Workplace ministry

God has entrusted you with talents according to your individual, God-given abilities (Matthew 25:15). He places each person in a particular place at a particular time (Acts 17:26) with a particular purpose in mind, even if it’s not what we’d expected - or even wanted (Acts 17:27, Genesis 50:20)!

No matter what, the mission is clear: make disciples (Matthew 28:19). So, your responsibility, whether in a summer internship program or a life-long career, is to look for ways in which your skill sets, workplace, and relationships can lead others to encounter the Risen Christ - and be saved.

Here are a few suggestions for how to do that effectively.

Pray

Use the 1-2-3 method: pray for 1 thing for 2 weeks for each of 3 coworkers. See what God does!

• “For an opportunity to encourage Nichelle.”

• “For John’s family.”

• “For a way to connect with Andrew in a meaningful way.”

If appropriate, let them know you’re praying.

Work as unto Christ

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” -Colossians 3:23-24

Do your work diligently, honestly, and hopefully. That along will garner attention in most workplaces. People will want to know why. Tell them it’s from a line in a book called “Colossians”.

Identify with Christ

This could mean reading your Bible or other Christian books during lunch hour, offering to pray for coworkers, playing Christian music (quietly, of course!), or even keeping an “I am a missionary” sticker on your water bottle. (Don’t have one? Pick one up at the next DiscipleMakers event!)

Identify with your church

When a coworker asks you about what you’re doing this weekend, say something like, “...and I'll be spending Sunday with my church family.” (A similar technique works in the past tense for, “How was your weekend?”)

It’s pretty natural to then ask them, “Are you involved in a church?” Or, “Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?” Or, “Have you ever read the Bible? What did you think?”

Share your life

Invite coworkers into your home, to join you at social events, to attend your small group, and to check out a Sunday service.

When facing difficulties in your work, be vulnerable. Admit your fears, failures, and weaknesses. (That goes against a lot of what they’ve been taught to do!) And then share that you find your meaning and worth in something bigger than a paycheck.

Don’t go it alone

Reaching your coworkers and your community is a BIG job. Is someone discipling you, encouraging and challenging you along the way? Is your small group praying for your efforts? Can your church offer other resources to help?

Remember who actually changes hearts

The pressure’s off! Just step out in faith and see what God does.

Besides, He cares far more for your coworkers than you ever possibly could.