WANT TO WORK FOR A "CHRISTIAN" COMPANY?
By Regi Campbell
When I first became a Christian and left AT&T shortly thereafter, nothing would have pleased me more than to go to work for a "Christian" company. How cool would it be to have Bible study and prayer right there in the office...I mean even on "company time"! Imagine. No gossip, no back biting, no office politics. No guys running around on their wives...how awesome would that be. We could have time off to go on retreats and mission trips. The company could give money to support the poor and homeless when the church wanted to help them. It would be awesome.
But wait a minute. Church isn't even like that. How could I expect a "for profit" enterprise to be what a church isn't? Where in the world did I get this idea? It comes from our "built in" longing for heaven. We innately yearn for Eden, where we worked yet enjoyed it. Where there wasn't strife, pain, or office politics. God's perfect will was lived out unsullied. We wouldn't even mind work if it was in an environment like that, would we?
But there is no such environment here. And there is no such thing as a "Christian" company. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but it's true. There are companies that are owned by Christians. There are companies who try their hardest to operate on Christian principles. But there is no such thing as a "Christian" company. Let me explain.
Corporations are legal entities set up to limit the liability of their owners. That's it. There will be no companies in heaven. Companies don't have "souls." Companies can't get "saved" or even "burn in hell," although I wish that were possible for some that I've dealt with. The best you can hope for is to find an organization that is led by a committed Christian person. If he/she is empowered to create a "Christian-friendly" environment, then you might enjoy some of what I described above...freedom to openly discuss and express your faith, Bible study or prayer opportunities, company-backed charity efforts and a respectful and caring environment.
But here's a challenge for you...will you make it your goal to create a "Christian-friendly" environment in your workplace, regardless of the faith of your superiors? Will you affirm the other Christians in your sphere of influence? Will you "go public" and let others at your work know of your faith? Couldn't you start a prayer group that meets before work? Will you take the lead to reach out to the poor, hurting and needy in your community by stirring up your coworkers to get involved and help? Will you do all you can to demonstrate love and acceptance to everyone you work with, whether or not you agree with their faith, politics or lifestyle? Will you, in an unashamed but non-confrontational way, let people know once and for all where you stand regarding Jesus Christ?
You can create your own "Christian-friendly" organization within your company. Ask God to "expand your territory" and bring others into your circle. Make "letting your light shine before men" be your mantra. That environment might not have been created for you, but you might have the ability to create it for yourself and those under your charge or influence.
You can't work for a "Christian company," but you can work in a Christian-friendly environment, even if you have to create it!
Discussion Questions:
1. Is the idea of creating a Christian-friendly work environment new to you? If it is new, what are you going to do with it? If it is not new, what have you been doing about it? Have you been praying about your progress?
2. What kind of things can you do in your work environment to help create a more Christian-friendly atmosphere?
This WorkLife Coaching Session was written by Regi Campbell. Regi has extensive practical experience of worklife ministry and outreach, and is the author of About My Father's Business (Multnomah, 2005). Used by permission All rights reserved. Content edited by WorkLife.org and used by Saddleback@Work with permission for non-profit educational purposes.