The Problem
There is a growing issue in modern Western Christian society: a serious lack of understanding and application of the Word of God. Too many regular church members—also known as the laity—have surrendered their scriptural responsibility. The growth of the body of Christ has been handed off to the paid, and perhaps more disturbingly, seminary-trained ministerial staff.
We’ve all heard the saying: “20% of the people do 80% of the work.” I believe it’s true. But I’ll go further: it wouldn’t surprise me if even 20% of God’s people ever share what God is doing in their lives.
Asking the Hard Questions
- How many churchgoers share the good news of the Gospel?
- How many actually live out the Sunday message from Monday to Saturday?
- How many sermons apply to the realities of the workweek?
If Christianity is to remain vital, grow new members, and be considered relevant, then we must cultivate a generation of believers on fire for the Lord and grounded in His Word. It’s the regular members not just the clergy—who must take responsibility for spreading the message of Jesus Christ where they live and work.
Rebuilding Christian Presence at Work
So, what does “workplace evangelism” mean to you? Does it feel encouraging or off-putting? For some, the words alone may seem neutral, but I believe the time has come to rebuild the integrity of Christian witness in the work environment.
To re-establish a Christian presence in the workplace, we must:
- Disciple believers in the fundamentals of their faith
- Teach workplace etiquette that honors Christ
- Equip Christians to build genuine relationships with coworkers
According to Philippians 4:8, believers must think, understand, and act on what is true, honest, decent, sincere, and honorable—without offense or malice. This is how we earn the right to be heard.
Retooling Through Discipleship
Retooling is simply another word for discipleship. A disciple is “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” For Christians, this means being mentored one-on-one by spiritually mature believers in the Word of God.
This process involves daily study, prayer, Scripture memorization, and obedience. Unfortunately, many pastors have never had this kind of personal mentorship. Instead, they rely heavily on structured programs—nightly visitations, standardized witnessing techniques, and prepackaged curriculum—which rarely lead to deep discipleship.
My Story: How I Came to Christ
Before I knew Christ, I found it annoying when church folks showed up unannounced usually around dinnertime. They often focused on buildings, programs, and social benefits not on Jesus or salvation. Then one pastor did something different: he called first and asked to visit at a convenient time. That visit changed my life. He clearly stated he didn’t care if I returned to his church. He came to share the plan of salvation
A Lifestyle of Learning and Sharing
It didn’t stop there. He connected me with a young man named Mike, who began meeting with me weekly. He shared the basics of the Christian life. Two weeks later, the pastor followed up. I shared what I had learned, and he invited me to join him on a salvation visit. That’s when I met Tom—and became responsible for passing along what I had learned.
We weren’t in a program. We were living out discipleship as a lifestyle. Every new insight was shared. Every lesson passed on. That’s how lives are transformed—how nonbelievers begin to see the character of God and understand His ways.
Long-Term Impact of True Discipleship
As time passed, my teaching and sharing grew stronger. Friends, family, and coworkers began to notice. They saw the difference discipleship made in my life and they wanted to know more.
That’s how you earn the right to be heard.
Be blessed, until next time…