Women, Work, and Calling: Step into Your Place in God's World

by Joanna Meyer

Overview

Women now have professional opportunities beyond what previous generations ever imagined. But as our roles in public life have grown, the church's vision for women's work and calling has not grown with us, leaving us feeling isolated and under-resourced. Christian women face multiple tensions between home and work, navigating complex gender dynamics in the workplace and social pressure to hold together picture-perfect lives.

Joanna Meyer addresses a critical gap in Christian women's discipleship by speaking to the roles we play in public and professional life. Acknowledging the brokenness of workplaces and industries, she provides a theological framework for women's work and influence and offers resources for the challenges of working life. This book will help you:

• Ignite your vocational imagination, with a biblical framework for work and calling.
• Build strength from within, with emotional and spiritual health to support your work.
• Navigate common workplace challenges, with practical tools to help your influence grow.
• Pursue purposeful relationships, collaborating and building strong relationships with others.

Learn from the lived experience of godly female leaders and discover how women can have a redemptive impact through our work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514007945
Publisher:	IVP
Publication date:	10/24/2023
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	278,904
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Joanna Meyer is director of public engagement at the Denver Institute for Faith and Work, where she leads public events, hosts the Faith and Work Podcast, and founded Women, Work, and Calling, a national initiative that equips Christian women for godly influence in public life. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked in global telecom, nonprofit consulting, and campus ministry with Cru. Joanna served as associate faculty at Denver Seminary and completed a certificate in Women in Leadership through Cornell University. She contributed to Women and Work and has written for Faith Driven Entrepreneur and various Denver Institute publications. She lives in Aurora, Colorado.

Joanna Meyer is director of public engagement at the Denver Institute for Faith and Work, where she leads public events, hosts the Faith and Work Podcast, and founded Women, Work, and Calling, a national initiative that equips Christian women for godly influence in public life. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked in global telecom, nonprofit consulting, and campus ministry with Cru. Joanna served as associate faculty at Denver Seminary and completed a certificate in Women in Leadership through Cornell University. She contributed to Women and Work and has written for Faith Driven Entrepreneur and various Denver Institute publications. She lives in Aurora, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part One: Ignite Your Vocational Imagination
1. Called Together
2. A Gospel as Big as the World
3. Cultural Versus Biblical Norms
4. What It Means to Be Called
5. Tools to Explore Your Calling
Part Two: Build Strength from Within
6. Identify Beliefs That Limit Your Growth
7. God Grows Your Soul Through Work
8. Cultivate Humble Confidence
9. Overcome Impostor Syndrome
10. Discover God's Gift of Rest
Part Three: Navigate Common Workplace Challenges
11. Lead with Authenticity and Intentionality
12. Realize Your Vocational Power
13. Resist the Need to Be Perfect
14. Lead Up
15. Beware of the Double Bind
Part Four: Pursue Purposeful Relationships
16. Re-envision Mentorship
17. Network in New Ways
18. Become a Relationally Generous Woman
19. Restore the Blessed Alliance
20. Don't Lean In, Lean Hard
Acknowledgments
Notes

What People are Saying About This

Cammie Dunaway

"Women, Work, and Calling should be on the bookshelf of any female leader seeking to utilize her gifts and ambitions in ways that serve colleagues and honor God. The inspirational stories and practical advice will help women fulfill the unique work God calls them to with a sense of joy and confidence."

Denise Daniels

"In this much-needed book, Joanna Meyer explores internal and external challenges that Christian women face in the workplace. In short and accessible chapters appropriate for individuals or groups, Meyer draws on Scripture, social science research, and the voices of Christian leaders to provide guidance for navigating these challenges. I highly recommend this book for women at every career stage, from the college student to the seasoned professional, and everyone in between."

Steven Garber

"In Women, Work, and Calling, Joanna Meyer draws on years of listening to women who work, paying attention to the complexity of their calling as they wrestle with the question, What is my work and what does it mean? Biblically born, experientially rich, attentive to the most contemporary questions about what life and labor require of us, this grounded, thoughtful meditation gives us a window into what it means to be a woman at work in the world, a perennial challenge for daughters of Eve at any time and in any place."

Melissa K. Russell

"In our ever-changing culture, women need wisdom and support as they press ahead in the professional realm as disciples of Jesus. Joanna Meyer offers just that with depth and care. Women, Work, and Calling is a resource I wish I'd had earlier in my career."

Patricia Raybon

"A perfect handbook for the woman of faith struggling to discover, claim, and ignite her calling. With a bold invitation to get to it—but also why and how—accomplished leader Joanna Meyer sets down a clear theological road map for making a woman's calling not just a dream but a God-blessed reality. Now, soar!"

Michaela O'Donnell

"For Christian women who have been made to feel as though your place in the story of God is small—this book is for you. Joanna Meyer is here to declare that God welcomes you into a bigger, brighter, more hope-filled story about how much your work matters."

Stephanie Summers

"Thank God for Joanna Meyer! Her book is essential reading for Christian women and those who want to see us make faithful and significant contributions as leaders in society. Every page of Women, Work, and Calling is a powerful contribution, full of biblically grounded thought, grace-filled writing, and practical wisdom."

Eric Schumacher

"I've long admired Joanna Meyer for her insights on vocation. She's done the hard work and deep thinking to become an expert on the intersection of women, work, and calling. Joanna generously shares that knowledge with us in Women, Work, and Calling. This accessible and immediately applicable storehouse of wisdom is unapologetically biblical, challenging the heart and mind. Any woman looking to understand her place in God's world will benefit from her work here. But don't think this is a book for women alone! Women, Work, and Calling will help men understand women's value in God's world and see how to better partner with them in God's work. (And men will learn about their own work, calling, and place in God's world!)"

Editorial Reviews

06/12/2023

Meyer, director of public engagement at the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, debuts with an encouraging guide for “career-minded Christian women” who often “feel most lonely... in their faith communities.” While “our roles in public life have grown, the church’s vision for women’s work... has not,” writes Meyer, asserting that “women are vital players in God’s redemptive purposes,” and “reflect the glory of our Creator by being like him—creators who work.” Among other issues women encounter in the workplace, Meyer takes note of the “subtle but powerful dynamic that suggests can be regarded as competent or likable, but not both.” She advises women to ensure their accomplishments are “measurable and visible,” and to reflect on how Christ was “able to hold... seemingly conflicting characteristics in tension,” like “tenderness” and “moral outrage.” She also highlights the importance of mentoring and networking with other women, and offers suggestions for “stay true to yourself in spite of pressures at work.” While some strategies may prove less actionable than others, Meyer successfully delivers the inspiring message that Christian working women should “lean hard on the Lord and allow his love to guide and sustain you.” This is perfect for those who feel caught between religious and professional identities. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"Women, Work, and Calling should be on the bookshelf of any female leader seeking to utilize her gifts and ambitions in ways that serve colleagues and honor God. The inspirational stories and practical advice will help women fulfill the unique work God calls them to with a sense of joy and confidence."

Cammie Dunaway

"I've long admired Joanna Meyer for her insights on vocation. She's done the hard work and deep thinking to become an expert on the intersection of women, work, and calling. Joanna generously shares that knowledge with us in Women, Work, and Calling. This accessible and immediately applicable storehouse of wisdom is unapologetically biblical, challenging the heart and mind. Any woman looking to understand her place in God's world will benefit from her work here. But don't think this is a book for women alone! Women, Work, and Calling will help men understand women's value in God's world and see how to better partner with them in God's work. (And men will learn about their own work, calling, and place in God's world!)"

Eric Schumacher

"In this much-needed book, Joanna Meyer explores internal and external challenges that Christian women face in the workplace. In short and accessible chapters appropriate for individuals or groups, Meyer draws on Scripture, social science research, and the voices of Christian leaders to provide guidance for navigating these challenges. I highly recommend this book for women at every career stage, from the college student to the seasoned professional, and everyone in between."

Denise Daniels

"In our ever-changing culture, women need wisdom and support as they press ahead in the professional realm as disciples of Jesus. Joanna Meyer offers just that with depth and care. Women, Work, and Calling is a resource I wish I'd had earlier in my career."

Melissa K. Russell

"For Christian women who have been made to feel as though your place in the story of God is small—this book is for you. Joanna Meyer is here to declare that God welcomes you into a bigger, brighter, more hope-filled story about how much your work matters."

Michaela O'Donnell

"In Women, Work, and Calling, Joanna Meyer draws on years of listening to women who work, paying attention to the complexity of their calling as they wrestle with the question, What is my work and what does it mean? Biblically born, experientially rich, attentive to the most contemporary questions about what life and labor require of us, this grounded, thoughtful meditation gives us a window into what it means to be a woman at work in the world, a perennial challenge for daughters of Eve at any time and in any place."

Steven Garber

"Thank God for Joanna Meyer! Her book is essential reading for Christian women and those who want to see us make faithful and significant contributions as leaders in society. Every page of Women, Work, and Calling is a powerful contribution, full of biblically grounded thought, grace-filled writing, and practical wisdom."

Stephanie Summers

"A perfect handbook for the woman of faith struggling to discover, claim, and ignite her calling. With a bold invitation to get to it—but also why and how—accomplished leader Joanna Meyer sets down a clear theological road map for making a woman's calling not just a dream but a God-blessed reality. Now, soar!"

Patricia Raybon