Ministry in the Workplace – An Intersection on a Lifetime Faith Journey - Bobby Parks

Bobby Parks- Chief Ministry Officer

One of my favorite activities is backcountry hiking. Although the views at the mountaintop make the ascent worth it, the journey itself is rich and rewarding. Of course, I have a trail blazed before me, and I know where I’m heading. It would be hard to find my way if I didn’t know where the trail started or where I was on the journey.

Sometimes, you come across a chasm, a creek, or a river crossing on a backcountry trail. Without a bridge going across, it would be difficult to navigate. So it is with many people who are stuck on their faith journey at some point. Jesus was the ultimate bridge builder as He made a way where there was no way by laying down His life as a bridge between our sin and separation from the Father. And as guides and fellow trailblazers, we can help others bridge where they are to where God desires them to be.

The workplace offers a unique opportunity to intersect with people on their faith journeys. Employees join our organizations for varying lengths of time, most often during the prime of their lives. They’ve likely been through some highs and lows before we meet them – and they’ll probably experience more after our time with them. But while in our care, we can prayerfully and intentionally help clear the path and lead them over a bridge or two, leading them closer to their destination with God, helping them find their way Home.

That is why we created intentional strategies for reaching employees in our workplace through our “SEAM” discipleship funnel (link to SEAM funnel). Our SEAM funnel is inspired by the Engel Scale (link to Engel Scale) and a way we contextualize helping our employees take steps to grow on their faith journey. From doubters to mature believers, regardless of where they are on the trail, we want to create some easy bridges for whatever obstacles are in their path.

A strategy that shapes our offerings to reach our employees, whether they are skeptics, seekers, or saints, is building BRIDGES in the workplace for more TO BELONG, BELIEVE, AND BECOME who they were created to be.

Bridges to Belong (Pre-evangelism, Care & Connection)

We must build trust before someone is willing to jump on the trail. We want them to feel seen, valued, and loved. Employees should know they belong and are a part of the team, regardless if they share all of the same beliefs as our leaders.

We aim to care, connect, and love by adding value to them and their family through several intentional resources, like counseling and financial help. Empathy is essential as we lead and serve. I often ask myself, “What do they need, and what would help them?”

Bridges to Believe (Outreach & Evangelism)

People are at different parts of the trail and have unique challenges. Some carry heavy weight, some feel lost, and others are on the wrong trail entirely. But we can help them get to the trailhead, lighten their loads, and offer direction and guidance. By pointing them in the right way to help them see Jesus we hope they will choose to follow Him and His path for them. We’ve seen many employees choose to follow Christ, and it’s so rewarding to have the honor of walking along the path with them.

Bridges to Become (Discipleship)

We want to equip employees ready to grow in their faith and mature to become a disciple-maker. Some employees have years of experience with certain parts of the trail, and we want to empower them to make disciples in the workplace. Regardless of whether they are in sales, accounting, or construction, we all grow as we delegate and encourage others to use their unique gifts and abilities to serve others.

We don’t always get this right, and our team is continually growing and assessing tools and effectiveness. Still, we’re enjoying the views on the trail and those we are privileged to journey with every day in the workplace. If you’re curious about the specific strategies we use at Suit & Shepherd, reach out to our team. We’d be honored to connect with and help resource you and your team on your journey.

What trail can you blaze for your employees? What bridges can you build to help more belong, believe, and become?