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Christian Women on the Move: Glorifying God in Everyday Life
Name: Kelsey Schwartz
Education: Graduated Cape Cod Community College with Degree in Nursing. Currently working on BA in Business Administration with William Tyndale College. Received diploma from Word of Faith Bible Training Center and advancing toward BA in Theological Studies with Life Christian University.
Company Name: Advantage Management Group
Company Profile: Advantage Management Group began as Advantage Consulting in 1992. The company provides consulting and management services to long term care facilities throughout the United States. The company’s goal is to improve the quality of services provided to elders in a variety of settings. This goal is accomplished through conducting industry wide education, publications, on-site consultation, regulatory oversight, and financial management.
Company Website: www. acesconsulting.com
How your relationship with Christ has impacted your approach to business: When I first went into business I was not saved. I did not have an understanding of business and my mentor was an ungodly man. He taught me everything opposite of the Bible. When I got saved, I did not realize that I was supposed to let God into the business. I thought “religion” should stay in church. I joined a Christian Business course and soon learned how wrong I was. Since that time, I have not only changed my approach to business, but have assisted in developing and teaching curriculum related to operating as a Christian in the business sector.
I approach business in a much different way now. Instead of just seeing the bottom line, I look at every interaction as God ordained. I see the people more than the project, and I see the importance of living a life that is a testimony of Christ. Through developing godly character and the light it has created in me, I have had the opportunity to lead others to Christ, to help them get filled with the Holy Ghost, and to see other’s lives changed by the Word. We in business have a great responsibility to teach others about Christ through boldly, but wisely, declaring His Word, by not being afraid to tell others you are a Christian, and by leading a life that exemplifies Him.
We have grown abundantly since allowing Holy Spirit to lead and guide our steps!
What advice would you give to someone starting their own business or just starting out in corporate America? My advice would be to spend a lot of time in prayer and listen to the practical advice and direction Holy Spirit gives to you. Holy Spirit will not only tell you spiritual things, but He will tell you things like who to talk to, where to find business, how to write proposals, etc. When I first started understanding Holy Spirit, I almost ignored some of the “lists” He would give me. I would be in prayer and lists would start coming to me. I thought at first it was a distraction until I started writing them down and doing what was on the list. WOW!
Another piece of advice is to be normal. Sometimes Christians can turn others away because they get to a place where others do not want to go. We must be able to relate to the people in our business settings in order to lead them to Christ. It does not mean that we do things that God would not approve of, but means we should be able to operate, socialize, and interact with others in a way that draws them to you which will eventually give you the opportunity to talk to them about Christ. This takes time, but it is worth it. It makes me laugh when I hear someone say “She’s a minister? She seems so normal!” This causes them to be comfortable with you and want to talk to you and ask questions about God.
My final piece of advice is, have a teachable spirit and attend as many classes and seminars as you can. Do not be stubborn in your thinking, but realize you have a lot to learn. Those that get lifted up in pride are the very people that do not make it. Listen to others who have been where you are. Try to find a mentor, someone who has a proven success record (not one who just talks about success). A mentor will save you years of heart ache and mistakes. Even ungodly mentors can help you find your way around. Learn from the world – they are the ones who have figured it out!
Why you are out on the Mission Field? WOW! That’s a loaded question! Sometimes I ask myself the same thing! I am on the Mission Field because God, through Holy Spirit directed me to Russia. I made a commitment to God that I would do whatever He asked me to do. I committed myself in prayer to seeking His will and direction and He set things up for me to come to Russia (Mark 16:15).
When I visited in November, I was impressed to work with the elders in this society because they lack support from the government and from family. Many have families that care for them, but too many have no one. The life here is much harder than in the states and there is little support for individuals who need help. I believe my mission is to take some of the business knowledge and experience God gave me to develop programs that will support the elders physically (through providing meals), socially (by providing companionship) and spiritually (by bringing the Word of God to them). As a by-product of this mission, this ministry will give others the opportunity to evangelize the elders of this nation and to utilize the teaching they receive related to salvation and baptism in Holy Spirit (1 Tim 5:3).
I also am impressed to work with the business people of this nation. Business in many areas is corrupt and people do not understand how to conduct business using godly principles. I believe God wants me to work with the business people to help them understand how to incorporate God into 100% of their lives, which includes their work lives! (I could list almost all the Scriptures in Proverbs and many parables of Jesus!)
Why Russia and not the United States? This is where I was sent by God. How do I know? The peace of God is upon me. His grace is perceivable and strong and His anointing is tangible in this place. God needs to bring those taught in the Word to those that are not taught in Word (Romans 10:14, Habakkuk 2:2)
