To impart faith at work, be an example

In his excellent article in the May issue of Legatus magazine, “Running an Enterprise in ‘Woke Times,’” Dr. Andrew Abela offered that excellence in the workplace should be achieved through the cultivation of virtue in order to “give witness to true, rational morality by showing that it works.”

That got me thinking about evangelization in the workplace. Studies show that up to 90 percent of people who had a conversion experience as an adult did so because of a relationship with people outside of church. This statistic underscores the strategic nature of the workplace for evangelization.

Most of us do not feel gifted as evangelists, and so the call to share the Gospel message can be unsettling. Broaching a spiritual conversation with colleagues at work can stir no small amount of angst. You might feel a bit intimidated by hostile attitudes toward Christianity. If you are not careful, you could push your colleagues away from yourself and/or from God. What should a leader do?

Andrew mentioned setting the example, and this is where it starts. Two words come to mind: joy and service. The most important thing is to be joyful in living out the Gospel. St. Peter described this joy perfectly: “to give an account of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15).

When we serve people, we bring the love of Jesus to them. Evangelism is not as much about bringing people to Jesus as it is bringing Jesus to people—to show, and then tell. That was key to St. Paul’s strategy: “For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them” (1 Cor 9:19). Saint Paul connected with people wherever they felt most comfortable; he did not require them to accommodate him.

Dr. Scott Hahn likens evangelizing to talking about the ball game over the water cooler. Being part of someone’s faith journey could begin with sharing conversation over a cup of coffee, encouraging someone who’s having a rough week, or offering a hand to a colleague under stress.

Here is a list of actions to consider:

Work hard. The quality of our work and our attitude toward it tells people a lot about us and the God we serve. When we do good work, God is glorified.

Be joyful in all you do.

Serve others. Always strive to help and support.

Talk about your family. And ask your colleagues about theirs.

Interact. Make time when they simply want to talk. Be a good listener. Let them know they can always rely on you.

Celebrate. Be the first to congratulate them on the birth or a child or a significant accomplishment.

Console. Spend time with them when they are particularly challenged, are feeling down, or are in mourning.

Be Catholic. Pray at meals and make the Sign of the Cross. Wear symbols of faith proudly, perhaps a scapular or crucifix.

Proclaim. Mentioning Mass as part of your weekend plans may prompt a question and an opportunity. Talk to colleagues about your faith when appropriate. Tell them you are praying for them. Maybe invite them to Mass: a recent study indicated that 82 percent of people who no longer attend Mass or church services would consider going if someone were to invite them.

Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly. We must be mentally prepared for these opportunities. Listen to God’s voice, follow His promptings, and let the Holy Spirit guide the conversations.

RANDY HAMMOND and his wife, Kaye, Legatus members since 2011, are members of the Denver Chapter. Randy serves on the Legatus International Board of Governors and is chairman of the Forums Committee.