Ministries:
Adult | Teens | Children

Pastor's Pen's:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Sermon Series:
Following Jesus
Earthly Cross
His Name Is
Apostles Creed
Dealing with Feelings
Jonah
Get Real
Promised Land Living

Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

Email:
Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2003

Grace Church of Burlington April 13, 2003 "You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time."     John Maxwell             As believers, we are commanded to be witnesses. It’s not optional. It’s not something that we can delegate to those in paid ministry or leadership position. We can’t even rationalize away our responsibility saying, "It’s not my spiritual gift." Each of us are to be faithfully sharing the Good News of God’s love. We are to be warning the lost around of us of Hell and judgment. We are to be telling that Jesus came to earth to die for each of our sins and to be our Savior.             The most fertile soil for evangelism for most believers is the workplace. And one does not have to be a brash, Bible-thumping oddball to have a powerful spiritual influence in the workplace. Let me suggest some ideas to help you reach out to those that you work with.             A. Pray for the people that you work with. Even if you’re shy or introverted, ask the Lord to draw the people to you who need Him the most. You probably need to be a little more transparent than you’re normally comfortable with so that your co-workers feel comfortable being transparent with you. Also, when you learn that a co-worker is going through a crisis; death or serious illness of a family member, divorce, family issues, pray for them and even let them know that you are praying for them.             B. Look for opportunities to serve people. Minister to co-workers, particularly when they are hurting and more open to it. If a co-worker or one of their family members is going through an extended illness, offer meals or other practical help. Be sensitive and wise. If personal help seems too intrusive at the moment, offer to keep their office clean or help keep up on e-mails and phone messages if they are out.             C. Do little things. Buy the next round of coffee. Offer to be the gofer to pick up the next dozen doughnuts. Take someone with you – a lot of great casual conversations happen while driving. Help the new person get situated and familiarized. Take someone to lunch.  Our Heavenly Father is generous.  Too often His children have a reputation for being cheapskates.             E. Remember important occasions. Send a thank you note or e-mail when someone gives you a gift or does you a favor. If a subordinate puts in extra effort, let them know that you noticed and appreciate it. Keep a stash of cards in your desk and remember each person’s birthday in your department (without any expectation of reciprocation). Learn the name of co-workers’ spouses and children – the most important people in the world to them – then ask how their spouse is doing at work or how their children are doing in school or in the sport that they participate in. Make a fresh pot of coffee or microwave popcorn to share. Learn about co-workers’ hobbies and interests, then pass along related article clippings or Web sites you find.             F. Be real. Always be truthful with co-workers and clients. Be known as a person of authenticity and integrity, particularly when it comes to business dealings.             G. Be kind. All of us get busy or feel stressed. That is not an excuse to be impatient or unkind. Also, never participate in office gossip. If you find yourself caught in a negative conversation about someone who isn’t there to defend themselves, turn the conversation to something positive or a good character trait about that person. Or, just simply change the subject.             H. Watch your tongue. Don’t complain about work, your spouse, your children...and never complain about church. Be honest about struggles but don’t be a moaner. A lost world is full of them and needs believers who are people of joy and thanksgiving. Also, don’t season your language with  religious lingo that lost people don’t understand. And never try to win religious arguments, build relationship instead and lovingly share the Gospel.             A. Be diligent but humble. Be a hard worker. Be committed to quality, but not necessarily in a way that gets you noticed for the next big promotion. Instead realize that your work is your ministry and that your workplace is your mission field. Work and conduct yourself in such a way that the Lord Jesus Christ is pleased with both your actions and your attitudes.