“How do I share my faith at work?”
This is one of the most common questions I get from Christian business leaders. It’s a question loaded with both opportunity and hesitation. We all want to live out our faith in the workplace, but we’re often unsure how to do it in a natural and respectful way. In my years of experience, I’ve found there’s no single formula or ‘right way’ to share your faith. The workplace is as diverse as the people in it, and what works in one situation may not work in another.
One thing is certain: sharing your faith is not about a script. It’s about being attuned to the people around you and discerning how best to communicate God’s truth to them in a way they can understand. In fact, we see the perfect model of this in the apostle Paul, who approached each audience in a way that was customized to their needs and circumstances.
Six Examples from Paul’s Ministry
Let’s explore how Paul’s adaptable approach can empower you to share your faith effectively in the workplace.
1. Paul in Athens (Acts 17:22–31): Finding Common Ground
In Athens, Paul didn’t start with Scripture; he started with something familiar to his audience—their own altar to an “unknown god.” He built on that shared knowledge to introduce them to the true God. In the workplace, this might look like finding common ground with a colleague’s curiosity or beliefs and using that as a starting point for deeper conversations.
2. Paul in the Synagogue (Acts 13:14–43): Speaking to the Experts
When Paul spoke to Jewish audiences, he used Scripture they already knew and respected. He connected Jesus to the prophecies they had studied all their lives. In the workplace, when you know someone who shares a faith background, you can leverage that common ground by discussing familiar passages or shared beliefs in a new light.
3. Paul Before King Agrippa (Acts 26:1–29): Personal Testimony
When Paul stood before King Agrippa, he didn’t launch into a theological debate; he shared his personal story of encountering Christ. He let the power of his testimony do the work. Your story—how Christ has worked in your life—can often be more compelling than any argument or doctrine.
4. Paul Before Felix (Acts 24:24–25): Addressing Moral Accountability
Paul spoke to Felix, a Roman governor, not by quoting scripture but by addressing issues of righteousness, self-control, and judgment—topics that hit close to home for Felix’s moral character. In the workplace, some people may be more open to discussions about morality, justice, or ethics, and those can be effective starting points for sharing faith.
5. Paul and the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:25–34): Simple, Direct Answers
When the Philippian jailer was desperate and on the verge of suicide, Paul didn’t complicate things. He gave him a simple, direct answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Sometimes, the workplace offers moments where someone is seeking clear guidance, and a simple, direct sharing of the Gospel is all that’s needed.
6. Paul’s Philosophy (1 Corinthians 9:19–23): Adapting Without Compromising
Paul famously said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” He knew that different people needed different approaches. He adapted to his audience without ever compromising the truth. This is key in the workplace—be sensitive to who you are speaking with, but remain unwavering in your faith.
Six Practical Tips to Share Your Faith in the Workplace
Sharing your faith in the workplace is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Like Paul, we need to be thoughtful and intentional about how we engage with others. Here are some practical steps to help you tailor your message while staying true to the Gospel:
- Observe and Listen: Pay attention to your colleagues’ interests, beliefs, and challenges. Understanding their perspective will give you insight into how to begin a meaningful conversation about faith.
- Build Relationships First: Trust and credibility are foundational. People are far more likely to listen to what you say if they feel respected and valued. Take the time to invest in genuine relationships before sharing your faith.
- Know Your Story: Be prepared to share your personal testimony—how Jesus has worked in your life—in a way that resonates with your audience. Your story may be more powerful than any argument.
- Respect Boundaries: Not every moment is suitable for a deep spiritual conversation. Be sensitive to when people are open to discussions about faith, and don’t push if they aren’t ready. Let your actions and character reflect Christ, even when you can’t share verbally.
- Pray for Guidance: Ask God to lead you in your conversations. Pray for opportunities to share and wisdom in knowing when and how to speak.
- Be Adaptable, But Faithful: Just as Paul adapted his approach without compromising the Gospel, be flexible in your methods but unwavering in your message. Different people will need to hear the Gospel in different ways.
Conclusion
Sharing your faith in the workplace doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following Paul’s example, you can be both strategic and sincere in how you share the Gospel with those around you. There is no ‘one way’ to share your faith, but there are many ways to be effective if you remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and the needs of those you work with.
Remember, your mission field is right where you are—at your desk, in meetings, and during everyday conversations with your colleagues. Be faithful in sharing the message, and trust that God will use you to impact lives powerfully.
Discussion Questions for Leaders
These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect on your approach to sharing your faith and to facilitate meaningful conversations within your team or small group about how to witness in the workplace.
- How have you seen faith conversations naturally develop in your workplace? What strategies did you use to guide those discussions? Reflect on past experiences and discuss what has worked and what hasn’t. Understanding your context can help you be more intentional about future opportunities.
- How can you better understand your colleagues’ perspectives and beliefs before sharing your faith with them? This question encourages self-awareness and a proactive approach to learning about others before jumping into faith conversations.
- In what ways can your personal testimony make an impact in your workplace? How might you share it effectively? Consider how your faith journey can inspire others and brainstorm ways to present your testimony in different contexts.
- How do you balance sharing your faith with respecting professional boundaries? Explore the challenges of knowing when and how to share your faith while honoring workplace boundaries and maintaining professionalism.
- What role does prayer play in your approach to evangelism in the workplace? Discuss the importance of relying on God’s guidance and how prayer can shape your attitude and actions when sharing your faith.
More Articles
I have written several articles on communication skills. You can find them by typing “Communication Skills” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of the most recent articles.
- #555: Master the Socratic Method to Unlock Your Leadership Potential
- #525: Every Leader Needs Someone Who Will Provide Honest, Constructive Feedback
- #510: 4 Elements of Effective Communication Common to Servant Leaders
- #395: When Is the Best Time for A Leader to Ask Questions?
- #162: How Distrust, Conjecture, and Hasty Actions Lead to Disaster
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How have you used the Socratic Method in your business? If so, how did it benefit you?
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Category: Skills | Communication Skills
When I was a police chief, I had a soft leather bound Bible on my desk. Sometimes it had small notes sticking out of it, and occasionally colleagues would ask about it. And I’d say that each day I looked for wisdom and guidance within its pages. It was a small thing, but conveyed a message that faith was a part of my life, and that I turned to a higher source for wisdom.
A Bible on the desk, a coffee cup with a verse, and similar items on display are what I call “signaling.” It signals our faith without shoving it into someone’s face. It serves as a bridge to start a conversation. I used to read my Bible daily at my desk during lunch hour. It often led to conversations about faith and more than a few “counseling” sessions with curious coworkers.