Women & Work: Stepping into Kingdom Productivity

Nikki Lawrence is a connector by nature. Her warm personality leaves little room for anyone to be a stranger for too long. This trait has fueled her pastime and helped Nikki charm audiences as a Mistress of Ceremony at conferences, fundraisers, and events all across the country. By day, she is a Corporate Executive for a Fortune 500 Company with a global team and multi-billion dollar portfolio. She has been with her company for 19 years and held a plethora of leadership roles for almost two decades. Among her passions is the desire to see women from every walk of life walk boldly into whatever God has called them into. When she can combine her love for hospitality and/or developing people with helping women on their leadership journey, she is in her happy place. Nikki lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and in her free time, she is daydreaming about home décor projects, road-tripping with friends, or playing with her niece and nephews. In this episode, Nikki shares: How she saw God’s hand in leading her to the profession she’s in today The importance of networking How she views ministry in the marketplace The significance of both one’s IQ and EQ  The top leadership lessons she’s learned over the years The power of a “shaky yes” The importance of diversity in the workplace, as well as mentorships and sponsorships Resources Mentioned:  Lifeway Women Live  

This episode of the Women & Work podcast features an interview with Dr. Karen Swallow Prior, a Research Professor of English and Christianity & Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.    She is the author of Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me (T. S. Poetry Press, 2012), Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More—Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist (Thomas Nelson, 2014), and On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books (Brazos 2018). She is co-editor of Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues (Zondervan 2019) and has contributed to numerous other books.    She is host of the popular podcast Jane and Jesus. She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, First Things, Vox, Think Christian, The Gospel Coalition, Books and Culture and other places. She is a Contributing Editor for Comment, a founding member of The Pelican Project, a Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum, a Senior Fellow at the International Alliance for Christian Education, a Senior Fellow at the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture and is a former member of the Faith Advisory Council of the Humane Society of the United States.    She and her husband live on a 100-year-old homestead in central Virginia with dogs, chickens, and lots of books.   In this episode, Dr. Prior discusses with Courtney and Missie:   –– Why she considers herself first a reader before a writer –– How she realized writing and teaching were what God had called her to vocationally and how       listeners can discern their own calling –– How she helps readers navigate literary pitfalls as well as read in light of the gospel –– How reading builds character and how literature can help us discover “the good life” –– How her work as a writer and professor images God –– How she views her own unintentional childlessness in light of her profession –– Advice for aspiring writers    Mentioned on the Show: On Reading Well Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues  Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More, Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist  Jane Eyre: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting The Scarlet Letter: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting Frankenstein: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting Sense and Sensibility: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting Heart of Darkness Pride and Prejudice   If you find that the Women & Work Podcast is inspiring you to more confidently step into your God-given calling and view your work as meaningful to the kingdom of God, would you consider partnering with us by making a tax-deductible monthly or one-time donation? Go to womenwork.net/donate today. Thank you!  

Courtney Moore is the Founder and President of Women & Work, as well as co-host of the Women & Work Podcast. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Mobile and an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Courtney is passionate about seeing Jesus Christ honored by women as they steward their gifts and leverage their unique potential for His glory. She has been married to Brent for 15 years. They have 3 great kids and live in El Paso, TX where Brent pastors LIFEchurch. In this next get-to-know-your-host episode, Missie interviews our beloved founder, Courtney Moore. Courtney is passionate about seeing Jesus Christ honored by women as they steward their gifts and leverage their unique potential for His glory. Her and her family live in El Paso, Tx where they serve in church ministry.   In this episode, you get to learn more about Courtney’s story, including:    The Story of Women & Work Growing into Leadership Roles Stepping Out in Faith  Work in Seasons   We hope this episode encourages you to view your work as meaningful to the kingdom of God. 

Missie Branch currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Graduate Life at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is married to Deuce and they have 4 children. Missie is passionate about women seeing themselves as disciples and theologians. She’s a published author, chairwoman of the trustees at Lifeway Christian Resources, and of course, one of our beloved podcast hosts!   In this episode, Missie discusses: ✨Her journey from owning a successful cake business to becoming the Associate Dean of Students at SEBTS.  ✨Women and leadership and some of the messaging women hear  ✨Women leaders in the black church and the positive influence that has had on her. ✨Being in predominantly white spaces and what she has learned about being in a culture that is different than her own. ✨A kingdom-minded vision of all peoples living reconciled.    And so much more. Missie is so wise and we are so thankful for her contributions to our team and to the broader evangelical culture.  We loved this episode and getting to know her more and hope you were as encouraged as we were. 

Dr. Sarah Rainer has her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. She specializes in child and adolescent mental health and development. Sarah is also the co-host of the Parenting & Pennies podcast on the Christian Parenting podcast network. Sarah serves in leadership at her church for women’s discipleship and enjoys discipling other women. She enjoys being a guest writer, speaker, and podcaster for different organizations.   In this episode, Sarah shares about her career as a Clinical Psychologist, caring for parents and caregivers, navigating a demanding career and family, and viewing all work as ministry.

On this episode of the Women & Work podcast Courtney Moore and Missie Branch interview Melissa Kruger, Director of Women's Content at The Gospel Coalition. This episode was recorded live at Cultivate Conference in March of 2022 at The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.   Besides serving at The Gospel Coalition, Melissa is also an author and podcast co-host. Her books include The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World and Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood. She serves alongside Jackie Hill Perry and Jasmine Holmes as co-hosts of the Let’s Talk podcast, produced by TGC. Melissa is married to Mike, the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, and they have three children.   In this episode, Melissa shares about her role at The Gospel Coalition, how her work has changed in different seasons, on discerning the Lord's call on their lives, how to form a Kingdom perspective on work, and so much more.

Jess Barefield is an interior designer and business owner, wife and mom of 3. She has a love for beautiful and practical spaces that comes from years of executing her own interior design dreams. Jess grew up in Pittsburgh and made stops in Philadelphia, Washington D.C, and Atlanta before settling in Dallas. Living in so many different houses helped her to appreciate the impact a well-designed home can have on family life. After doing it so many times for herself, Jess wants to help other families create a home that reflects who they are and beckons them home after a long day.    Jess is married to Christian hip-hop artist Trip Lee and mother of three. Jessica understands the importance of balancing style with functionality. She firmly believes that our homes should not only be beautiful but also serve our needs. And even with kids, it is possible to have both. Ultimately, Jess wants to help you love where you live.   In this episode, Jess discusses:  Her work as an interior designer The danger of comparison Serving to the point of exhuastion and believing that we as caregivers must also care for ourselves

Ashley Marivittori Gorman serves as an associate publisher at B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. She holds an MDiv from Southeastern Theological Seminary and has been trained under The Charles Simeon Trust. Her passions are biblical literacy, women’s discipleship, foster care, theology, books, the local church, and teaching the Bible. Ashley and her husband, Cole, live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their daughter, Charlie. You can find her writing in various Lifeway Women Bible studies, books like World on Fire, and on digital venues like The Gospel Coalition, Lifeway Voices, ERLC, Relevant, Lifeway Women, and Christ and Culture.   In this episode, Ashley discusses:  Her experience working in publishing  Helpful questions to ask yourself before taking on a new job  Imaging God by viewing work as providing light, life, and order wherever God places you Advice on how to tactfully approach your supervisor when asking for a raise How to broaden one’s self awareness and move towards institutional awareness in the workplace   Resources mentioned:  World on Fire: Walking in the Wisdom of Christ when Everyone's Fighting About Everything.  To Change the World by James Hunter  

Sheila is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and communicator with thirty-plus years of experience. She was President/CEO of a multi-million dollar company that twice made the INC 500 list of America’s fastest-growing companies which has brought her national recognition and various awards. Sheila served as President of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce after serving on the executive committee for seven years. She was the first woman to serve on the Archery Merchants and Manufacturers Organization Board of Directors, serving three years as Secretary-Treasurer.    Sheila has experience as a platform, seminar, and panel speaker nationwide, both within the business and Christian community. She is the author of Beyond Chaos: Stress Relief for the Working Woman published by NavPress and founder of Real Living Ministries.    In this episode, Sheila discusses:  Her personal story of growing up with a single mom  How she came to know the Lord and how God restored her marriage and family The challenges and blessings of building a business alongside her spouse How to lead well and work alongside other people with different personalities and strengths How caring well for customers and clients reflects God’s character What it means to live a synchronized lifestyle as opposed to trying to seek a balanced lifestyle  Encouragement for women to not see their identity in their work but to see their work as an opportunity to honor the Lord and point others to Him  Resources and Links mentioned:    Beyond Chaos: Stress Relief for the Working Woman by Sheila West  https://amzn.to/3KLjzGJ   Real Living Ministries https://www.reallivingministries.com