Spreading the good news

One of the most enjoyable aspects of rail chaplaincy, from a missionary perspective, is the mandate to work with people of faith within the industry.

Being called Railway Mission means we are commissioned to promote the good news that God loves people and wants them to have a better life and future.

We do this in a number of ways: one on one with people of faith, or with those who are enquiring; in small groups that gather on a regular or spontaneous basis; through invitations to speak at churches or faith groups outside of the rail industry who are interested in our missionary work.

Some chaplains have created space at stations, depots and offices for staff members with common beliefs to gather and share the message of hope, pray for one another and for the industry as a whole.

Included in the ways in which chaplains reach out to people of faith in the industry are: working with groups that meet on a regular basis at various locations, engaging with Christians through WhatsApp groups, supporting Christians at stations for catch-ups and casual conversations on the move.

There are also some groups working with Alpha Courses which give an introduction to what faith is all about. Other chaplains speak of staff members requesting prayer or to seek a blessing from a minister.

Chaplains agree that it’s beneficial to meet up and discuss faith with staff members because ‘it’s a way to build each other up and develop a good level of support,’ ‘it helps in our spiritual development and maturity,’ ’it develops a sense of purpose and calling,’ ‘it encourages honesty,’ ‘it allows us to bring prayers and petitions before God.’

Eight in ten workers globally profess faith of some kind or other, almost a third being Christian. Promoting faith in the workplace is part of what chaplains do, and it is a privilege to be able to support workers in this way.

Are you a Christian looking for connection in the workplace? Contact us at office@railwaymission.org.