On Mission Now!

On Mission Now

Have you ever considered yourself a missionary, a disciple or in the ministry field?

Unless you work at a church most people would answer “no”. I know I didn’t. My sister and I were visiting family in Chicago and a new friend asked her, “what do you do?” Without skipping a beat, my sister replied, “I’m a customer service representative, a student and I’m in the ministry”. I was taken off guard at her confident answer so, I took inventory of that list. Yes, yes, wait, what? In the ministry? It’s true we find joy in helping others but is that “in the ministry”?

Then, God spoke to my heart on a topic we have grappled with for years. Do we need to move to a Third world country or work at the church to be “in the ministry”, “on mission” or to be a “Disciple of Jesus Christ”? Ladies, the answer is NO! And my sister was wise beyond her years with this very truth.

This world needs YOU to be on mission or ministering right where you are!

I am a sales trainer at a large consulting firm and I chose this role because I wanted to help as many people at one time as possible. I facilitate 30-60 new people per month. Before each new batch of new hires joins me from around the country I bless the space, and their hearts and minds. At the end of our time together I always ask myself “did I make an impact?” “Did they see Jesus through me?” My goal is to build trust with them by giving them a safe place to learn, being venerable myself and most importantly I share ‘My Why’ to motivate them to do great things. My Why: To do my very best, always spread kindness and truth so I can have time freedom and financial freedom to help my family, my community and other moms suffering from postpartum and hardship.

My sister, my friends and I often discuss how challenging and awkward it is to be a Christian in corporate America, the healthcare field, or even in law enforcement. It would be so much easier if we worked at a church or even a nonprofit. Then, I remember this life is not meant to be easy. It’s meant to be abundant for the Glory of God! To lead by example until they say “what’s with her?” “There is just something about her”. That “something” is Jesus and I pray for many, many moments like this so that I can have THE most important conversation about The One who gave it all to save us.

I experienced the other end of this spectrum when I was pregnant. Each week after my check up, I would stop for McDonalds breakfast (I know- the cravings). There was a cheery server named Ophelia who wore bright blue eye shadow and a smile from ear to ear. She seemed to float gracefully behind the window as she greeted, took change and delivered food. Her spirit was infectious. I like to think I started going not for the bacon, egg and cheese but for her. In what is typically a mundane experience for both parties, she managed to have that ‘something’. To every person, she extended a compliment, positive energy, a smile and a blessing for a great day. One day we had a quick chat about blessings. After suffering from infertility for three years I felt blessed to have these doctors’ appointments to go to and I shared that with her. And Ophelia shared that after years of unemployment, poverty and homelessness she felt blessed to have a job. She gave all the glory to God and I did too. I will never forget her and the perspective she gave me that day even though the reoccurring bacon, egg and cheese cravings have thankfully subsided.

The Bible says, “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV.  It’s not about our own glory, our gifts or our form, but rather about His Glory. We bring Him the greatest joy and glory when we serve others right where He has placed us (no matter how unsuspecting) through our good work.

So, what can you do this week to shift your priorities at work from self-interest to interest in others for the glory of God?

Whether you are a stay at home mom, a doctor, a police officer or a fast food attendant you can spread joy, kindness, truth and The Good New today and every day.

Be on mission wherever you are for the glory of God!

Nancy Ellis is a wife, mom of two little ones, a successful businesswoman and a Small Group Leader. She is transparent, real and one of the most encouraging women I know.  Her passion to lead in love in every area of life is contagious as she helps women of all ages embrace God’s love for them.