization that understands this need and provides answers.  Through their collaborative spirit, they are hosting www.BoldlyConference.com this October 8th, 9 am – 4 pm CT ONLINE!  Use this affiliate link to register and support sheWorks4Him: https://boldlyconference.brushfire.com/boldly-conference/497366?promo=SHEWORKS4HIM

They are praying a believing for 5,000 women to come together virtually to participate in over 20 LIVE streaming main stage and 30 breakout speakers, including Jim and Martha Brangenberg on the topic of When Work and Marriage Compete.  All with a faith foundation, there will be a lot of professional development content for everyone. 

Every speaker is also providing digital content for the SWAG BAG, to take the conversation even further and add more value. 

BOLDLY is the first of its kind, faith and work conference for women by women, with an all-star lineup of speakers. 

Register yourself and your team today:: https://boldlyconference.brushfire.com/boldly-conference/497366?promo=SHEWORKS4HIM

See you October 8th.

Featured Guests: Joy Dahl and Brandy Baxter

Ministry/Workplace: Polished - The Boldly Conference

YouTube Video Interview

Sponsored by Belay  https://belaysolutions.com/iwork4him/

Text:  4HIM to 55123 for your free monthly workflow download

Before Covid, virtual working was a cute fascination. After Covid, virtual work is a necessity and it saved lives.  IT also saved, gasoline, wear and tear on our clothing. It saved money on office rent and virtual working made it possible to live anywhere in the world and work right where you always have.  Perhaps you are a business owner or you run an organization like a church or a non-profit. Before Covid you wanted everyone to be in the office 8 to 5. Now you would just love it if you could get people to take a job with you. We bring you the story of Belay Solutions today. They are a kingdom company focused on bringing kingdom excellence to your organization through their virtual assistants who can help you with virtual assistants, virtual bookeepers, web specialists and social media strategists. They can provide you with staffing solutions and they do all the hard work so it is easy for you. Today we are going to hear from Lisa Zeeveld, the CFO and COO of Belay, online at www.belaysolutions.com. We are going to hear her Jesus story and the kingdom story of Belay and the impact they are having in organizations nationwide.

Our time today with Lisa Zeeveld was fun and energetic as this CFO and COO for Belay shared about the pleasure of working for a company with Godly values.  From her first position at BELAY, she learned that the number 1 value of God could direct her steps at her work.  In the early days Lisa worked as a Virtual Assistant while doing the company finances.  BELAY sees how they can help busy people redeem their time and be more productive by having a great working relationship with a virtual assistant. 

Martha asked Lisa if she is ministering to the clients or those who serve the clients and Lisa admitted that it is actually both.  She has the pleasure of praying with staff before meetings, helping them when they need encouragement, and serving the clients to meet their needs.  BELAY has been virtual from the very beginning of it’s existence and they work hard to keep the culture consistent.  This includes having all of the virtual assistants memorize their mission. 

In these current times there are 2 employment issues, finding people that want to work and companies that need workers.  BELAY pays fair wages and endeavors to take good care of their people while serving their clients well.  It’s a win for everyone. 

What a fun conversation with Lisa as we learned more about how God prepared BELAY for such a time as this. 

Featured Guests: Lisa Zeeveld

Ministry/Workplace: BELAY

YouTube Video Interview

When we started iWork4Him on 4/15/13 we thought we were going to be just a radio show but God has done so much more. Tens of Thousands of people have been touched by the almost 2000 radio shows and podcasts and are daily being encouraged by the ministries we have connected them to on our podcasts. What an honor it has been for Martha and I to talk and walk alongside you in this mission to transform the workplace of every Christian into a mission field by transforming the way they think about their faith and work. In January of 2020 we embarked on what we thought would be a 7 or 8 month journey that is culminating now 18 months later. God told us to write a series of books to your our every day listeners to give you the practical tactical, factual and biblical ways of living out your faith in your work. Not just 1 book but 3. One for all of you. One for all of you listening who are retired or on your way towards retirement and one specifically for the Christian working woman. Martha and I are rolling them out today to all of you and opening up our bookstore for you all to get access to this resource which includes contributions from over 54 people. Welcome to iWork4Him and Welcome to the episode we never thought would come, the trilogy book rollout episode. Stay tuned to find out about all three books and what is hidden inside for you.

On today’s show Jim and Martha will reveal – Why they wrote 3 books?

Book titles:  iWork4Him: Change the Way You Think About Your Faith at Work

sheWorks4Him: Embrace Your Calling as a Christian Woman at Work

iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement

Special features include:  information to help you learn how to connect faith and work and retirement and faith.  Also, 54 authors contributed their stories of faith and work or their ministry that helps others on this journey.  Ted Hains wrote stories from his life for the end of each chapter – to help us see what it looks like to wrestle with the different topics. 

Questions at the end of each chapter to help the reader digest what they read.

Podcast links to listen to the writer on an iWork4Him show.

Book recommendations from Jim and Martha.

Ministry connections around iWork4Him, iRetire4Him, and sheWorks4Him.

Books are available in paperback, ebook, and audio book.

Purchase on www.iWork4Him.com/bookstore or on Amazon

Bulk purchases available. Jim and Martha would love to come speak to groups about these topics.

Featured Guests: Jim and Martha Brangenberg

Ministry/Workplace: www.iWork4Him.com

YouTube Video Interview

God designed all of us to be leaders. How do I know this? Jesus handed down an assignment that designates all of us to lead others back to Him. What does it take to be a great leader in challenging times. Some would say Tempered Leaders. Leaders that have been pounded, beaten, attacked, hardened, fought in the heat of battle. Leaders who have face great opposition and have come out with Tempered Resilience. Resilience that represents our ability to rebound in the face of great challenge. Leaders who demonstrate Tempered Resilience, are leaders without pride issues and without privilege. These are tried and true leaders who have earned their position and a right to be heard. Tod Bolsinger comes back on iWork4Him today to talk about his book Tempered Resilience. Tod Bolsinger is a Senior Fellow at De Pree Center and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Seminary.

Tod Bolsinger has been a previous guest on the iWork4Him show talking about his last book, Canoeing the Mountain.  This excellent book about not continuing to do things the way they’ve always been done is a great leadership book that Jim has recommended often.  On March 13, 2020, Tod got off a plane from traveling and discovered that 15 of his next speaking opportunities had been canceled.  Little did he know that God would use this adversity to allow Tod to do 105 webinars instead.  He had a chance to live out what he wrote about in his newest book “Tempered Resilience.”

God also allowed 2020 to be a year to launch the Church Leadership Institute at Fuller Seminary in the DePree Center. 

Tod said a key for leaders is to keep learning and growing and allow formation during a disruption.  Be stronger and flexible and have the capacity to adapt core values.

Tod’s new book Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change is here for such a time as this.  Everyone is experiencing disruption and change.  Tempered tools are stronger than their original matter. 

Most leaders experience the most challenging resistance inside their organization and need help to know how to navigate this resistance and be resilient.  When I asked Tod when someone should read this book, he agreed it could be read anytime, as someone prepares to be a leader, or during their leadership opportunity.  The real lessons are learned in the midst of the crisis. 

Call our listener line at 866-713-9675 to win a copy of this book Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change. You can also text:  change to 66866 to get a link to resources by Tod Bolsinger.

Featured Guests: Tod Bolsinger

Ministry/Workplace: Church Leadership Institute

YouTube Video Interview

A few Weeks Back I had an opportunity to sit down with some Christian Educators from around the country who teach in the public school system. 4 teachers, 4 different stories of how they are living out their faith in their work and how www.CEAI.org (The Christian Educators Association International) is encouraging them to be AWAKE in their jobs as teachers. AWAKE = Ambassadors working as Kingdom Educators. From The Twin Cities to California we hear the real stories of teachers working in the teaching trenches of America. Enjoy.

Featured Guests: Karen Cuen, Heather Kohnen, Craig Olsen & Terry Meier

Ministry/Workplace: The Christian Educators Association International

YouTube Video Interview