As men striving to live out biblical manhood, we all have a desire to share our faith with others, but we often don’t know how to go about it. We spend so many hours at work and get to know our colleagues well. Therefore, our work environments can be an ideal sphere of influence through which we can reflect Christ’s love and truth, fulfilling His charge to “make disciples.”
However, taking up the mission in our workplaces is fraught with obstacles. The fact is, our workplaces are filled with people from all backgrounds, and it is pretty common today to encounter co-workers who harbor hostility toward any expression of Christian faith. Or the workplace itself may frown upon (or regulate against) any attempt to express your faith to others.
So what is the solution? Should we just give up and hide our spiritual selves under a bushel whenever we are at work?
At Man In the Mirror, we recognize the challenges of spreading the Gospel in the workplace while being mindful of others, especially when we’re trying to strike that balance between being open about our beliefs and respecting the wishes or rules of our colleagues. Here are a few practical tips for sharing your faith at work in a way that honors God while respecting your workplace and those around you.
Live Out Your Faith
The most powerful way to share your faith is to live it authentically. When you consistently act with integrity, treat others with kindness, maintain a positive outlook, and approach your work with diligence and fairness, people will notice. It’s about living out your Christian values in a way that draws the notice of your colleagues.
Think about what Paul says in Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When you work with that mindset, it sets you apart very noticeably. That difference often piques the curiosity of coworkers, creating natural opportunities for you to share your faith when people ask about your values and motivations.
Build Genuine Relationships
Another important aspect is building real, authentic relationships with your coworkers. When people know that you care about them as individuals, they’re more likely to be open to what you have to say about your faith. It’s not about seeing someone as a “project,” but rather, taking a genuine interest in their lives.
As you build trust, opportunities to share your faith will come up naturally. When they do, be ready. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to always be prepared to explain the hope we have in Christ, but to do so with gentleness and respect.
Know Your Own Story
It’s important to have your own faith story — something short and not preachy — clear in your mind, ready to share when the moment feels right. A simple structure might be: what my life was like before I knew Christ, what my life has been like since I’ve been following Christ, what influenced me to become a follower of Christ. You don’t need a theological treatise on original sin, depravity, and regeneration. Your story is a sufficient starting place.
Pray for Opportunities
Prayer is critical in all of this. Pray for your coworkers, asking God to soften their hearts and to give you the right opportunities to share your faith. Pray for the awareness to see these opportunities and for the courage to speak up when they arise. Often, these moments come when someone is looking for advice or sharing a personal struggle. That’s when you can offer a word of encouragement rooted in your faith.
Respect Boundaries
It’s also important to respect the boundaries of your workplace. Make sure that your conversations about faith are appropriate and don’t disrupt your work responsibilities. Look for the right times -– maybe during lunch breaks or after work in the parking lot — to have these discussions. And always be respectful of others’ beliefs. It’s about planting seeds and trusting that God will nurture them in His time.
Incorporate Faith into Everyday Conversations
You don’t have to give a sermon to share your faith. Sometimes, simply mentioning how your faith influences your decisions or helps you stay grounded during challenging times can spark curiosity. For example, if someone asks how you manage stress, you might mention that your faith plays a big role in keeping you centered.
If that feels a bit unnatural at first, don’t worry; it becomes easier as you grow in your own walk with God. The more connected you are to your faith, the more naturally it will come up in conversation. You don’t have to invite them to convert; your natural demeanor and good nature will do the persuading. If you are not pushy about your faith, others will simply accept that it is just who you are.
Offer to Pray for Others
Offering to pray for someone can also be a meaningful way to share your faith. If a coworker shares a struggle or a challenge, consider asking if they’d like you to pray for them. Many people appreciate the offer, even if they aren’t particularly religious. It’s a simple gesture that shows you care, and it can open the door to deeper conversations.
Join or Start a Group
If your workplace has a group for Christian employees or a Bible study, think about getting involved. If there isn’t one, maybe consider starting something informal. These groups can provide a supportive environment to discuss your faith and to encourage one another in living it out at work. It can also attract the interest of others who may be curious about your faith, but don’t know where to start.
Don’t Give Up
At the end of the day, sharing your faith at work is about being a living testament to the difference Christ has made in your life. By living authentically and being open to opportunities as they arise, you can share your faith in a way that leaves a positive impression on your colleagues and honors God. Even if you do not notice any results, be assured that your witness and your demeanor will yield results in God’s time.
If you’re seeking to deepen your walk with Christ and find more ways to live out your faith, we invite you to explore the resources available on the Man In the Mirror website. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or ways to mentor others, Man In the Mirror is here to equip and support you on your journey. Contact us to learn more about how you can take the next step in living out your faith boldly and compassionately in every aspect of your life.