(This post is written by my friend, Jeff Henderson. Jeff is one of the wisest most practical leaders I've ever known. He wrote this post about what it means to love and lead others at work, even if you don't "officially" work in ministry.)
Twelve years ago, I left the business world to help a group of people start a church in Atlanta. Over the years, one of the most frequent questions I have received is, “How did you decide to leave business and go into full-time ministry as a pastor?”
While I appreciate the question, the phrase ‘full-time ministry’ is loaded with problems. First, I was already a Jesus follower during my time as a businessman. This meant I already was in full-time ministry. Second, this phrase implies there is such a thing as “part-time ministry.” I don’t think the Bible is too keen on thinking of our lives as part-time ministry.
Colossians 3:23 makes no such distinction when it comes to work. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..” In the original Greek language, the word ‘whatever’ means ‘whatever.’ (Pretty deep, huh?)
This is a game-changer for how you might see yourself at work.
If you are a Jesus follower and a restaurant manager, you are in full-time ministry.
If you are a Jesus follower and an accountant, you are in full-time ministry.
If you are Jesus follower and a teacher, you are in full-time ministry.
The list could go on forever. The point is this – the cubicle, the counter and the coffee shop are places of ministry just as much as the church.
This doesn’t mean we stand in the break room and hand out Bible verses, or blare out some Christian tunes from our offices. It means you understand your purpose at work, which is: The purpose of your life at work is to show that God is at work in your life.
I love how Martin Luther described this:
“The maid who sweeps her kitchen is doing the will of God just as much as the monk who prays, not because she might sing a Christian hymn as she sweeps but because God loves clean floors. The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes but by making good shoes because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
Knowing this, how would this change your approach to work?
How would your attitude change today if you saw yourself in full-time ministry? How would your work ethic change if you saw yourself in full-time ministry?
This is so important because work is an incredible platform to serve, lead and love people well. Leading by serving and loving people is the best form of leadership. Ironically, we sometimes get uncomfortable thinking about serving and loving people at work. I say ironic because organizations and leaders who do this become organizations and leaders people love to work for, and as a result everyone wins.
Today, as you walk toward the ‘whatever’ you do, walk toward it with greater purpose. You are like the light of the world in your office, school, conference room and start-up business. Love and serve others well. There is nothing part-time about that at all.
(If you've enjoyed reading this post, I hope you'll love my new book The Most Excellent Way to Lead where I talk all about leadership by love. You can visit mostexcellentwaytolead.com to find a retailer and preorder a copy today!)