This article was first published in Transition, our guide to help graduates navigate new situations of job hunting, working life, friendships and being part of a church. Order your free booklet here.
Transitioning from student life to working life is a massive change of environment. And naturally we may want to shy away from sharing our faith at work so as not to rock the boat. This was my temptation when I first went into full-time secular work. But Christ still calls us to be His ambassadors in every circumstance of life.
Here are some tips to help you to continue to share the gospel as you go into the workplace.
Be distinct and a good worker
‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ Colossians 3:23
‘Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ 1 Peter 2:12
It will be difficult for people to take the gospel seriously if you are unpleasant to work with or if your faith has no practical implications for your life. So, as you walk into your new job, ask yourself: What difference does Jesus make to how I do my job here? What temptations and culture does your job/industry have? How can you be distinct as a Christian?
Make evangelism a priority
‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.’ Colossians 4:2–3
When you are in the workplace, so many things will take up your time that if you do not make evangelism a priority, it simply won’t be. So, from the word go, resolve to prioritise sharing your faith. Be intentional, pray for opportunities and then start with letting your colleagues know you are a Christian as early as possible.
Invest in relationships
‘So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.’ 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Get to know your colleagues and genuinely love and care for them. Rejoice and weep with them, listen to them and share your life with them. Few people will open up about what they really think about Christianity, some for fear of being seen as intolerant and others will simply not be comfortable with such deep conversations. So, most of the opportunities to share the gospel will come from conversations that will stem from these genuine relationships.
Make the most of every opportunity
At the end of the day, you are at work to do your job and do it well so just ensure that sharing your faith is not distracting from doing your job well so that the gospel is not maligned. This means that opportunities may be few, but you can be intentional in cultivating these opportunities. Make the most of your tea breaks/lunch breaks, go to the social events and make the most of the chats.
‘Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.’ Ephesians 5:15–16
Be wise in your conversations
‘Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.’ Colossians 4:5–6
Know which conversations to be involved in and when to engage. Be discerning, especially on controversial topics, not every conversation needs to be engaged in. If you do engage, be wise about when you do this and remember that there are also others listening in.
Use God's means of grace to you
‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ Hebrews 10:23–25
It will get lonely sometimes, especially if there are few Christians in your workplace. But Christ has not left you alone, the body of Christ is a gift to you to help you keep going so get plugged into a Church and receive the encouragement and prayer of God’s people. Be patient and do not lose heart, you’re in it for the long haul and Christ has promised to be with you to the end of the age.
Inonge Siluka is originally from Zambia but has now lived in Scotland for over half her life. Having studied law and theology, and with experience working for a Cancer charity, providing financial support for people living with cancer, she is now the founder and CEO of Restored Hope Zambia, a Zambian Christian NGO which supports survivors of clergy abuse in Zambia. When she is not at work, she enjoys serving her church as a youth leader and unwinds by playing or watching sport.