Evangelism at work

As cultural opposition to Christianity grows, the question arises: What impact does this have on your evangelism at work? Have you become more committed or, conversely, more timid?

You are unlikely to be judged for becoming more timid. The rapid rise of social liberalism and «tolerance» policies in the workplace only exacerbates two fears we often feel when we avoid sharing the Gospel with our colleagues: fear of social repercussions and fear of professional reprisals, such as job loss or career slowdown.

Evangelism has always been a challenge. If there is anything new in our current challenges, it is how bold the opposition seems. Non-Christians once said, «To each his own.» Now they are just as likely to accuse us of stupidity («Seriously, you don’t believe in evolution?») as of hateful bigotry («How dare you say homosexuality is a sin?»). Employers are increasingly conducting extensive social media background checks before hiring or promoting. How much longer will companies, fearful of harassment and discrimination in the workplace, reject a more visible Christian in favor of someone who might cause fewer problems?

Despite all this, I am very grateful to the brothers who feared God more than man and shared the Gospel with me. My faith is the fruit of evangelism at work.

LOST AND FOUND AT WORK

Twelve years ago, I was an analyst at a mid-sized consulting firm in Washington, D.C. A confident, self-sufficient, and professionally successful Hindu, I seemed, at first glance, to be a person who lacked nothing. In fact, I didn’t even realize that I was spiritually weak, and I certainly wasn’t someone who was actively seeking Christ.

And next to me was my colleague Hunter. Well-known and popular in our office, Hunter was a highly effective salesman with a wide range of interests. One day someone said to me, «You know, he’s a Christian?» My colleague and I didn’t quite understand what that meant, but it seemed important enough to make us stop and think, «Yeah.».

I couldn't fit Hunter into the model of a Christian I had in my head. I thought Christians were nice, old-fashioned, hypocritical people with a one-sided worldview. Hunter wasn't like that. So I started watching him.

We became friends. We hung out together, talked about everything: The Simpsons, The Lord of the Rings, Christ, Krishna, coffee, work. Even though the Lord used Hunter to reach out to me, I never felt like his «project,» just a friend. As only God can arrange, Hunter showed up just when God was orchestrating a spiritual crisis in my life. And He gave Hunter the wisdom and courage to speak the truth in my life at a time when I needed it most.

EVANGELIST'S BEHAVIOR AT WORK

Although Hunter himself was still young in the faith at the time, in many ways his example can be helpful to any believer in a work environment.

1. «Put Christ on the table» (put Christ at the forefront so that everyone knows who you are)

First of all, «put Christ on the table.» Since encounters with Christians in the workplace may be rare, it is important that people in your office know that you are a follower of Christ. This way, you can be accessible to weaker believers and an example to those who do not believe. It was a non-Christian colleague who told me about Hunter’s faith. Obviously, we should not do this in an intrusive or irresponsible way, but by telling people about your weekend, describing a Bible study you are participating in, or sharing how you pray for others, people will soon know.

2. Work as hard as you can.

Second, work as hard as you can. When you have put Christ first and everyone knows who you are, be prepared for your colleagues to watch you closely, just as I once watched Hunter. Work in a way that reflects the creativity, purpose, and goodness of God. Show commitment and integrity. Do your work «without complaining or questioning» (Phil. 2:14), submit to those in authority, and serve with humility.

This is not evangelism per se, but our behavior at work should reinforce, not undermine, the Gospel message we carry.

3. Love your colleagues

Third, love your colleagues. Invest in friendships with non-Christians in your workplace, not superficially as in the case of «projects,» but with love, recognizing them as created in the image of God. Don’t underestimate the importance of trust. Consider that Hunter and I only began studying the Bible together a year and a half after we met, and that’s when God gave me ears to hear the Gospel.

The lunch break strategy can also be made part of evangelism. When possible, use hospitality to share your life with a colleague outside of the office and normal conversations.

4. Prepare for evangelism

Fourth, prepare to evangelize. This may seem obvious, but make sure you know how to explain the Gospel simply and clearly. Practice if necessary.

When the Lord gives an opportunity, it is important that your mind is free to listen to your colleague and his questions, instead of struggling with uncertainty. After all, it is the Gospel that saves, not our wit or deep knowledge of apologetics. Thank God for Hunter’s clarity, courage, and trust in the power of the Gospel.

5. Pray

Fifth, pray. Pray for your colleagues regularly. Pray for good opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray that you will grow in boldness. Pray that God will be Big and man will be small. We are all guilty of confusing the two sometimes.

And invite the brothers and sisters from your church to pray too. Hunter later told me that his Bible study group had been praying for me ever since I asked him about his Christian faith.

A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

As workplaces become increasingly hostile to Christianity, these core principles will take on even greater importance. The Lord has graciously answered my many prayers for opportunities and words of evangelism at work. Because I was known as a Christian, lived my faith in my professional and personal life, and treated my coworkers with love as God’s image bearers, I have had the opportunity to openly share my faith. And in His amazing grace, God chose to use me to lead one of my coworkers to faith.

We should expect the Lord to answer our prayers and give us opportunities to speak about Christ, so let us pray for boldness. Let us be willing to spend our «reputational capital.» God has put us where we are for a purpose.