What's up with working at Red Wing Shoe Store?
Some of you might be wondering if I got kicked out of ministry or left the pastorate or something. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have taken a part-time job at the Red Wing Shoe Store in Des Moines BECAUSE of ministry!
In obedience to the clear leading of God (ask me for the story sometime), I am in the process of moving to Decorah IA to plant a Great Commission Church called LifeHouse Church. As I have followed God in this, several issues have been identified that make this step a very wise (although admittedly risky) move.
Here they are:
1) My presence and the introduction of a new church in a smaller town like Decorah will be more acceptable and welcomed if I am actively contributing to the community like bringing in (or in my case reviving) a business and employing locals.
2) The job market is very tight in Decorah (like the rest of the States) and so a business would be able to employ a few of the church planters who will be/ already are in Decorah that don't have jobs yet.
3) I have 6 kids and they are my primary disciples. As such, a business of this nature would provide a great opportunity for them to learn business principles and practices that could benefit them for the rest of their lives.
So, the manager of Red Wing (Matt N.) has been very understanding and supportive of this mission and has hired me to train me to increase Red Wings presence in Decorah.
I wanted to share all this not just to explain it all, but to make a personal request of you:
Could you help me bless Matt and Red Wing back by bringing some of your business to this business in the coming month or so?
Yes, Red Wing Shoes are pricy, but it's not because of their name or fancy unnecessities. These shoes are of the highest quality you will find in the world (which means they will be more comfortable and longer lasting than any other shoe you've had), and they are backed by warranties and incredible care and repair service for the life of the shoe.
But for those of you on tight budgets, I got a win - win for ya. There is a sizable selection of Red Wing shoes on clearance that the manager would LOVE to get rid of (pics from my cell phone). These shoes (boots, dress shoes, sandles, tennis shoes, women's shoes) are at a very manageable price.
I'd love to see ya and practice selling shoes on you. I will be working there on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 - 5.
Comments
Tim, this is fantastic. So blessed and encouraged to see you reaching out like this. Praise God! Get ready for the blessings to fall down like rain!
Posted by: Cathie Ochoa at September 17, 2009 07:18 AMThis is a great website, Tim. I didn't know you all had been to El Salvador. It's my husband's home, and my son's dual citizenship! I didn't recognize anyone (ha ha) but you must tell me where the church is so we can visit on our next trip there!
Posted by: Cathie at September 17, 2009 07:51 AMTim -
If you've not gotten involved in it, look into becoming active in the local chamber of commerce. That was a HUGE benefit to CramerIT in Iowa City in terms of networking, getting involved with other businesses in the community, and growing the company.
If the local chamber of commerce events are dead or dying, see if you can work with some people to help restore them.
Posted by: Russ at September 17, 2009 08:01 AM