Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work

Recently at a luncheon, where Bethel Seminary's Work in Progress Initiative was launched, I was privileged to hear Tom speak. I instantly resonated with his heartthrob - to connect Sunday worship with Monday work.Tom opens Work Matters with a strong theology of work, taking the reader to the opening verse of the Bible, where we are "introduced to God as a thoughtful and creative worker." (Pg 20) He then lay out in a practical, easy-to-understand framework, that since we are made in God's image, "we have been designed to work, to be fellow workers with God." (Pg 22) I appreciate how he addresses the Hebrew word, avoda, which translates as work, as well as worship. Based on the Biblical teaching, he states, "That our work has been designed by God to be an act of worship, yet is often missed in the frenzied pace of a compartmentalized modern life." (Pg 27)I highly recommend Work Matters for all seeking to find more meaning and purpose in their every-day work world. I'm adding this book to my Dantotsu, Best-of-the-best, collection.

Tom Nelson has done a great service to those who rightly seek to eliminate the sacred/secular divide in work. Nelson makes the point that ALL work is sacred, which casts many of the traditional myths and practices about the proverbial "job-hunt" in a new light. I can be very satisfied wherever I am in the work force if I understand that everything I do is for the glory of God. As a local church pastor, Nelson seems to have his ear well-bent in the direction of his congregants.

Was told I was getting a brand new book but received one with the library it was from stamped all over it. In addition, it was covered in all kinds of stickers and pages folded like it has been read before. Overall, at least it was the right book.

As with many Christian books, this one starts with a solid topic, and has great thought-provoking content for about half the book. Unfortunately, the author just doesn't know when to stop, and examples and analogies start to become repetitive. There's nothing wrong with this book...as long as you know what you're getting into.

Work Matters (book) got to my house a day early and it was exactly what I ordered. Thank you for a job well done.

Very thoughtful. Good theological perspective on work for everyone, not just clergy. God sees all of our jobs as ministry, no matter what we do for a living.

Eye opening! Recognizing situation where we are all representing Jesus everywhere - especially at work. This can change the enviornments of our workplaces where people experience great frustration.

Excellent insight into God's design for our work. Even when discouraged and frustrated about work, there is a higher calling associated with our work that should inspire us to keep moving forward