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e h t n i s u Jes e c a l p k r o w rd By Richa
Martin
Scripture Proverbs 31: 10-31
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Let’s Focus: I have bosses who set targets, decide policies, establish the ethos, hire and fire. They are under pressure from the LEA and OFSTED. To what extent do I support the leadership team in their decisions, popular or not? To what extent do I take the side of the staff? Is it possible to be friendly with managers, and even to offer pastoral care? Some of my colleagues are Christians. We communicate via an email distribution list for prayer requests. Others have Christian sympathies or a church background, and are supportive of celebrating Christmas in a ‘religious’ way. Some are members of other faiths, are agnostic or overtly atheist. In this context, my first duty is to be accepted as a fellow professional. There is no room for an incompetent member of staff who drags the school’s results down. Nonetheless, I want to bring something “extra”, for example, offering to help with difficult or boring administrative tasks, sharing resources, giving a listening ear, and befriending the non-teaching staff. I work with students and their parents, especially in the sixth form. They buy into our ethos; they could take their custom elsewhere. My responsibility is to give them the outcome they require in a form that they enjoy. However I have to maintain standards of dress, behaviour, and work. The customer is not always right! Being a Christian means there is a balance to be found.
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Let’s Reflect: Workplace evangelism is about availability to God and people. The reading from Proverbs is a description of an ideal wife but I think it also outlines the qualities of an ideal employee. Teaching in a state school often presents challenges which are common to other workplaces. Availability to God is about taking up opportunities to serve, and infusing them with Christian values as far as possible. Most of the Christian activities I am involved with at work arise ‘by chance’: I supplied biscuits when the canteen stopped bringing biscuits to the staff-room, people recognised that as a kind act; I was invited to speak at the Christmas assembly, because I am known for my faith. If I waited for the perfect evangelistic opportunity, or tried to engineer it, I would probably never start. I try to say “yes” to God, believing that he has placed me in my workplace and knows how best to use my gifts there. Mary’s example (Luke 1:38) affirms this approach. Availability to people means responding to their questions and letting them grow at their own pace. It means caring for people as whole persons, inside and outside of work, and representing their interests. It means respecting the individuality of each person, treating the afterschool cleaner in the same way as you would the Chair of Governors. The next conversation could be the key one – be ready. The risen Jesus appeared to his disciples when they least expected him, in a form they did not recognise: we
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must not let him walk on, uninvited, into the night (Luke 24:28). This attitude of availability means that the actions which you hoped might occasion conversations about Christ do not do so, but that God is able to use you to respond to the unexpected. Being obedient to God’s prompting is the key to effective discipleship. Paul’s vision at Troas (Acts 16: 9) and Peter’s at Joppa (Acts 10:10) show that God calls us to new possibilities when we are faithfully fulfilling our calling. Workplace evangelism is first of all being good news; before one can tell good news, you have to be a respected colleague. The incompetent religious fanatic cuts no ice among professionals. Paul was able to hold down a place as a partner in a tent-making business (Acts 18:3); he did not compromise the standards of his work because he was too busy preaching. Christians are called to professional development and excellence. Integrity is the key; the workplace is second only to the home in showing what you are really like, day after day. Evangelism which is not matched by lifestyle will soon be discredited. We will sometimes be called upon to go the extra mile, attending meetings outside hours, working at home, interrupting holiday: we should do so, and more (Matthew 6:41). However, in protecting others we must also protect ourselves. Rest is prescribed for everyone (Exodus 20:8-11), and defines the work-life balance we are
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to expect of ourselves, our colleagues and our managers. Workplace evangelism must therefore be rooted in godly habits and immersed in prayer. There are no shortcuts to holiness, we have to take up our cross every day and follow (Luke 9:23). It can be difficult, early in the morning, to find the words to pray for our workplace. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is all we need. It places us first and foremost in the business of hallowing God’s name and seeking his rule. It then asks that God’s will be revealed to us and through us. We ask for the resources we need for the day, and for good, healthy relationships, even with people who are difficult. The prayer forces us to recognise our frailty and need for protection. Jesus lived incognito for 30 years before he was called to preach: this was the prayer he used in those years, as well as during his ministry. God has called you to your workplace to do something only you can do there. Maybe He will call you on from there in due time, but today that is where He has placed you. Today could be the day when your actions, your words, make an eternal difference. Are you ready?
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Let’s Discuss: 1. Verse 12 of our reading can lead us to ask 'what is our attitude to our workplace and our employers?' Optimists are good proponents for sharing good news at work. Do you seek excellence in all you do or do you bring negativity, complaint and resistance to change?
2. We know from verse 16 that the wife (employee) has the means and ability to buy and cultivate land. In effect she is a good steward of God's resources, and is therefore recognised as a witness to God's provision. Is your integrity held high in your work-place?
3. Does verse 20 challenge you? Our attitude to our colleagues is important; showing concern about their lives outside work is a way of supporting them. Do you regard them as machines who turn up and switch on each day, or as vulnerable but valuable persons? Do you pray for them?
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4. In a sense one could read verse 24 as being about value. Our attitudes towards our customers or clients are important. Are they potential victims to be exploited, or partners to be nurtured? To what extent is your transaction a mutually enjoyable and beneficial experience? What are your standards? Where do you draw the line in business ethics?
5. Respect is important to all of us. What does verse 31 challenge you to do in terms of respecting others?
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Action: John is a colleague who trained me in imaginative use of computers with young people. Soon after I arrived at the school he had time off because his wife had given birth to a very premature baby. Eventually John returned to work and we had a brief conversation. A few months later John approached me to say that he and his wife had been to the local Church to enquire about having the baby christened, but that the vicar had recommended a thanksgiving. What is the difference, he asked, between thanksgiving and baptism? I gave John a copy of the baptism service, pointing out the promises he would need to make in it. He went away promising to read it and to attend the local Church’s family services. After a few weeks I asked how he was finding the services. He said they were very enjoyable and that the vicar had an excellent way of involving everyone. He said they had decided to go for a baptism, and that the vicar had agreed. A year or so later, John asked me what confirmation was about. Again I tried to explain, and gave him a copy of the service. Soon he told me that he had decided to be confirmed. Frequently thereafter John would tell me about his Church and the activities he had taken part in. When John left the school, he gave me a card. It thanked me for our friendship, “but above all, for re-awakening my faith”.
Prayer: Loving Lord, enable me to be a consistent witness at work. Inspire me to seek out the needy in spirit. Equip me to respond to their needs in an appropriate manner. By your grace, give me the humility to encourage and uplift those who rightly deserve praise. Amen.
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s e t o N g n i Support uals and d i v i d n I for s r e d a e Group L I remember the first time I prepared to lead a bible study; I was 22 years old and went bald! Well, I think that was down to nature rather than the preparation. However, it was scary as well as exciting. Ring a bell? Then read on‌. The scriptures are littered with stories of God's people being called to do something they feel they are not humanly capable of. Yet it is similarly littered with outcomes of God's people completing what He has called them to undertake and the blessing therein. So let's take those fears and chill a bit, in the knowledge that God will help you, as he has helped countless others. Part of my ministry as an evangelist over the past 10 years has been to encourage and enable, so be encouraged that the Lord is moulding you in leadership. In my experience it helps to know that you do not have to be an expert on the Bible or even a college professor! Essentially it is all about preparation and discussion. Allow God to enable you by His Holy Spirit to lead you with confidence and discernment. Therefore in order to offer some help to you, I have set out below some of the things that have aided me in leading studies in the past.
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Before you begin Studying the scriptures and exploring other people’s experiences of evangelism can be for some, very exciting; for others it can be very daunting indeed. I have put together some suggestions that may help you as you prepare to get the most out of The Fullness of Life. We hope that each week you will be stimulated through the scriptures and through the content on the Web. To find out more about how all of our Evangelists and staff are working at transforming lives and communities visit http://www.churcharmy.org.uk/people to see videos of ministry in action. Each of our contributors to these studies has carefully thought through how you can apply this learning in your own life and context, in order to engage in evangelism. Their questions are designed to challenge and encourage action.
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Studying as an individual Pray: Before you begin each study, ask the Lord to guide you and open your mind. Give yourself time to allow God to stabilise your inner self so that you can apply what you are learning in your life. Time: Give yourself space to learn; the studies are designed that you can learn at a pace that suits you. It may help you to briefly read all seven studies before you begin; this may help you to think about where the studies will take you. Bible: Having your own Bible is important as it will be a book that you will be familiar with. The version that you find most helpful is the best one to use. All Bible verses quoted in these studies are from the New International Version. Notes: Make notes within each study. Remember there are no wrong answers; the beauty about our relationship with God is that He illuminates our life and inspires us by the Holy Spirit. So jot down your response to the question honestly.
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Studying as a group For the leader: These notes may be of some help as you prepare to lead the group either for the first time or as a seasoned veteran! Preparation: Groups are naturally formed of individuals, so be encouraged to follow the points suggested for individuals, as you prepare for your group study. In this way you will find your learning in group study deepens through your preparation. Participation: Discussion is by far the best form of learning. Remember that as the leader you will need to ensure that everyone has their say. No answer is wrong! Share how God is teaching you, how He is encouraging/challenging you, and how He is doing that with others. Be focussed: Stick to the study material being discussed for that week. It has been my intention that you only have to use the scriptures referred to. There is no need to look up commentaries or other views. The core essence of these studies is to reflect upon the evangelistic example given. Therefore the paramount questions of the study are: How can I do this? How do I apply this? Listen: Encouraging all that listening to other members of a group is as important as contributing. If you have an attentive ear, you may be surprised at how much you can learn from others. In parish ministry I was always amazed at how the quiet person sometimes came with a suggestion that was as a blast of fresh air. A balanced input: As group leader you should be able to ensure all have the chance to contribute. It is important that we ensure that individuals do not dominate the discussions. The eagerness one has to share can often be at the cost of others not having time to respond. Therefore encourage one another; after all, the Christian journey really should not be about outsmarting each other. Involve God: God wants to share with each of us; His desire to see us evangelise. Be open to the Holy Spirit talking to you and to your fellow group mates. Most of all have fun discovering new boundaries.
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