A Personal Story of Transformation
I worked with a Professional Engineer named Jim*—a devout Catholic known for his stoic, professional demeanor. Initially wary of the beliefs of colleagues from different denominations, Jim found himself drawn into a discipleship relationship that would change his life forever.
Engaging in weekly lunchtime discussions with Jim centered around scriptures, Jim’s heart softened, his faith deepened, and his perspective shifted. What began as cautious exploration blossomed into a vibrant journey of faith—marked by joy, growth, and a newfound passion for Christ. One day, as we gathered for our lunchtime study, the stoic, ever professional Jim exclaimed with childlike enthusiasm, “I think I’m becoming a Jesus freak!” In that moment, I witnessed Luke 24:45 come to life: “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The Distraction of the Grind
When we step into the office or open our laptops, our primary focus often revolves around navigating the rapid currents of our professional lives. But amidst the demands of our work, how do we effectively steward the time entrusted to us by our companies or clients while also fulfilling our calling to be disciple-makers?
The Power of Discipleship
Matthew 28:19-20 lays out our ultimate mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This command isn’t just for pastors or missionaries; it’s for every believer, including those in the workplace.
Making disciples involves more than just sharing the gospel; it’s about guiding others in their journey of faith and teaching them to follow Jesus in every aspect of life. In the workplace, where success is often quantified by metrics and milestones, discipleship presents a different paradigm—one rooted in relationships, growth, and a higher calling.
Picture a workplace where leaders don’t just manage tasks but invest in people, where colleagues don’t just vie for position but collaborate, and where success isn’t measured solely by individual achievements but by the collective transformation of a community committed to growth.
Navigating Barriers with Grace
While the call to discipleship is clear, navigating its implementation in the workplace can be daunting. Fears of overstepping boundaries and cultural sensitivities may pose challenges. Yet, in these hurdles, there is hope in the belief that where God calls, He equips.
For leaders aspiring to cultivate a culture of discipleship, it commences with humility—a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow. It involves fostering environments where authenticity is prized, vulnerability is welcomed, and relationships are prioritized. It entails leading by example, demonstrating the transformative power of discipleship through action.
Initiating a Discipleship Relationship
Initiating a discipleship relationship in the workplace requires a simple act of faith—a gesture of friendship and genuine care. It may start with an invitation to grab coffee or lunch, an offer to pray together, or a shared interest in studying Scripture. By taking the initiative to invest in others and show authentic interest in their spiritual journey, we create avenues for genuine connection and growth. Remember, discipleship isn’t about having all the answers but about walking alongside one another in faith, learning, and growing together.
Think and pray
As leaders, let’s embrace the transformative power of workplace discipleship. Let’s commit to investing in the lives of those around us, aiding them in discovering their God-given potential and purpose. Ultimately, it’s not solely about the tasks we accomplish or the titles we hold, but the lives we impact.
Holy Spirit, guide me to teachable men to help them in their journey to a deeper, abiding relationship with you, the Father and Jesus Christ. Amen.
* Jim is a fictitious name for an actual colleague.
Marty Hardell is the Principal Advisor at Pinpoint Strategic Solutions. Marty specializes in transforming businesses into more scalable, profitable entities through tailored strategies, systems, and processes, ensuring repeatable success and optimizing teams by uncovering their Working Genius. Marty co-leads the Edmond North CBMC C3 Team and guides men to a deeper, abiding relationship with Christ through Influencers’ Journey process.
