This marks a growing hunger of Christians for more teaching on how they can live out their faith in the place where they spend the majority of their waking hours.

The occasion was the annual Life@Work Conference coordinated by City Bible Forum. This time the theme was “The Future of Work: How to love your colleagues and share Jesus in an ever-changing landscape”. I was privileged to sit on an expert panel at the end of the day.

Andrew Laird, the Life@Work National Manager, gave two Bible talks covering three gifts from God for us at work: a recognition of the importance of place, which helps us stay grounded in the midst of busyness; the wonder of friendships, an antidote to the epidemic of loneliness in our workplaces; and the knowledge that we are held by God, no matter what is happening to us, or around us.

Daniel Sih, author of Spacemaker, challenged us about our relationship with technology. It made me conscious that technology is a great servant but a terrible master. I, like many, wondered if I was a slave to my phone and considered whether I should extend my break from it on Sundays.

Josh, working for a major bank, said how he used the diversity and inclusion policies of his organisation to argue for permission to advertise a Christian group.

There was also a wonderful interview with Christian comedian and social media influencer Josh Hawkins (Hi Josh!), about the way his faith translates into his work. He talked about the process of discernment that led to his decision to swap ministries from church leading to full-time comedy. He emphasised the need for Christians to be present in all areas of society, and the way he navigates the temptations and pressures of his own work.

However, the real gems came from a variety of ordinary Christians who were asked about their work. Hannah, a speech pathologist, talked about how relationships were built and people were encouraged when she invited people in her workplace to a “virtual cuppa”.

Josh, working for a major bank, said how he used the diversity and inclusion policies of his organisation to argue for permission to advertise a Christian group, which boosted regular attendance from six to 35, with 180 on a distribution list.

Linda, a lawyer and a full-time mum, talked about the way she sees her paid work as enabling her to reach out with grace and compassion to people impacted by a broken world. She also shared her vision for churches to create space to encourage working mothers.

The inimitable Sam Chan shared about his own experience as a doctor …

The panel discussed some data from McCrindle, stories of Christians making a difference in the workplace and also shared vulnerably about their own experiences of working. Lisa Bateup from Interserve talked about the opportunities for spiritual conversations in a multicultural workplace, as well as challenging Christians to think about the ways God could use their “vocational power” in other contexts, including overseas.

The inimitable Sam Chan shared about his own experience as a doctor, taking time to listen carefully and ask questions, and having the courage to invite colleagues to Christian gatherings.

Perhaps it was no surprise when at the end of the day, people responded to a survey saying they were “chancouraged” – which may have been a reference to two of the Chans on the panel – but was more likely a combination of “challenged” and “encouraged”.

We need more of this discipleship for our vocations – preferably in our church contexts – helping us to work faithfully in whatever context God places us.

NEXT TIME: A story of a workplace Christian

Kara Martin is an Adjunct Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and lectures at Mary Andrews College. She is author of the Workship books and Keeping Faith and co-host of the Worship on the Way to Work podcast.