This is the second in a series of five posts about
evangelism in the workplace.
In the previous post I mentioned the common
challenges that many of us face when trying to speak of Christ in the
workplace. However, opportunities still abound and the survey responses suggest
certain specific factors that make it easier to speak about Jesus.
When it comes to sharing the gospel, location matters. Lots of us work in open plan offices,
so starting a conversation about Christ is particularly tricky. But that
doesn’t rule out being able to share the gospel during working hours.
Here are
some of the occasions where respondents have found it easier to speak about
Jesus:
-
# whilst popping
down to the canteen to get a coffee;
#going for
a run at lunch-time with a colleague; #going to
the pub after work; and
#business-related
car journeys.
Moving away from the confines of your desk, or leaving the
office entirely, seems to make it easier to have meaningful conversations about
non-professional matters, particularly when it comes to the topic of
Christianity.
It’s striking how many respondents said that car journeys
have provided wonderful opportunities to have good conversations about Jesus! Who
would have thought any good could ever come out of being stuck in traffic?!
Without a doubt, conversations have been most productive
when they’re held on a one-on-one basis. That should be a huge relief for those
who are introverts and find one-on-one socialising much more comfortable.
Which brings us on nicely to the next factor that leads to
evangelistic opportunities: the importance of personal relationships. Most opportunities to speak about Jesus arose where respondents had a
common interest, or personal (rather than purely professional) relationship
with a colleague. That’s not to say that other, more random, opportunities
don’t arise. But where there is a connection that goes beyond our employment
obligations, our colleagues seem more willing to hear us out when we speak
about Jesus.
One respondent put it like this, “Whilst there are always surprising one-off conversations, if people
know you a little better they come to know your attitude and what you believe
which paves the way for better discussions when things happen.”
In his book, Fruitfulness
on the Front line, Mark Greene writes, “Sometimes I think I am too worried
about me feeling comfortable to
share, rather than being concerned that the other
person feels comfortable being open with me, feels that I can be trusted,
feels that they are safe.”
If we are to develop the kind of trusting relationships that
allow us to care for our colleagues and makes speaking of Christ more natural, then
being open and honest with them about our lives is important. One survey
respondent commented, “When I am more
open with my colleagues – they are more open with me. When I share my
struggles/weaknesses and let them know that I trust Jesus to sort them out,
suddenly I find they are willing to ask more questions.”
Some colleagues won’t be interested in opening up. But others
will; and if we’re to take Jesus’ command to love our neighbour seriously, we
should be seeking to show interest in the lives of those around us at work. I
wonder – would your colleagues describe you in that way?
In my next post, we'll consider some specific and practical ways in which we could make the most of the opportunities presented by location and personal relationship.
