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Two Worlds, One Calling

An interview with Rev. Connie Boltinghouse

Rev. Connie Boltinghouse is an ordained Assemblies of God minister who also works for Regis Corporation as vice president of the franchise division. Connie oversees 2,200 salons in North America. Her expertise is in leadership development. WIM spoke with Connie to discuss how ministry interfaces with her life in the corporate world.

WIM: Share a little with our readers regarding your journey into ministry.

Boltinghouse: When I was growing up, my dad owned businesses and also served as a weekend pastor in little country churches. When I graduated, I studied pre-med for one year, then went to Lincoln Christian College to study Christian education. I learned that children were not my forte. Rather, I enjoyed teaching adults. At that point, I went to work for Howard Johnson.

As a single female in the 70s, I was transferred a lot. As a result, I have friends from coast-to-coast. I have also traveled internationally since then. When I was living on the east coast around 1983, my younger sister became Spirit-filled; I also became Spirit-filled. I then transferred to Florida and enrolled at Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God while I worked in the corporate world. I received my degree in Bible and Education.

In 1986, I became the singles director at Eden Prairie Assembly of God outside Minneapolis. I trained the staff in leadership, which is my forte, and in communications. From 1993-1996 I served as the executive pastor at Brookfield Assembly of God in Wisconsin.

Then God called me back to be a missionary to the corporate world. God opened up doors at a much higher level than I had experienced before. I’ve lived in both worlds—the corporate world and ministry. My life is a mixture, but it’s a nice balance.

WIM: How does ministry play out in your position at Regis?

Boltinghouse: I have the most influence on others by my daily walk with the Lord. They know my stance and watch my life. Occasionally, I have opportunity to pray with staff when they encounter marriage problems, are sick, or face surgery. I’ll ask them, “What’s your doctor’s name and what time is the surgery?” and I commit to pray for them. Sometimes they look at me funny, but I tell them, “I don’t charge for this; this is free,” then they smile. Now they e-mail their prayer requests to me and say, “You’ve got the hotline!”

Right now we have a book club for those who choose to come. We are reading The Autobiography of God over a brown-bag lunch. People from all different denominations attend.

I practice relational evangelism. It’s important first to build trust, and then people will talk to you. I don’t believe we should pray over our meal in the lunchroom to identify ourselves as Christians, and then gossip at the water cooler. You can forget about praying over lunch if you’re going to do that!

WIM: How does your leadership experience at Regis assist you in ministry?

Boltinghouse: The corporate world has trained me in leadership for the church. Our lay people need to learn leadership principles. Often issues that surface in the church are simple matters of miscommunication, unreturned phone calls, or making changes simply because the person in charge can do so. Often no malice in intended, but things get out of hand. Leaders need to understand that the part affects the whole and the whole affects the part. I would like to see the church lead the business world in leadership and people skills.

WIM: Do you view ministry and working at Regis as two different assignments, or as one assignment under the umbrella of God’s call on your life?

Boltinghouse: I view it as one assignment “under the umbrella,” but with two different functions.

People watch the way I respond to pressure and how I behave in meetings. They notice if I apologize when I make a mistake. That is ministry to the world for any Christian. We can’t compartmentalize our lives. I’m here to do a corporate job, but I am also here to expose others to the love of Christ.

WIM: God has very obviously equipped you with the gift of leadership. Tell our readers how they may use this gift for God’s glory in the business world.

Boltinghouse: If your coworkers are in crisis, you can be the calm one in the storm. I have a sister struggling with brain cancer, but a friend told me, “They’ve watched you speak about your sister, cry, pray … but you continue to step up to the plate with excellence.” Recently, I spoke at a 2-day conference with 600 people in attendance. No one knew I had a sister near death. I have to trust God and continue in the midst of the storm.

I’d also add that one must continue to do the right thing—with grace—when under fire. When others speak ill of you, step up the grace. And pray for your people. If you don’t pray for them, how are you going to respond to them?

WIM: What words of encouragement would you share with women who, like you, are called of God to minister and work in the business world?

Boltinghouse: Absolutely love what you do and love the people that you lead! Have a passion for your job. If you don’t, ask yourself, What do I need to change in me?

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