The presence of women in the American public workplace took a giant leap ahead during World War II (1941-45) when many male manufacturing employees were drafted into military service. The demand for labor increased as factories were converted to production of weapons and military products. This expansion of women at work was symbolized by ARosie the Riveter@ in magazine and newspaper advertising. The number of women in the workforce increased radically (almost doubling) as America mobilized for war. Another influencing factor was the growth of women in military service as WACs, Waves and WAFs (Army, Navy and Air Force) along with the increased need for nurses to attend to the wounded Americans overseas. The war meant it was off the farm and out of the kitchen as the seeds of social expectation and roles for women began significant upheaval.

When the war ended many returning military men assumed they would return to their factory jobs and the women would return to their unemployment and domestic duties. But expectations and perceptions had been radically impacted and a return to the old patterns did not happen. Within twenty years the women=s cultural status would achieve even more new gains as the Feminist Movement gained momentum and challenged tradition.

Within the Christian community these changes would lead some to new perceptions of working women in the Bible. The old ways and biases of a male dominated work force would begin to slowly change and bible interpretation began to see many women of ancient faith in a new light. These included new appreciation for Hagar serving as a domestic worker (Genesis 16); Jochebed engineering her endangered son Moses to be raised in wealth and power (Ex. 2 & 6); Deborah as Israel=s judge and leader of its military (Judges 4); The Hebrew prophet Huldah (2 Chron 34); Esther saving her threatened Hebrew people from genocide in the halls of power (Esther); the Woman of Proverbs as a multi-tasking business executive (Pro. 31:10-31); Philip=s daughters as prophets in the early church (Acts 21:9); Lydia as an entrepreneurial business owner in the clothing industry (Acts 16); and Priscilla as a leader in business, co-founder of several churches and mentor to a rising international evangelist (Acts 18). Many traditional biases began to be questioned even among religious leaders.

As we cross over into the 21st Century there are a growing number of initiatives that affirm, encourage, equip and advocate for women as leaders in kingdom development in families, neighborhoods, government and the diverse work world. A hint at this includes the Christian Working Woman based in Chicago, Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE), The Godly Business Woman magazine, InterVarsity=s Nurses Christian Fellowship, and several denominational leadership teams and ordination processes.

Another sign of increased activity on these matters are the marketplace practitioners, academic scholars and authors doing good research and writing in this area.

I. Introductory Works:

Baker, Amy C. (A veteran human resources executive), Succeed At Work Without Sidetracking Your Faith, 2006, New Hope. A good foundational treatment of work and ASeven Principles for women in the workplace.@

Briles, Judith, Luci Swindoll & Mary Whelchel (All veterans in business), The Workplace: Questions Women Ask, Multnomah, 1992. Three women in the field of business share what they are learning about faith and work and the issues that challenge women.

Ellis, Gwen (Focus on the Family managing editor), Thriving As A Working Woman: How to enjoy - not just endure - your family, job, relationships, and life, Tyndale House Publishers, 1995. Guidance from Gwen=s personal experience as well as research into working women=s faith challenges and needs.

Farrel, Pam (Church director of women=s ministries), Women of Confidence: Wisdom for Achieving with Integrity, IVPress, 2001 and Woman of Influence: Ten Traits of Those Who Want to Make A Difference, IVPress, 1996. Basic Christian living guidance that applies to family and workplace callings.

Frank, Linnie and Andria Hall, This Far By Faith: How To Put God First in Everyday Living, Waterbrook Press, 2000. Two professionals invite readers into their journeys into the marketplace as women of strong faith.

Gilmore, Verla, (Radio reporter and producer), Reality Check: A Survival Manual for Christians in the Workplace, Horizon Books, 2001. An entertaining engagement of daily life challenges while being also substantive, straight forward and helpful on personal, corporate and spiritual development.

Houtz, Elsa (Veteran in advertising and public relations), The Working Mother=s Guide to Sanity, Harvest House, 1989 and The Working Woman=s Guide to Real Success, Harvest House, 1990. (See more in ADevotionals@)

Kobobel, Janet L. (Manager), But Can She Type? Overcoming Stereotypes in the Workplace, InterVarsity Press, 1986. An early entry into this field unpacking some popular but unhelpful perceptions and traditions about women.

Linamen, Karen Scalf & Holland, Linda (Writer, Publisher), The Curious Waltz of the Working Woman, Finding Your Personal Rhythm in the Dance Between Family, Work and Friends, Regal, 1990.

Shelley, Judith Allen, (Nurse, writer, editor), Not Just A Job: Serving Christ in Your Work, IVPress, 1985. The first of several good works by Shelley, with the successor books focused on nursing and faith.

Whelchel, Mary (Business consultant, writer), The Christian Working Woman, Revell, 1986. The first and most basic of several excellent works by the Afirst lady@ of the Christian women and workplace ministry. See also How To Thrive From Nine to Five, Word Publishing, 1995

II. Scholarly & Historical Works:

Deen, Edith (Journalist & Writer), All The Women of the Bible, Harper & Row, 1955. Over 300 concise biographical sketches of the women of scripture including many unnamed ones. This was the first of this genre of writing about women of the Bible. A classic.

Duby, Georges & Michelle Perot - General editors, (Professors), Vol. I - A History of Women: From Ancient Goddesses to Christian Saints, and Vol. II - A History of Women: Silences of The Middle Ages, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1992. (Watch for more volumes.)

Kroeger, Catherine Clark and Mary J. Evans (Scholars), The IVP Women=s Bible Commentary, IVPress, 2002. An excellent engagement of all scripture about women, their history and the struggles of the Hebrew people and the early church regarding ancient views women and how that is challenged in God=s kingdom.

Miles, Rosalind (British writer and broadcaster), Who Cooked the Last Supper? The Women=s History of the World, Three Rivers Press, 2001. An insightful reflection on women=s experience down through history.

Pantel, Pauline Schmidtt, editor (Professor), A History of Women: from Ancient Goddesses to Christian Saints, Volume I, Belnap Press, 1992. 75 historians chronicle the difficult journey of women in a man=s world.

Pernoud, Regine (Historian, writer), Women in the Days of the Cathedrals, Ignatius Press, 1998. Historical insight into European woman and their accomplishments prior to the 19th Century.

Zlotnic, Gloria (Un. of Kansas professor), Dinah=s Daughters: Gender and Judaism from the Hebrew Bible to Late Antiquity, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2002

III. Profiles & Biographical Works:

Aylward, Gladys (Cross Cultural Business woman), The Little Woman, Moody, 1970.  A different and needed view of one who is usually portrayed as a typical missionary when she actually ran a B&B for commercial transportation men as her Christian ministry in China after being rejected by a mission society.