Evangelizing at Work

Here are the top five reasons why people don’t evangelize at work:

1. Fear of Rejection or Conflict. I don’t want to be known as “that person.”

2. Workplace Policies. What if HR finds out?

3. Lack of Confidence. I won’t know the answer to a difficult question.

4. Respect for Diversity. One of our company values is diversity. See #2.

5. Time and Context Constraints. Work is for work. This isn’t a church.

Every workplace context is different. Let me provide three practical suggestions that can be applied to almost any work environment.

Love Jesus & His Gospel

The longer I’m a Christian the more I realize I’m a faithful gospel witness when I love Jesus more than I love myself. I’m a faithful gospel witness when I love Jesus’ Word more than I love my social media and sports updates. Jesus is good news. If your spouse or kids don’t know you love Jesus, I can assure you, neither will your co-workers. The gospel is good news so live and worship the One who made this news possible.

I love reading theology. I love listening to preaching. I love reading missionary biographies. I have to stop myself regularly and ask myself, Do I love the Jesus of that theology or the intellectual exercise? Do I love the Jesus of that sermon or the illustrations or rhythm of the preacher’s voice? Do I love the stories from far away lands or the Jesus those missionaries proclaim?

Work Hard

Christian people ought to be the best employees and employers. Nothing will undermine your testimony for Christ like arriving late, leaving early and working half-heartedly. Your Savior grew up with calloused hands and a tender heart. Follow him in this way.

Life is hard but Jesus sustains during hardship. Life is challenging but Jesus’ teaching compels us to be confident when facing the cross. Life can be a valley but Jesus provides peace and joy allowing us to be hard workers.

Live Salty

Our Savior said, “you are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5) God intends for your life to be lived out in such a way God intends for your life to have the aroma of Christ.

• When a co-worker asks you about your weekend, tell them how much you enjoyed your church’s service and your pastor’s message.

• When a co-worker complains about the step-kids, listen to the concerns of their heart. Offer to pray for them to have wisdom and patience as a step-parent.

• When a co-worker has to take off for a medical procedure, provide an Uber Eats gift card for their recovery time.

• When a co-worker arrives and their eyes are brimming with tears, ask them what’s wrong. Tell them that you’re a Christian and that you regularly pray—could you pray for them?

• When a co-worker confides in you about their divorce, listen to their broken dreams, fears and hurt. Ask sensitive questions: How are your kids reacting? When the timing is right, if your church offers a divorce recovery program, suggest it to them.

I understand, the above life circumstances are not the gospel, but rather bridges to the gospel. In time, as you’ve earned their trust and friendship, at some point as you’re walking to the parking lot, off-site at lunch, or driving in a car together, the Holy Spirit will lead you to talk about the God to whom you pray, the Jesus whom you love and worship!