There’s a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, but one man, Dave Hataj of Edgerton Gear, is addressing the problem head-on. Dave shares the inspiring story of how his company, facing a hiring crisis, developed the "Craftsman with Character" program to engage local high school students who are often overlooked by the traditional education system. This program, now a formal course in several Wisconsin schools, provides hands-on mentoring and character development, helping students discover their potential in the trades and instilling in them a sense of purpose and self-worth.  

Dave's initiative is now expanding beyond Wisconsin, with other states taking notice of this innovative approach to bridging the skills gap and empowering the next generation of craftsmen. Even the US Navy has recruited his ingenuity as part of its submarine building plans. He emphasizes how God, a God of goodness, needs more good workers, and that’s Dave’s goal (which you can read more about in his book Good Work). We’re thankful that Dave said “yes” to returning to the family business (listen to that story in his previous interview) and is now making BIG waves for the Kingdom in the lives of so many across the country.  

Other businesses making impact are iWork4Him’s innovative and trustworthy sponsors: 

• SaferNet VPN: faithfully protecting your home and work devices from viruses and cyberattacks 

• Patriot Mobile: offering you great cell service AND the opportunity to defend your freedoms and values 

• ePaymints: customer-focused payment processing that aligns with what you believe 

• Check out our other incredible sponsors here!

Featuring: Dave Hataj

Ministry/ Workplace: Edgerton Gear; Craftsman with Character Foundation 

In this most recent show the Brangenbergs chat with Doug Hunter, a businessman who’s redefined retirement as anything but a time to kick back and relax. Doug’s story is one of transformation, sparked by a powerful encounter with God that shifted his life’s focus toward mentoring and serving others. Now in what many call the "retirement" phase, Doug has been busier than ever, from launching a leadership center at Charleston Southern University to sitting on several boards like the National Faith and Work Association.  

Doug is a big advocate for mentoring, finding joy in guiding others while learning from them, too. His take on life after work is inspiring—full of purpose, passion, and faith. This episode is another great example of how intentionally pouring into others makes eternal impact. And Doug shows us that retirement can be the start of something new and exciting, where your faith can shine brighter than ever. 

For more guidance on living out your retirement years with impact and purpose, connect with the iRetire4Him resources: 

• iRetire4Him Podcast 

• iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement 

• iRetire4Him on YouTube 

• iRetire4Him Facebook page 

And remember that you can learn more about iWork4Him’s incredible sponsors on the Sponsor Page. These businesses are Kingdom-focused organizations you can truly believe in! Got questions about our sponsor SaferNet? Reach out to Jim@iWork4Him.com with specific inquiries about this amazing VPN, antivirus, and web filter app.

Featuring: Doug Hunter

Ministry/ Workplace: DougHunter.org

We need the Church to act like the Church again, not a cruise ship! What needs to happen? Eric Fogg visits the podcast today to share his journey of mentoring business professionals. Intentional, focused mentoring has changed his life, and we’re positive it’s something the Church needs more of (think Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy).  

Eric fills us in about Truth at Work and about how this ministry helps business owners and “emerging leaders” through their round table groups. Paul Dunteman, one of Eric's mentees, talks about how mentorship changed his life and career, emphasizing the importance of having someone more experienced to offer perspective. Eric encourages "chronologically superior” listeners to step into mentoring roles and younger ones to seek out a mentor ASAP. You can learn more about the Truth at Work groups by visiting their website.  

And remember that you can learn more about iWork4Him’s incredible sponsors on the Sponsor Page. These businesses are Kingdom-focused organizations you can truly believe in! Got questions about our sponsor SaferNet? Reach out to Jim@iWork4Him.com with specific inquiries about this amazing VPN, antivirus, and web filter app.

Featuring: Eric Fogg; Paul Dunteman

Ministry/ Workplace: Truth at Work

Welcome to iWork4Him, your go-to podcast for sharing stories and encouragement of believers working with God, hosted by Jim and Martha Brangenberg. Today, we dive into the fascinating world of superheroes and faith with special guest, author Steven Thomas. Inspired by his own faith journey, he wrote Catholic Joe Superhero, a thrilling 500-page novel about a Jesus-following superhero. 

Steven recounts his “working with God” journey, emphasizing how his faith has guided his varied career. His book Catholic Joe Superhero is not just an action-packed story but a testament to strong, faith-driven masculinity and the importance of marriage, reflecting Steven's personal experiences and convictions. Jim can confirm that this book is an absolute page-turner that uses “stealth evangelism” to teach readers real-life lessons along the way. Get a copy at CatholicJoeSuperhero.com! 

And while you’re not busy reading Christian fiction to relax, watch us on YouTube! Subscribe to our iWork4Him and iRetire4Him YouTube channels to automatically get notified of the newest episodes and watch while you’re cooking, cleaning, or just sitting back for a rest. 

As always, we urge you to check out these phenomenal businesses that support iWork4Him: 

• SaferNet, a VPN that keeps your devices safe from cyber-attacks, hacking, and more 

• Patriot Mobile, your best option for a mobile service provider that supports your values 

• ePaymints, payment processing that cares about its clients and about honoring God

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Steven Thomas

Ministry/ Workplace: Catholic Joe Superhero

Being a daily partner with God looks different than simply asking Him to bless our work. Bill Hollis, the founder of Ruach Ministries in Johannesburg, South Africa, takes us through his fascinating journey to faith, sparked by God surrounding him with Christian colleagues and an intriguing book on near-death experiences. This newfound faith shifted his worldview, transforming his workplace into a mission field.  

Bill’s career took many twists and turns, guided by faith, divine nudges, and lessons learned. He stresses the value of partnering with fellow believers and explains the difference between Christian businesses and Kingdom businesses, where Jesus is the CEO. His upcoming book, A Supernatural Journey in the Marketplace: Money, Marketplace, and God, offers his unedited life stories and practical advice for running a Kingdom-focused organization. Bill wants you to see your workplace as mission field and to collaborate with God in all business ventures.  

The “takeaway” Bill wants you to remember: Make your requests known to God. He’s faithful to hear us!  

This episode also features shout-outs to world-changing sponsors like Patriot Mobile and SaferNet VPN, champions of conservative values and top-notch service. Let’s commit to aligning our money with our values!

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Bill Hollis

Ministry/ Workplace: Ruach Ministries

Let's discuss the transformative concept of "working with God" rather than just "working for God." Host Jim Brangenberg highlights that while "iWork4Him" has been a longstanding statement of faith, there’s a deeper shift needed. We’re glad to welcome back Shae Bynes to the show, who shares her journey of understanding this shift.  

Shae recounts a pivotal moment 12 years ago when she realized the importance of working with God, inspired by Matthew 11:28-30. This approach goes beyond traditional achievement-driven faith, advocating for a more intimate and collaborative relationship with God. Shae explains that cultivating this relationship involves engaging God in everyday decisions and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life, from work to personal matters.   

Moving from a "working for God" mindset to a "working with God" mindset can revolutionize how you live out their faith as a believer. Shae concludes by urging listeners to embrace this shift as a fundamental aspect of their calling, aiming to fully embody and express God's presence in their daily lives. Start small, including God in some area of your life you’ve never invited Him into before.  

We partner with incredible Kingdom-driven sponsors who make this show possible, like SaferNet, a VPN, antivirus, web filters, and internet controls to keep you, your loved ones, and even your workforce safe on their devices. Patriot Mobile is another company you should be investing in! As America’s only Christian conservative mobile service provider, you can support faith, family, and freedom while receiving top-notch service. Finally, for any payment processing needs you have, check out ePaymints who is Kingdom-focused and led by amazing Christian working women.

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Shae Bynes

Ministry/ Workplace: Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur

The iWork4Him Podcast is dedicated to bringing you inspiring and encouraging stories of workplace believers around the world, but today we’re taking some time to hear from Jim and Martha about what’s been going on in their lives this year and what future plans God is ushering them into. It’s been a tough 2024 – the loss of multiple friends, various struggles with family health, and the upheaval of their “empty nester” lifestyle. Jim and Martha are learning a lot about the power of prayer and “leaning not on their own understanding.” 

Even with the bad, there’s always many things to be thankful for. As they continue to reflect, fun but challenging DIY projects, faith and work events, opportunities in their small town of Marionville, and exciting new podcasts are brought up in the conversation. What are they most looking forward to? What God has in store for iWork4Him, of course! He’s been guiding the Brangenbergs in the Shift to With movement – where workplace believers start working intimately with God instead of just for Him. A new book announcement was also made! Keep tuning in to hear more about the importance of strengthening your marriage and be on the lookout next year for Get the Hell Out of Your Marriage to be released.  

Events and resources mentioned in the show:  

• US Christian Chamber of Commerce – you can become a member! 

• 94X Summit taking place in Tulsa, OK, October 1st (hear from 94X Founder, Sean Kouplen) 

• Digital Desperados Podcast – real stories of the world’s most infamous hackers, sponsored by SaferNet! 

• As always, it's not too late to make the switch to Patriot Mobile. iWork4Him has been using this service for over a year now and has ZERO regrets (neither will you!). 

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Jim & Martha Brangenberg

Ministry/ Workplace: iWork4Him

Miranda Carls shows us the need for faith and work fellowship and connection no matter where we live or what we do. She shares her faith journey, highlighting how her early Christian upbringing shaped her to be a committed Christian instead of nominal one and discusses her passion for people development and how it aligns with her mission to support Christians in the workplace. 

You’ll get introduced to her book and podcast, The Word at Work, resources that help Christian professionals be… the Word at work! You’ll also hear about the upcoming Gateway Faith and Work event on September 7th, a symposium aimed to equip Christians for workplace excellence, faithful living, and community building. Miranda emphasizes the need for collaboration among local churches and ministries to foster a unified Christian presence in St. Louis workplaces. 

You can get more information and register for the September 7th event at GatewayFaithandWork.com. And we want to make sure you’re able to really apply her 3 takeaways:  

1. Make time to fellowship with another believer, sharing workplace and life challenges. 

2. Have focused time with Jesus Monday thru Friday. 

3. Grow in your understanding of how work outside of church walls can grow the Kingdom.

iWork4Him sponsors that YOU should consider using: 

• SaferNet, your antivirus, internet filters, and VPN all in one easy-to-use app 

• ePaymints, a payment processor with Christ at the center 

• Patriot Mobile, America’s only Christian conservative wireless service provider

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Miranda Carls

Ministry/ Workplace: Gateway Faith And Work

It must be hard living out your faith at work when your job is at Microsoft, right? Well, Lori Kim tells us about all the resources and reasons she’s able to be a bright light for Christ there! Her journey starts as an immigrant and pastor's kid, facing cultural and language barriers while striving for perfection. During a challenging period of loss, including her father's battle with cancer and her own job loss, Lori experienced a profound faith transformation. Through prayer and a new perspective, she began to see her work as a mighty extension of her faith. 

At Microsoft, Lori is active in a Christian employee community group called Marketplace Ministry for Microsoft (MMFM), engaging in weekly Bible studies, prayer meetings and wisdom discussion groups that foster community and spiritual growth. She also serves with the Chicago Faith & Work Movement and the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation. Listeners – and especially Christian working women – are left with Lori’s 3 pieces of sage advice: 

1. Embrace all that God made you to be. 

2. No matter the situation, keep praying! 

3. Bless yourself with sacred rhythms of rest. 

iWork4Him sponsors that YOU should consider using: 

• SaferNet, your antivirus, internet filters, and VPN all in one easy-to-use app 

• ePaymints, a payment processor with Christ at the center 

• Patriot Mobile, America’s only Christian conservative wireless service provider

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Lori Kim

Ministry/ Workplace: Microsoft

Listen in on this exhilarating conversation with Tamra Andress, a dynamic five-time bestselling author, international speaker, and podcaster. As the powerhouse behind F.I.T. in Faith Media and Founder of the nonprofit The Founder Collective, Tamra's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares about God releasing her from societal pressures leading to a profound spiritual transformation that reshaped her life and mission. 

Tamra now transforms messages into movements through her innovative publishing house, which walks alongside “messengers” as a fully immersive partner. She co-pastors her nonprofit, offering a unique "Faith and Business Collision" space for entrepreneurs. You can hear more about this group’s plan for a Kingdom-driven business academy which will include ordination and a “Shepherd Tank.”  

You might think Tamra sounds busy, but she says that’s a “4-letter word” in her house. She’s passionate about co-creating with God, embracing joy, and working from a place of rest. After listening to her speak, we’re sure you’ll want to hear more! Check out the podcasts she hosts and co-hosts: The Messenger Movement, The Founder Collective, and Girls Gone Holy.  

This episode is made possible by the support of incredible sponsors!  

Want to support freedom, faith, and family just by paying your phone bill? Then make the switch to Patriot Mobile! Great mobile service from a Kingdom-minded company. Tell them iWork4Him sent you.  

Even though cybercrime is more rampant than ever, you don’t have to worry about your devices being affected if you have SaferNet VPN installed. This easy-to-use app gives you privacy, control, and peace of mind. Use it in your home and business. You won’t regret it!

Check them out on our sponsors page.

Featuring: Tamra Andress

Ministry/ Workplace: F.I.T. in Faith Media; The Founder Collective