Women & Work: Bearing God’s Image and Joining in His Mission through our Work

by Courtney Moore (Editor)

God gave His people work to do in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world. Work is not untouched by sin, but it is good, as God allows us to image Him and the way He works through our lives.
 
Vocation and work are often a charged topic for women - inside or outside the home. Be a homeschool teacher or send your kids to public school? Wash clothes and dishes to the glory of God or work in the corporate world for the same?  
In this practical book on the theology of work, read wisdom from women who represent all the realms of where a woman might find herself working and discover:  
how to think about calling 
how to work from weakness 
how to find joy in wise stewardship, no matter the field 
how to join the mission of God in both motherhood and childlessness 
how to image God in both secular and sacred work 
how to manage and work with men 
how to grow through conflict 
 
All work is Kingdom work. As women, let's join together in celebrating the good gift of work. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Business, Theology, Christian Non Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

{first posted here https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/bi...}

Not all work is glamorous.

It's work after all.

I've hoed beet fields - leaving blisters on my hands, picked at the conveyer belt on our potato farm - so I smelt like rotten potatoes, and picked sweet corn - where my guy friends chucked dirt clods at me until my cousin chased them with the 4 wheeler.

I worked at bible camp as a counsellor, taught swimming lessons and lifeguarded at local pool until I graduated university to begin my career as a nurse. At a superficial glance work has its requisite purpose of earning money, saving for a car and for school, but for believers, work isn't merely a task to be completed, it's an opportunity to shine our light to the world around us.

Women & Work: Bearing God's Image and Joining in His Mission Through Our Work is authored by a handful of Christian women living as fulcrums, balancing motherhood and ministry, with hearts devoted to using their gifts and abilities for the glory of God and the good of others.

They write to encourage women in their most important calling disciples of Christ and direct them towards biblical truth to guide the way they work.

The authors teach us work is good, work is fallen, work is redeemable and work is eternal; that God has created us in His image and equipped us for good works; and that the value of our lives is not measured in the productivity of our days. We're led to the parable of the talents, reminded to faithfully steward our unique giftings and to live worthy lives through our roles and relationships.

One reason I loved this book was that it's message rings so closely with my life.

I've always believed my work is ministry, caring for the sick with hands surrendered to the Lord Jesus, there's always been purpose embedded in my reason to work. Hearing - or rather, reading - these women share their experience and their life, it helped me feel less alone in my own calling, less isolated as a working woman, and affirmed in a biblical foundation for my work.

Something once again impressed upon me is the development of character.

Whether I was homeschooling my littles or working as a nurse, evidence of my sinful heart spews out, it's unavoidable. Patience grows weary, pride escalates, and when things don't go my way I bristle. I'm desperately in need of grace and the sanctifying work of the Spirit no matter where I am, who I'm with, or what I do. Christlikeness is our goal as disciples and the church and it's a reminder to me that in all things I'm working as unto the Lord and daily being given opportunities for humble repentance.

If you're a Christian woman who is looking for biblical truths about your calling and the purpose of your work, I'd highly recommend this book!

Quick Stats
# of pages: 208
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars

*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC (advanced reader copy) and for the opportunity to share an honest review.

[Emma Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Read: This is still such an encouraging and incredible book for any woman since we all have work God has given us! This read through I especially appreciated the chapter on stewarding your gifts and the chapter on motherhood and the mission of God. This quote about faithful motherhood is so important to remember in the context of the church which can often prescribe staying at home with kids as the most faithful way: "Wisdom says that if our requirements for faithful motherhood can't be true for all women, then they shouldn't be required. It is a gift to work in the home if you can and want to, but it is not the mark of faithful mktheehood; obedience to Christ is faithfulness."

First Read: In Women & Work, various women delve into different elements of being a woman and working including motherhood and working, stewerdship of gifts, and that all women are called to work and that can occur in the home or workplace.

This book was an incredible encouragement to me and I highly recommend it for any woman who has struggled with being in a workplace or struggled in staying home. This doesn't prescribe what one should do, but reminds us of the great commission and how 'God's good work is as unique as each woman's DNA, and no woman should feel inferior to any other woman because her gifting is different.'

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. (More review to come, hopefully.)

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recommended this book to so many people after reading it. It is the balanced view of the both-and work of women that the church and the world has been needing. Too often, women are told their work is their identity or that their home and children are their identity. This book paints a theologically rich vision for why all the work women do — in the workplace and public square and in the home and church — matters to God and for his kingdom. If you've ever felt lonely in your church context as a single working woman or what feels like the only working mom — or if you're looking to find the why in the repetitive work of running a household and feeding little ones — this book is for you. Be encouraged that you're not alone and that God sees and values the work of your hands. You need a theology of work to fuel the good works he has prepared for you, and you will find it in these pages.

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the work this organization (Women & Work) does, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. While I was hoping for a little more depth and personal/practical examples in some of the chapters, it is still a great starting point for women’s discipleship in their work. Each chapter is written by a different woman focused on a topic related to work. Chapter 8, “The Grief and Grace of an Unexpected Career,” by Joanna Meyer (a single woman in her late 40s) as well as chapter 10, “Developing and Growing Your Gifts” by Amy Whitfield, were worth the cost of the book for me. 🤍

[Heather Persing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women & Work begins by painting a broad biblical vision for work (both inside and outside the home). Throughout the book, the different authors cover a range of work-related topics such as using your gifts to the glory of God, how work impacts motherhood as well as singleness, and healthy relationships in the workplace. I appreciated both the wisdom in this book and how easy it was to read.

I received this book from B&H Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a passion for helping others to understand that their work has value and how to integrate their faith with their work. This is a book, which written for women, I also found to be helpful. The book, edited by Courtney Moore, includes contributions from eleven writers, two of whom I’ve read books from - Courtney Reissig’s Glory in the Ordinary: Why Your Work in the Home Matters to God, and Joanna Meyer’s Women, Work, and Calling: Step into Your Place in God's World.
Each of the chapters feature helpful reflection questions to help you go deeper into what that chapter discussed. Courtney Moore states in the “Conclusion”: “May your work and your life be an offering to God as worship, and may you leverage your unique potential for His glory.”
This would be a good book for women to read and discuss together.
Here are a few helpful quotes from each of the contributors:
Introduction: Courtney Moore
• Whatever vocation God has called you to is now sacred work, carried out in a body that is meant to be offered to Him every moment of every day.
• You, as a woman, have been given unique skills, talents, passions, and influence that God requires you to steward well, even through your work.
The Creation Mandate, Great Commission, and Your Work: Elyse Fitzpatrick
• When done for the right reasons, work is virtuous and praiseworthy.
• The work we’re doing today will somehow bring God’s glorious kingdom to this earth and we’ll rejoice in it forever.
Image-Bearing and Your Good Works: Missie Branch
• We have been crafted for work. Good work. His work.
• As God’s image-bearers, the good work we do every day becomes a beautiful display of God’s artistry.
Am I Called?: Courtney Powell
• All work done unto the glory of God is kingdom work and is valuable in His sight.
• There is not an indicator in all of Scripture that a paid ministry position is of higher value than a faithful believer whose work is outside of the church.
You Are What You Do. Or Are You?: Jen Oshman
• We are to work in such a way that people see our Father in heaven in all that we do.
• Let us work in such a way that we bring Him glory, not ourselves.
Bodies of Work: Hannah Anderson
• Whatever work God calls us to do will happen in and through our bodies.
• Our bodies are part of how God reveals our callings in His kingdom.
Don’t Waste Your Gifts: Portia Collins
• How determined are you to faithfully complete the work He has placed in front of you with excellence, working as unto Him even when you don’t feel like it?
• From the garden to the grave, God has purposed our work over His creation, and humility is a necessary vehicle for the excellent steward.
Motherhood and the Mission of God: Courtney Reissig
• Whether you’re in the home or outside the home, work with everything you’ve got, like God is sitting right next to you cheering you on. That’s the call for moms in their work.
• He made you in His image to work for His glory. You work for Him alone and for His pleasure.
The Grief and Grace of an Unexpected Career: Joanna Meyer
• At some point in each of our lives, we will experience grief in our professional or relational roles. Knowing how to navigate these seasons won’t eliminate the pain, but will help you trust God through your suffering.
• Christ, the carpenter and Savior, understands the circumstances you face and will use your work to shape you into the woman He wants you to be.
Healthy Relationships between Men and Women in the Workplace: Faith Whatley
• Make it a daily habit to lift up your coworkers and know them well enough that you know how to pray specifically for them.
• Healthy working relationships between men and women are not only possible, but they are a beautiful picture of God’s command to subdue the earth, honoring God together.
Developing and Growing Your Gifts: Amy Whitfield
• Our gifts and talents, our desires and loves, are all for something bigger than ourselves—specifically, His kingdom purposes.
• All work is kingdom work, and when He develops us it is ultimately for His purposes.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this thought-provoking book on the theology of work, the author highlights the significance of work in the lives of women and its connection to their calling and vocation. Drawing from the biblical narrative of God assigning work to His people even before the entrance of sin into the world, the book underscores the inherent goodness of work as a means of reflecting God's image and purpose in our lives.

The author addresses the complexities and tensions that women often face when it comes to vocation and work, whether within or outside the home. The book explores various realms and scenarios where women might find themselves working, providing wisdom and perspectives from women who have navigated these different paths.

Throughout the book, readers will find practical insights and guidance on how to approach their calling, embrace their weaknesses, find joy in stewardship, and recognize the significance of their work in furthering the mission of God. The author also explores the topics of motherhood and childlessness, highlighting how women can participate in the Kingdom work in both of these seasons of life. Additionally, the book addresses how women can image God and fulfill their purpose in both secular and sacred work, navigate working with men, and grow through conflicts that may arise in the workplace.

The underlying message of the book is that all work, regardless of its nature or setting, can be seen as Kingdom work. The author encourages women to come together and celebrate the gift of work, recognizing its inherent value and the potential for impact and fulfillment that it brings.

In summary, "The Good Gift of Work" provides a valuable exploration of the theology of work from a female perspective. It offers practical guidance and insights that can help women embrace their calling, find purpose and joy in their work, and contribute to the Kingdom of God. It is a thought-provoking resource that encourages women to see the goodness and significance of their work in all its forms.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book collects essays from Christian women about vocational work. Each one is about a different topic, such as the connection between work and bearing God's image, what it means to be called, and practical considerations for men and women working together. The essays are all thoughtful and well-written, sharing biblical truths and personal reflections that will be relevant to most Christian women. The authors make an effort to speak to women in different life situations, with different chapters and illustrations geared towards working moms, single and/or childless women, and women working after their kids are grown. The authors also come from different professional backgrounds. The book is so general that the application ideas end up being vague, but women can take and apply what is most relevant to them.

Throughout Women & Work, the authors explore biblical concepts like the creation mandate, image-bearing, and stewardship, but this isn't a deep dive into the theology of work. This is mainly about encouraging women that their work matters, and that God cares about their efforts in the workplace. That's great, but if someone is looking for a deeper theological perspective on what it means to be a working woman, this might disappoint them. There are female-specific themes related to motherhood, and the chapter about embodiment addresses factors relevant to the female body, but the essays are mostly about foundational truths that apply to men and women, without deeper insight into how they are different in a woman's life.

Also, even though the writers addresses dynamics for working mothers, their position on moms working outside the home is assumed, not argued. It's entirely right for the writers to leave matters of conscience up to their readers, but this book could have done more to support moms making counter-cultural decisions in their Christian subcultures, and could have done more to acknowledge women who feel serious reservations about working while their kids are young. A book can't be all things for all people, but since the marketing talks about how contentious and emotional these decisions can be for women, it surprised me that the authors didn't dig deeper here.

I liked the chapter about men and women working together, but I have reservations here as well. Like me, the author has had wonderful experiences with her male coworkers, and that's great. However, since that's not everyone's experience, there should have been advice for women dealing with injustice against female employees or ongoing conflict with male coworkers. Also, even though the writer shares helpful advice for dealing with feelings of attraction to a coworker when you and/or they are married, I disagree that you should limit contact with that coworker and avoid talking with them about anything that isn't work-related. Don't make an effort to get closer or make things more personal, but if you avoid them and treat them differently, you'll most likely train your brain that this person is a threat and create a feedback loop of even more unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Women & Work shares advice and encouragement for women in different stages of life, and there is a lot of great material here about stewarding our gifts, working to honor God and bless others, and taking our work seriously as something God cares about and has called us to. However, this ended up being so general that I would mainly only recommend it to women who haven't reach much about work before, or who are new to considering the relationship between faith and vocational work. Everything here seemed pretty basic, and since the authors didn't delve into female-specific implications as much as they could have, I didn't get as much out of this as I had hoped.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kyleigh Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Women and Work wasn’t a bad book, but the marketing definitely over-delivered. While there is some good ground-laying theological work in it, the book mostly assumed the biblical work and position on women working, so a lot of applications were application of assumptions. If you’re not on the same page as the authors, you probably won’t be convinced by anything. Also, I think that largely because of this as well as because of how much each essay was trying to pack in, much if not most of what was said applies to humans and work, which a few specifics for women. Implications of what that means for a woman and how that’s different from a man weren’t generally drawn out.

The best essays were the ones on worth and stewardship. Hannah Anderson’s on our bodies and work was my favorite in some ways, but also the one where I most wanted more. It was a great starting point on the topic, but needed more on the implications of what having a female body means on the question of women and work.

I have some minor disagreements (though I’d probably have had more had they done more foundational work), but my main issue is what was lacking, which made the book feel weak. If you’re looking for encouragement about your work, you’ll probably find something here, but if you’re looking for something more comprehensive and foundational—a “theology of work” as the blurb reads—then you’ll probably be disappointed.

Two stars according to the two stars means “it was ok” rating scale.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

[Sarah Kam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work is good and our calling as Christian women is to be faithful to the work God has set before us, this book examines this premise from many angles and facets. Women and Work is a collection of essays by several Christian women delving into various aspects of vocational work. The authors do not assume every Christian woman they write to is married or a mother or that everyone who is a mother is a stay at home mom. Those callings and choices are recognized but not placed on a unnecessary pedestal. Topics covered include what is calling, embodiment, workplace relationships, leadership, and identity. Many of the topics were ones I’ve already thought a lot about but I found this book to be encouraging and appreciated the perspective of women from various life stages.
A few reflection/discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter so this would be a great group read.

[Madi Wuebben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women & Work is a great introduction to a theology of work, especially for women. Growing up in the church, all I ever heard was that my options to honor God were to be a stay-at-home mom or move overseas to serve an unreached people group. But what if I went into a corporate job?

This book addresses common questions and topics regarding work from a mix of female authors.

Most women in my church have never had any theological conversations about work, and this is a great tool to start the conversation. I really benefited from the chapters on the myth of calling and Hannah Anderson's work on the female body and work.

Thankful this book exists! I hope it encourages a lot of women to see their work as meaningful to the Kingdom of God, and not just a paycheck.

[Allison Mattson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book encouraging but not as in-depth as I would have liked. As a working mom who is surrounded by stay-at-home moms, I sometimes receive pushback for my work. I felt like this book assumes you’re okay with women working and then just moves on to how we can glorify God in it. It’s theology on work is broad and could apply to both men and women. The book contains lots of great wisdom and encouragement, but it doesn’t delve into how women’s work is unique from men’s. It also doesn’t deal with scripture passages that many use to say women shouldn’t work outside the home (the passage about women being keepers of the home for example). Encouraging, but would have like it to dig deeper.

[Kristianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been going through this book as part of a Bible study in my church, and really enjoyed this valuable resource. It has a lot of practical, biblical advice on how to view our work and glorify God in our workplaces. I would recommend it to any Christian woman, whether working at home or in the workplace.

[Syd Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy collaborative writing, because I feel like the multiple perspectives make the lessons much richer! This book explores women’s place in the workplace. I enjoyed how it was a little less prescriptive. It had a much more intentional focus on biblical guidelines without drawing hard conclusions.

[Ashley Hoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written introduction to the doctrine of vocation as it pertains to women. Each chapter is written by a different author and I appreciated their unique perspectives. I wish it went a little bit deeper and leaned into scripture a bit more, but otherwise, I like and recommend it.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright, but lacked depth and diversity.

[Shannon Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this collection of essays on God's design for women & work. I went through this book with a group of friends, and it sparked really fruitful, thoughtful discussions.

[Johana Rosendo · Rating 3 out of 5]

High 3 stars, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to a lot of my friends. I did feel like some of the stories were a lot closer to what I am experiencing but overall it was so nice to see how different women see themselves and how they see work in a biblical setting.

[Ashley Walkup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad I read it. It helped me solidify my views about work and also challenged me with new ideas to think of. I loved hearing the different women’s voices and personal stories. I recommend it!