Missional Work
My post, “The Cross Isn’t Sexy: A Dying Man’s Confession” continues to be one of the leading posts though it is no longer on the front page, and one of the topics brought up was whether it is ethical to be witnessing to others while being paid to work. Now, I realize that this is usually the argument made by atheists and unbelievers, but even in recent weeks, I have read it online by professing Christians. So I want to raise the question here for our discussion.
Generally speaking, one will argue that an exemplary employee who has a good kingdom ethic will devote himself entirely to the task and responsibilities determined by their employer. On the other hand, one will argue that someone who is faithful to sharing the kingdom message will distract himself from his responsibility and could become a lazy, incompetent worker. After all, the company pays you to work, not witness, so if you can do only one, it should be the former, not the latter. Simply put, either you are a good, reliable worker who does not share Jesus, or you a reliable witness who does not work.
I am of the conviction that this argument presents a false dichotomy. There is no reason why you cannot have a good kingdom ethic and also share the kingdom message (gospel of Jesus Christ) in your workplace. There will, of course, be times where the only thing for you to do is work with all your might (as demanded by the workload); however, there will also be times where, in the course of conversation, several opportunities to share Jesus are presented to you as an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Knowing when and how is a matter of discernment and sensitivity that comes over time.
So here we are, living between two worlds and trying to balance a kingdom ethic with a kingdom message, desiring to please our employer as well as honor our Lord and Master. What do you do? How do you do it?
In the coming days, I hope to continue to the conversation of what I am calling missional work. As Christians who are “on mission” in our world, the workplace cannot be a place where the gospel is shelved in the break room. At the same time, as Christians we who work “as unto the Lord” are called to work “with all our might” knowing that our reward does not come from recognition of man but from the the God who performs all things well.
For starters, I would like to pose the following questions:
1. Do you believe it is unethical to share your faith while at work?
2. Is it a false dichotomy? Agree or disagree?
3. If you had (operative word) to choose one, which would be more important: being a reliable worker or a faithful witness?
Let me know what you think. In the meantime, check out this video clip from J.I. Packer on work as a ministry to others:
Explore posts in the same categories: Evangelism, Gospel, Missional, Work
Tags: Evangelism, Gospel, Missional Work
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March 17, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I am familiar with a teaching that says you should NEVER witness at work because that is equivalent to stealing (time) from your employer. What it is interesting is the fact that the people I have heard tout this conviction are people that I have found to be weak witnesses everywhere else as well. I personally can see the logic, but many times it used as an excuse to not share the Good News. I wonder if people who hold this view of non-witnessing at work verbally ever attempt to talk with co-workers outside of the workplace? One thing I do know for sure- we should always be a witness at work through our hard work and good attitude! (this can be challenging!!!)
ps- We’ll miss you Bristers!
March 17, 2008 at 7:04 pm
1. No.
2. It is a false dichotomy. There are many jobs that permit conversation among co-workers without reducing productivity. There are many jobs that have a certain amount of “down time”, especially in the customer service arena. There are also opportunities to share during lunch, breaks, before and after the work day, etc.
3. This has never been a problem for me, all of the secular jobs that I have ever had have allowed opportunities to share the Gospel, if not on the clock then during sanctioned breaks.
This is a timely post. Last Thursday I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with Jay, and this morning I was able to share once again with Jay and also with Ernest at the same time. Please keep these two men in prayer. They have heard the Gospel message, and both know that God commands them to repent of their sin and place their full trust in Jesus Christ as their only hope. Jay also accepted the gift of a New Testament from me so as to confirm some of the things that I had shared with him.
Jesus didn’t say: Go into all the world, except for the workplace.
March 17, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Good post. I believe it is a false dichotomy unless you view “sharing your faith” as something disconnected from the nature/essence of who you are. We can share the word, life and deed of Jesus in more ways than the 4 Spiritual Laws.
March 17, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Adam,
You said,
“One thing I do know for sure- we should always be a witness at work through our hard work and good attitude!”
That’s right. While having a good attitude and work ethic may not immediately open doors for gospel witness, it can sure close them. I think this is a good remind to pray continually that we be filled with the Spirit and exercise self-control (such as not losing our temper or getting angry).
Oh, we will certainly miss you guys as well. It was good seeing you in the library today.
March 17, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Jerry,
That’s exciting stuff brother! Very cool. One of the things I remember that initiated much of the conversations was an offer to everyone on my belt to grab breakfast after work on Friday mornings at Krispy Kreme. To my surprise, almost the entire belt came (around eight people). And man we would talk or hours about life, and during those times, I recall having the best and most unhindered gospel sharing opportunities. However, it didn’t start there; rather it started on the belt, going from person to person, asking them to hang out.
In my case, it is rare at work having the opportunity to have a conversation that lasts more than five minutes at a time, so I have to be short but meaningful in my conversation, and pick back up with my next available opportunity. Sometimes those moments inbetween I believe served as a intermediate period where they would think over what I said and inquire more as a result.
You said,
“Jesus didn’t say: Go into all the world, except for the workplace.”
Amen to that!
March 17, 2008 at 9:30 pm
1. No, as long as I am not doing it when I am supposed to be working. If I share my faith while on a lunch break or a regular break time, then it should not be an issue.
2. No
3. I think that in order to be a faithful witness, you earn the right to be heard by being a reliable worker.
March 17, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Long time reader, first time responder.
At my job, Timmy, I am the boss. I have nine employees. Excluding my wife, I count one other Christian on my job site. By worldly standards, I have the best employees in the world. They are honest, hard working, reliable, dependable, smart, concerned for my welfare, the welfare of my patients, and the welfare of our business. When I stumble, they pick me up, and I try to return the favor. I count on them, and I trust every one of them to do their jobs well.
I am a dentist. In a typical moment at work, 3 people are waiting for me- at least one frustrated or angry. In my business model, if I am talking about anything but a diagnosis, or if I am doing anything but looking in a mouth mirror or stepping on a foot pedal for a drill, then time is being wasted, and money is being lost. I want my employees to have conversations with my patients. Ideally, my patients don’t really know me, but they trust me because they get to know and like my employees- and I keep my employees. I have nine employees but there is only one me. I am not the one who should be having conversations or giving simple explanations. That is my business model. And like most things in a sinful world, it tends to all fall apart.
Patients and employees regularly tell me things that I would only tell a pastor with tears in my eyes. Sin is horrible! It ruins everything! And here I am, the closest thing to a pastor or evangelist in their lives- perhaps their only link to Jesus and the gospel. What do I do? What do I do? My family, my employees, my creditors , my paying patients, and even my charity cases are counting on me to keep my business going. Am I not counting on God’s providence enough? Am I putting my trust in God and my Saviour, or am I trusting in my own abilities? But wait, I have no abilities apart from God. Do I really act on that statement? Rarely do I take the time to talk about the Gospel. People are waiting on me. People are counting on me. And yet…there is a hell bound person sitting in front of me trying to talk to me.
Every cavity that I diagnose is a result of the fall of man in Genesis. The wrath of God is right around the corner. Do I stop to explain this? No, I don’t. Why not? Is it because I am busy explaining about the possibility of a root canal, or am I ashamed of the Gospel? If I am ashamed of the Gospel, is my salvation in jeopardy? (Luke 9:26)
This subject scares me and makes me tremble. (Philippians 2:12)
I recently taped three things on my personal office wall. 1) Johnathan Edwards resolutions, 2) Matthew 20: 1-16 (Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard), and 3) 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13. In Paul’s writing to the Thessalonians in verse 3:8 he describes the night and day, labor and hardship (NASB), toil and drudgery (NET) of work. That is how the APOSTLE Paul described the work he did. In verse 12, Paul exhorts them to work “in quiet fashion.” I preach this Thessalonians passage back to myself by saying, “If you don’t hate work just a little bit, you probably aren’t doing it right, so shut up and get to it.”
Should I also tape Judges 6:25-32 to my wall. This is the passage where Gideon is told by God to tear down the alters of Baal and Asherah, and Gideon does so at night. Should I prevent my employees from seasonally decorating with jack-o-lanterns, Santa Claus’s, and from playing ’70′s rock with adulterous lyrics on the radio? If that is the appropriate response, then I am not there yet. I am more worried about my own sins in the ways I treat my employees before worrying about that. I put a couple of Bibles and copies of Pilgrim’s Progress in the waiting room. I may leave a tract lying around.
I just wanted to add the perspective of a Christian boss to your discussion. I am not saying that I have the answers. I think you are asking good questions. I think you are serving as a Godly example, and I would love to hear more good reports. (Philippians 4:8)
To answer your 3 questions directly:
1. Do you believe it is unethical to share your faith while at work?
No, definitely not, at least not in a work environment like mine where I count on employees to be conversant. But I am not sure what to do about the worldly advice sometimes given by those underneath me. Furthermore, my employees see me at my worst. I have to guard my heart, tongue, and actions carefully as a part of sharing my faith. Repentance and seeking forgiveness is often in order, including towards my employees.
2. Is it a false dichotomy? Agree or disagree?
I am sure it is a false dichotomy, but I am not sure that I will be sanctified enough in this lifetime to see around the false dichotomy. It is one of many false dichotomies that are in my pile of theological misunderstandings due to sin. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
3. If you had (operative word) to choose one, which would be more important: being a reliable worker or a faithful witness?
A man can not serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24, 13:22) And yet, we have worldly responsibilities, especially those of us with families. (1 Corinthians 7:28). We should tackle this question with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) seeking for God to one day say “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:14-30) In the end it is God’s approval which matters. I think of Stephen (Acts 7) choosing faithful witnessing over his own life, and I get upset with myself for not being bolder with the Gospel.
BTW, I think the video oversimplifies the matter, but it could just be that I can’t see around the false dichotomy.
This is the internet, so I expect someone to jump in and correct my above errors, and even perhaps things that aren’t errors. I am counting on the fact that most of the readers of my response are smarter than me.
Bryant King
March 18, 2008 at 7:38 am
1. No. Few jobs have you running full speed for 8 hours. You get breaks. You can often work and talk.
2. agree
3. There’s more to a witness than what you say. If you had to choose, it would be better to be a faithful worker with a quiet witness than a vocal Christian with a reputation as a bad worker. Too often the most vocal Christians I’ve worked with were also the folks you didn’t want to work with. If all you can do is work hard and live well, you will still commend your faith to those around you who will be more receptive to other witnesses because of it.
But I don’t think it’s generally an either-or situation.
On a related note: I don’t have documentation of this, but from what I’ve been told, if your employer lets you talk about sports, he can’t stop you from talking about your faith. I can’t cite statute or court case, but it’s worth researching.
March 18, 2008 at 10:30 am
I have little to add to what has already been said, so I’ll mostly just add my agreement.
1. No, as long as you’re not talking instead of working.
2. It’s a false dichotomy if you have a job where conversation that does not interfere with work is possible.
3. This is a false dichotomy. You can’t be a faithful witness without being a reliable worker. Work when it’s time to work, and talk when you can. If you can’t do the former, then please don’t mention Christ when you do the latter.
March 18, 2008 at 11:46 am
1. No.
2. It very much is a false dichotomy. The one does not preclude the other, either way.
3. This forces me to accept the false dichotomy I’ve already rejected. It also makes it a simple response needing virtually no thought – of course I choose the proclamation of Grace. That’s a Sunday School answer.
Like David Kjos, my first thought was that faithful service at work is a faithful witness in itself.
Bob Roberts says that the first century church was missional through the everyday Christians that took the message of Christ to the world across the infrastructure of society that already existed.
It is the method of “evangelism” that smacks of Finney and Moody (this is me not Bob) that has caused such a backlash against Christianity in the West (backlash reference: “unChristian,” Kinnaman, ch. 4″)
“Sharing the gospel is the responsibility of every single believer … I learned a few years ago that the church is the missionary … it means that every believer is a missionary and that my job as pastor is to help them to figure out beyond prayer and giving how they connect with the world like the men of Cyprus and Cyrene did, using their vocations and jobs and wielding a powerful story.”
– Bob Roberts, Glocalization (italics mine)
March 18, 2008 at 11:59 am
Doctor King,
Let me propose a couple of thoughts that come to mind.
Do you ever take breaks with your employees, or ever go to lunch with them, have office potlucks, bithday parties, etc.? It would appear that these times could give opportunity to share the Gospel?
Do you ever distribute advertising items (pens, calendars, etc.) to your patients? These could include the Gospel. If you send them test results, appointment confirmations, etc. you could also use these mailings to present a Gospel witness. Something like Living Waters’ “Million Dollar Bill” could be added to the envelope.
I know that when I am in the Dentist chair that I spend a considerable amount of time looking up at the ceiling. I would welcome Scripture references printed where I am looking while the dentist is working away, possibly you could post appropriate verses there.
March 18, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Good thoughts Jerry, and you can call me Bryant. I do share the gospel with my employees, but these times are the exception and I do not press the point as much as I would in other settings. Some of my employees have come to me with problems in their life. I have shared Scripture and I have prayed.
I do NOT regularly press the matter of my employees own need for a Saviour. As Timmy aptly pointed out, the cross isn’t sexy. I fear losing valued employees or at least losing their respect as their boss. This may be sin. This may be the worst kind of sin- selfishly needing their labor and neglecting their soul. A Jewish employee of mine expressed concern early on in her employment over my obvious Christianity and whether her being Jewish would be a problem. I expressed to her that she is a valued employee, and I would love to see her become a Christian, but that it was not a condition of employment. When pressed by her, I even told her that I believed that not turning to Christ would result in an eternity in hell. I am either a really good or really bad boss because employees tell me they have no intention of ever working anywhere else- including this Jewish employee. The door for witnessing is open, but neither of us knock on it often.
I am also afraid of taking the Cross that isn’t sexy to my patients. I had an openly lesbian patient tell me this morning that she wasn’t worried about the possible outcome of a procedure because of her faith in God. Hmmm. I said nothing. Do I explain to her that we don’t deserve our next breath, much less a positive outcome on a procedure? What about the cantankerous lady who takes the Lord’s name in vain but is here to do a financially productive procedure. Do I explain to her that she is breaking the 3rd Commandment? My business needs their patronage. I don’t think I can afford to lose these patients. I have bills. I have a family. I have a church to give offerings to.
If my own relatives are not happy when I bring up the gospel, then how will patients react? How will staff react? There seems to be a difference between being ready in season and out of season to preach (2 Timothy 4:2) and being constantly preaching.
Jerry, I fear I am coming off adversarial, but I am not trying to be. Timmy’s point is about being missional at work. I agree, but how far do we take it. Do we act missional until we are fired or until we lose our business? As an employee, lines will be drawn for you, but as an employer, I get to draw some lines.
Put another way, the seeker sensitive church poses a problem because it tries to act like a business. Huge problem! My church shouldn’t and doesn’t look like a business. But what you are suggesting might make my business not look like a business either.
And here is the kicker. If you read 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 you will see that Paul says what to do with a brother who doesn’t pay attention to the teachings. He tells the church to not associate too closely with the disobedient brother but to admonish him and let him feel ashamed. That’s HUGE! This is all following Paul’s teaching about disciplined work. It is my responsibility to God to work in a proper manner, and potentially my church’s responsibility to treat me differently if I do not.
Jerry, I fear I am exposing my own ignorance and derailing Timmy’s valuable blog. I am enjoying reading others responses. Feel free to e-mail me at kingsnakedmd at comcast.net. It is a slow day, I will try to respond. I am happy Timmy is discussing this subject because it is one which occupies much of my thought and an area where I know I have sin yet to root out.
Bryant King
March 18, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Bryant, I hope that Timmy agrees, but I see your comments as being very valuable for this thread, and instructive for all.
It looks, to me at least, that your staff and patients ARE being exposed to the Gospel message. Does that mean that they are falling into a spiritual swoon and experiencing salvation in a dramatic fashion in your office? Probably not, since that sort of stuff rarely happens even in church.
Yet, as you demonstrate Christ and share Godly wisdom and counsel, you are planting seeds that God will bring to fruit in His timing. He will bring conviction, regeneration, and faith at the right time.
It appears to me that you are seeking His guidance and exercising wisdom and care in your workplace, and that your concerns and questions are of the type that all of us encounter.
March 18, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Bryant,
Sorry for taking so long to chime in (mid-terms and meetings today). First, let me say how much I appreciate you providing a window into your life and workplace. This is very helpful. I know that the time you gave to sharing your heart, and I want to respond in an equally meaningful manner.
The first thing that comes to my mind is two dentists who are twin brothers working in the same practice. These brothers are committed Christians, serve as deacons, and are faithful witnesses both in their community and overseas on mission trips. I honestly don’t know how they do it, but they told me very similar stories of how people would just open up and tell them of their struggles, their life situations, and their need for help beyond what a dentist could give them. Many of their clients whom they ministered to came to church with them, some coming to Christ. When I hear of what you are doing in your practice, it reminds me of these two brothers and causes me to rejoice in knowing that men like yourself are working not only in the field of medicine but also in the field of souls.
I wish I could relate more from your perspective, but I have never been in a situation where I was under such constraints. While I do not have the answers or solutions, I do have a desire to be an encouragement to you. The simple fact that you are wrestling with the tension is a wonderful testament of God’s grace at work in your life, and I pray that the Lord will provide uninterrupted opportunities to share the love of Christ with those in great need of him.
One thing I thought of that you might want to consider is doing a bi-yearly picnic or party of some sort for all your clients. Doing something like that would give you a great opportunity to meet many of them outside the office and maybe even share your testimony or the gospel in a relaxed setting. I say that because I remember my dentist doing something like that for his clients back in the day (except it was not for the gospel but for fun and games at a waterpark).
March 18, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Bryant (response 2),
Yes, your comments *are* very valuable, and I appreciate your perspective as a boss. Honestly, I have not looked at it from that perspective, so you raise some very good points that I need to think about. Let me take a stab at a few of the things you mentioned.
1. I do not believe that a Christian businessman or boss should hire only Christians. In fact, I know of many non-Christians who are better workers than Christians! This reminds me of the “Shepherd’s Guide” which is the Christianized version of the Yellow Pages here in Louisville. Look, if I need a good or service, I want the most qualified, and I would rather have a surgeon with 20 years of experience and graduated head of his class but is lost than a newbie who barely passed his med school but who has Christian pencils and storybooks. In the instance you brought up with the Jewish employee, I think you handled it well, stating your intentions but not demanding that she conform to something God has not worked in her own heart and life. You demonstrated her value by not squeezing her into your mold but welcoming her even though she does not know Christ.
2. In fact, I venture to say that even playing Christian music is de facto a good thing. First, Christian music today needs a lot of help, but second, Christian music can also be a superficial excuse for not being missional at work (we Christianize the place without ever evangelizing the people).
3. Missional work should be something that is done in the natural outworking of one’s environment. It is very easy to be so intentional that is obnoxious to others and appears fake. What I mean is cultivating an approach where you prayerfully and winsomely embrace people where they are in life, through praying and caring for them, demonstrating the power of the gospel in your own life and the change it has brought. It is a sharing of not only the gospel but also your life and making yourself accessible and open to the lives of others, knowing that it is not about you, but about God’s glory and the good of others.
4. Here’s the rub that I have experienced with unbelievers. I have come to the place where they feel welcome with me, they know I care about them, they know that they come to me with anything, and so on. Yet our friendship could get to a point where the gospel is not mentioned, Jesus is not shared, and their need for him gets shelved. You can get to the point with such unbelievers that to then bring up the gospel would be an even greater challenge than when you first talked to them, because you have gotten into a rut. I’ve been there, and it is incredibly frustrating to get out of that.
5. I would not advocate being missional to the point of losing our business. I do believe, however, that there will be times when sharing Jesus with others will not be well-received, either from a coworker or a family member or someone else. We are to be prepared for that. But are to be responsible, discerning, and gracious in fleshing out our witness before others. We have not right to be arrogant, intemperate, or bombastic in our work. We nullify the message by our method and become a stumbling block and an excuse for them not to believe than a reason to consider Christ. There are some things that you cannot avoid, but there are others that can be prevented as you seek to model a humble, Spirit-led lifestyle where you are seeking the good of others in serving them, loving them, and sharing with them the good news of Jesus Christ.
I don’t know if any of that helped at all, but it was my meager attempts to address some of what you mentioned. I have much more to write on this subject, so I hope that future posts will be an encouragement to you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I hope to discuss this matter more with you in the days and weeks to come.
March 19, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Awesome thoughts, Timmy! #4 of your last post really sticks with me and needs to keep sticking. It is kind of like having non Christian friends. I have them, and enjoy them, and at times I have to prod myself to bring up the gospel again. I have to keep repenting and preaching to myself that although there may be times when a gospel presentation is not appropriate, there are never times where it is appropriate to water down the message of the gospel.
There is a sad tendency in SOME Christian circles to think that we are entitled to a happy work experience or else we play the martyr. I know because I use to think like that. It is unBiblical. I harp on 2 Thessalonians 3 because it was such a reality check for me personally. I also use to think that if I were the boss, I could set up a perfect Christian workplace. If I was a sinless boss in a sinless world, it would be easy, but neither are true.
That same Jewish employee had a bad experience of some sort at another office from a Christian employer. I don’t know the details, but she is a great worker and a treasured employee and more curious about my faith than probably anyone else.
I cringe as much at one of the local Christian radio station as most of the secular ones.
Thank you for your response.
Bryant King
March 19, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Bryant,
When you said: “I cringe as much at one of the local Christian radio station as most of the secular ones” I cringed along with you. I think that this is a sad reality in many of our communities.
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