Outline of the Episode
- Learn more about Denise Lee Yohn and the Faith and Work Journey [1:00]
- You must consider your workplace a mission field [6:50]
- Addressing questions about being a Christian in the workplace [13:34]
- Being a faithful steward of your time can be your ministry [15:55]
- What’s happening next for Faith and Work Journey [17:40]
- The conversation of faith and work versus faith at work [23:08]
The Faith and Work Journey
Six years ago, when Denise moved to San Francisco, she focused her research on Faith and Work. She came to two conclusions:
- The potential impact of Christ-followers in the Bay Area was tremendous. They influence how most of the world lives (because of our tech-enabled culture).
- There weren’t programs or ministries designed to help businessmen and women live their faith in the workplace (but there were plenty of activities, groups, conferences, etc.).
Denise developed a curriculum to help empower influential Christian business people. The primary program is “The Master’s Journey,” a four-month experience that digs into faith and work integration. They also offer a six-week “Gospel of Work” small group study that any group can do.
Their Gospel of Work study is about learning how to bring the good news to your workplace. God created us in his image and commissions us to work. Our work is to serve people. The gospel should change our work. The hope is that people see themselves as equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do God’s work in their workplace.
You must consider your workplace a mission field
How do you live missionally? How do you serve people? How do you become the hands, feet, and voice of Christ? Many people question the point of attending church. You can listen to world-class sermons online. You can experience worship online. You can create your own fellowship and community. So how does the church remain relevant and compelling?
Denise knows that pastors strive to equip their people. She seeks to be a resource they can leverage and partner with to find ways to engage with people who aren’t traditional churchgoers.
The conversation of faith and work versus faith at work
Workplaces can be polarized and politicized. How can you show up authentically? In the current culture of inclusion, if you are a person of faith, companies should not expect you to check your faith at the door. Denise encourages people to show up authentically and not be afraid to identify as Christian.
There are numerous opportunities to bring your faith to work. Your work is one of the primary ways that God wants to form you and help you grow. Your work can be a means of spiritual formation. You become more open to what God is doing in your life.
You don’t have to be a pastor, missionary, or work for a non-profit to glorify god in what you do. Faith and work are inseparable. Whatever your job is, it matters.
What’s happening next for Faith and Work Journey? Listen to learn more about what they’re doing and how you can get involved!
Resources & People Mentioned
Follow Denise Lee Yohn
Connect With Follower Of One
Join us over in our Online Community, get social with us; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Listen to our podcast on your way to work and subscribe using your favorite podcast app!
