Mission by Walking Around

The business concept of “management by walking around,” popularized by the 1982 book In Search of Excellence, was a somewhat revolutionary idea for how successful leaders engaged with their teams. By being physically present, upper management gained insight, fostered connections and inspired collective excellence.

Similarly, weaving our faith into our professional lives often takes the form of a subtle yet sincere practice – “mission by walking around.” As we navigate our workplaces – sharing our beliefs not through grand announcements, but through genuine interactions – we embark on a journey to uplift others by pointing them to Christ.

This concept shouldn’t be foreign to someone who wants to share their faith. As the Apostle Paul reminded us, we are to consider ourselves “ambassadors”:

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

-2 Corinthians 5:20

What does that mean? An ambassador is defined as “an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.” If we’re an official representative, it means we are here representing something above ourselves. We’re representing Christ and His Kingdom – so much so, that Paul said God is making His appeal through us!

When it comes to work, you’re surrounded by people who can easily evaluate what you represent. Do you offer an encouraging word? Do you take time to talk with people, or are you easily distracted and constantly hurrying through your interactions? Do you make it all about you, or do you ask questions?

Simply put, do you care?

Jesus did. One familiar instance of this was the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4:4-30. Jesus listened to her, asked questions and engaged with her. The Lord, who knew her before she drew her first breath, gave her His attention – all with no audience or “pat on the back” for His genuine compassion. He showed love and concern as He pointed her toward the truth.

Putting this into action doesn’t require complexity, but it does require discipline. Work is busy, we have tasks and expectations. However, carrying our faith means we can’t grow weary of looking for those opportunities with others.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

-Galatians 6:9

If you have a desire to share your faith, start with the people God’s put directly in front of you. You don’t have to go on a mission trip to a remote village of Africa to find people who are lost, hurting and looking for hope. The key, as Peter told us, is to “make every effort” to add to our faith and grow in the Spirit.

At the coffee pot, time between meetings and even small talk at another’s desk can be an opportunity to listen what God would have you say. Just simply walking around the office as you go about your day can be a harvest field of opportunity. The key is not to be so intent on ministering that we make it about us: it’s about listening, just as Jesus did to the woman at the well.

We each have different gifts from the Spirit, so this may look different in execution.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Being in the moment, with the Holy Spirit, is critical above any “ministering strategy.” After Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent us His Counselor. Seek Him. Depend on Him. And remember: it’s not about you anyway! When you are overcome with thoughts of your own inadequacy, remember that you’re pointing to Jesus. He is the focal point of our transformation and our hope.

Start in your own heart first, not in others’. If you resolve to be prayerful, respectful and loving toward others, God will give you opportunities to share the hope you have in Christ. Be on the lookout for the opportunities already in front of you!

The Better Word

1. Do you get to know your coworkers, or do you just transact with them? In bigger companies, it’s easy to remain strangers with people in “other groups.” God put you where you are to love and engage with the people you meet. It doesn’t mean being best friends with everyone, but it does mean being attentive to the people around you. You never know what difference you can make in someone’s life.
2. A wise person once said, “Love is spelled T-I-M-E.” We can’t afford to be careless with our time, but we can’t afford to be selfish, either. If you care about other people, show them by engaging and asking questions. You may uncover a prayer need or just an opportunity for someone else to be heard. That’s what Jesus did for those who needed Him most.
3. In a world with its head down in a smart phone, be committed to having your head up and looking for conversation. Not everyone will want to share their life story, and you’ll need discernment on when to lean in and lean away. Don’t let distractions keep you from meeting people, hearing their story and sharing the truth of Christ.