Dear Northside
One of the things we say often here at Northside is that church is people. Therefore, each one of us is the church, wherever we go.
Therefore, your 8 to 5 can be a ministry tool.
Most research shows that the average person will spend 90,000 hours at their job in their lifetime. If someone is willing to spend that much time at their place of employment, then they should take it seriously. As a Christian, this is even more important. To glorify God in our jobs is something that we should strive to do.
Paul told the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. This verse can also apply to our jobs. The problem is that most Followers of Christ have an issue with misunderstanding the sacred and the secular. They compartmentalize the sacred from the secular instead of having a holistic approach where the secular and sacred live together. Our work can be a sacred place of ministry.
Every job can glorify God. Some jobs are not confined to the walls of a church and will give someone more opportunity and influence in people’s lives with unique platforms.
Are you an Entrepreneur or Business Owner? You can minister to your employees. Owning a business allows hiring people who normally wouldn’t get an opportunity or that particular opportunity. This again gives the needed ingredient of influence. An employee may be more open to listening to their boss’s opinions or thoughts on faith due to the influence that is exhibited.
Are you in the Financial sector? Jesus spoke about money more than heaven. Money is a magnifier of the heart. Becoming a financial advisor can help people see their money from an eternal perspective, leveraging it for the sake of the Gospel and helping them be wise with their money. If someone trusts your advice on money, they will probably be open to hearing about your faith.
Are you a Teacher? Teachers spend a vast amount of time with their students over a semester and year. They influence the thoughts and beliefs of their students and to build relationships. Teachers get to know students in a personal manner. There will be days the student is visibly struggling or has an issue. The teacher will have the opportunity to minister to that student.
Many students talk about the role a teacher played in their life during a difficult time or season. They applaud them for helping them formulate certain belief patterns, teaching something new, or defeating a negative belief pattern. This is an excellent opportunity for personal, one on one ministry or to help holistically influence students.
Are you a Lawyer? Our society needs good, godly laws and enforcers to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. With so much media attention given to the negative side of the law, this would be a wonderful opportunity for someone to shine the light of Christ by practicing law with grace and truth.
What do you do? Who can you impact with the Gospel? What are you doing to make Jesus known outside the 4 walls of the church? We have a tool called “Alpha in the Workplace”. If you think you might be able to get this into your place of work, let me know. We can train you to do it or we have people who can come in and help you run it.
God bless, Pastor Gary