Finding My Voice Through Sacred Strings
As a harpist for almost a decade and a musician of over 30 years, I’ve performed in countless churches, concert halls, and prestigious venues across the US and Canada. But it wasn’t until I started creating my own performance spaces and opportunities that I truly found my authentic voice as both an artist and a Christian entrepreneur. Too often, we, as Christian women, wait for permission or an invitation to share our gifts. We become perpetual guests, when God has called us to be builders and creators.
The Limitations of Always Being a Guest Artist
When I first started my career, I was grateful for every opportunity to speak and perform. Each church service, wedding, or concert series added to my experience and helped establish my reputation. However, I began to notice a pattern – as a guest, I had limited control over the program, the presentation, and, most importantly, how my art could serve as a ministry. While these opportunities were valuable stepping stones, they weren’t allowing me to fully express my calling.
Building Stages: More Than Just Physical Spaces
Creating your own stage isn’t necessarily about physical venues. For me, it meant:
- Developing my own brand series that combined classical harp repertoire with worship music and business knowhow allowed me to minister to audiences in a unique way that wasn’t possible in traditional church or corporate settings
- Establishing a teaching platform that goes beyond technical instruction to mentor Christian leaders in using their gifts for ministry in business
- Creating online platforms to reach and inspire other Christian visionaries who struggle with balancing their artistic calling and their faith
The Biblical Foundation for Women Building Their Own Spaces
We often forget that the Bible is filled with examples of women who created spaces for ministry and leadership. Consider Lydia, whose home became a cornerstone of the early church, or Priscilla, who, alongside her husband, created spaces for teaching and discipleship. These women didn’t wait for permission – they used their resources and gifts to build platforms for God’s work.
Also read: Empowering Women to Reimagine Their Money Mindset
Overcoming the “Good Girl” Syndrome
Many Christian women entrepreneurs struggle with what I call the “Good Girl” syndrome – the belief that it’s somehow prideful or un-Christian-like to create our own opportunities. However, I’ve learned that:
- Building your own stage isn’t about self-promotion – it’s about creating spaces where God’s gifts can be fully expressed and shared
- Taking initiative doesn’t mean lacking humility – it means being a good steward of the talents and resources God has given you
- Leadership and servanthood aren’t mutually exclusive – often, the best way to serve is to create spaces where others can also grow and thrive
From Performance to Purpose
When I began creating my own stages and providing space for others, such as hosting TEDx for women, something remarkable happened. Not only did I have more freedom to express my artistic vision, but I could also more effectively reach the women who needed my gifts the most. I could design programs that spoke directly to their deepest needs, combine music, and create environments where they could redefine what it means to use their voices in power, unafraid.
Practical Steps for Building Your Own Stage
This journey has taught me that building your own stage is both a spiritual and practical endeavor. For Christian women entrepreneurs, this means:
- Identifying your unique calling and the specific ways God wants to use your gifts
- Developing a clear vision for the spaces and opportunities you want to create
- Building strategic relationships with other Christian entrepreneurs and ministry leaders
- Investing in the necessary skills and resources to bring your vision to life
- Remaining rooted in prayer and Biblical wisdom throughout the process
The Ripple Effect
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of building your own stage is how it empowers other women to do the same. When we step out in faith to create new spaces and opportunities, we give others permission to do likewise. Whenever I mentor a young musician or help another Christian entrepreneur develop her vision, I see the multiplication effect of taking that first step to build rather than just wait.
Conclusion: From Guest to Host
The transition from being a guest artist to creating my own opportunities has been transformational – as I understand what it means to be a Christian in entrepreneurship. God calls us not just to be good guests but to be builders, creators, and hosts. When we embrace this calling, we open new possibilities for ministry, impact, and kingdom-building.
As Christian women entrepreneurs, our stages – whether physical or metaphorical – become spaces where God’s grace can be demonstrated, His gifts can be multiplied, and His kingdom can be advanced. The world needs the unique voices and visions God has given us. It’s time to move beyond being guests and embrace our calling as builders of new stages for His glory.
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