Eileen Button is a newspaper columnist for The Flint Journal in Michigan and is an active member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Her commentaries on family, politics, faith and community life are well received. Readers often tell her, "I don't always agree with you, but you always make me think."

She is the author of the forthcoming book, When Faith is a Four-Letter Word, a memoir of the years she and her husband spent planting a church in center city Philadelphia with the goal of "reaching the city for Jesus!" They left after four years, their faith bruised and battered. Button is living proof that sometimes you take a leap of faith and end up praying from a very deep pile of dookie.

Eileen holds degrees in communication from Roberts Wesleyan College and S.U.N. Y. Brockport. She is an adjunct professor of communication at Mott Community College and has previously taught at Roberts Wesleyan College, Eastern College, and S.U.N.Y Fredonia. She also speaks at women's events, retreats, and conferences where she focuses on family relationships, communication, and voluntary simplicity.

Although "columnist," "pastor's wife," "professor," and "guest speaker" are all nice titles, her favorite title is that of "mom." She credits that to her three amazing children (Stephen, Kristina, and Jordan) who attempt to drive her crazy but remind her of what's truly important. Eileen has been accused of sleeping with her pastor, Brad Button, to whom, thankfully, she is happily married. His faith in God and passion for ministry give her great courage.

Eileen loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at buttonhouse@juno.com or www.eileenbutton.com.

Read Eileen's Gifted for Leadership articles:

– "Catch-Phase Christians" (December 26, 2008)

– "Voting Christian" (September 26, 2008)

– "Letting Mother Mary Be" (August 8, 2008)

– "Jesus in Carhartts" (July 11, 2008)

– "The Title I Didn't Ask For" (May 20, 2008)