As Catholics, we’re called to be beacons for Christ, demonstrating our faith in both word and deed. Since most of us spend much of our days at work, it’s a natural place to show Jesus’ love to others. But sharing your faith in the workplace can be a tricky balance of evangelizing openly and staying professional.
Try these tips for sharing the Gospel with your co-workers in an appropriate, effective way.
Read the Room
Nobody wants religion shoved down their throat. Rather than blasting a colleague with an un-asked-for theological treatise or surreptitiously slipping them a religious tract, take time to assess their interest in hearing about your faith. You can start by mentioning your relationship with God casually. Pay attention to the response you get—a derisive comment or closed-off body language may mean someone’s not ready to hear more.
And of course, choose your timing wisely. A casual lunchtime conversation might be the right time to bring up your favorite thing about being Catholic. The middle of a company conference call, on the other hand? Not so much.
Make Your Workspace a Holy Place
One simple way to “wear your faith on your sleeve:” create a Christian environment in your workspace. Your physical space can be a sign of your faith by displaying objects like framed Bible verses, or by playing Christian music. These touchpoints may spark meaningful spiritual conversations with co-workers.
Make It Natural
Your faith is the bedrock of your identity, so it’s only natural to talk about how it affects your daily life. Don’t be afraid to tell co-workers how being Catholic informs your everyday behavior. If asked to work on a Sunday, for example, you might explain why you observe a weekly day of rest. Or if you’re assigned a morally gray task, you might share that it doesn’t align with your beliefs.
Express Curiosity
Conversion begins with conversation. As you become closer with colleagues, try asking them questions that express genuine curiosity about their beliefs. We all feel validated when someone expresses interest in us! Getting curious about someone’s faith framework not only establishes mutual trust and respect; it opens a door for evangelism.
Make It Social
Relationships are where effective workplace evangelism often occurs. The closer you become with co-workers, the more comfortable you’ll probably feel sharing Christ with them or even inviting them to Mass.
Lead With Kindness
Being the hands and feet of Jesus in the workplace involves real, concrete acts of kindness. Show Christ to your co-workers in the way you treat them on a daily basis. Perhaps you volunteer to help with a difficult task, provide a compassionate listening ear, or offer quick forgiveness for a workplace slight. The more you stand out for your kindness, the more open co-workers may be to hearing the reason why.
