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Do I have a right to share Christ while on the job? Can I do ministry work during work hours? These are questions that Christians often ask. You can review the legal side of this issue by downloading a free booklet from the American Center for Law and Justice: http://bit.ly/I2ES03 .My perspective is that we should not use paid work time for ministry. We are paid to do a job.  Part of our Christian witness is to be an outstanding worker.

However, we all should be a witness in the workplace. We can accomplish this through relationships. You can read my article on workplace evangelism here: http://bit.ly/HFIoz4 .

All of us engage in personal discussions at work. We can use some of these conversations to witness.  However, we need to remember to focus on our jobs. When you have an open door for a longer spiritual discussion; talk over breaks, lunch, or meet the person before or after work.  Share an invitation to visit your church or to attend family or inspirational events with you.

Doing church or ministry business while on the job robs time from your employer. The same is true if you use workplace equipment to do ministry.  Always ask first.  Usually you will be granted permission, especially if you are willing to use it by coming in early or staying late.

Consider this sad example.  Mark, (not his real name) was a solid Christian under my authority. He loved the Lord, witnessed every opportunity he had, and was very involved in ministry. He was a hard worker. However, he would spend up to two hours a day on ministry and witnessing conversations. As a result, his work fell behind. I spoke with him about the problem several times. His perspective was that he should be given whatever time necessary to do ministry.  I explained that I understood his passion for ministry; however, he needed to stay focused on his job during work hours.  I reminded him that he was paid for job-related work not ministry.  None of my conversations made a difference.  Ultimately, Mark was let go.

We can, and should share Christ at work as long as we find a way to do without taking time that rightfully belongs to our employer.

Steve Marr, Your Christian Business Coach