As followers of Jesus called to the workplace we want to encourage, support, and care for each other in the name of Christ while upholding the highest ethical standards in our work organizations. It’s a powerful testimony and strategy.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

All over the marketplace, Christians meet in workplace Bible studies. Some are organized, sanctioned employee groups and some are informal gatherings; anyone can start a group on the lunch hour.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

You might think of how we encourage each other and meet in our churches when you read Hebrews 10:24-25. And it’s true – we do! We can – and should apply – this principle everywhere in our life, including our workplaces.

My workplace had individuals meeting on the lunch hour for Bible studies long before the Christian Employee Resources Group (CERG) was formed and approved.

Our goal is to have a small group meeting on a regular basis in each of our multiple campuses. Most small groups are Bible studies that include a time of prayer; there is also one group that is devoted to prayer.

Small groups are held on the lunch hour to minimize any disruption to work and generally tend to meet weekly. There is a lot of flexibility in expectations around attendance, with a come-when-you-can atmosphere as competing work demand can get in the way of members being able to commit to coming every week.

What started as a few individuals meeting on a lunch hour for Bible study and grew to a formalized group, Christian ministry in my workplace and has expanded steadily since initial approval in 2003.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

All events are Christian in nature and belief, and all employees, whether professing an affiliation to being a Christian or not, are invited, encouraged, and welcome to attend.

Dream big and start small for your workplace – we can’t outdream God. We serve a big God who can do anything.

Is God encouraging you to start a workplace Bible study?