For many Christians, the place with the most challenges and opportunities for sharing their faith is the workplace. While most evangelistic training, prayer and activity is church-focused, the reality is that believers spend the bulk of the time they spend with non-Christians, in offices, shops, factories, airports or campuses.
A friend of mine once went on a short-term medical mission to Africa. Many Christians promised to pray for her trip. Her reply was striking: “Thank you. But please also pray for me the rest of the year too, because being a Christian in NHS Scotland is harder than in Africa!” At a recent Christian conference, almost every hand went up when delegates were asked if they felt unequipped by their church for the challenges of workplace discipleship. Yet this remains the frontline where the church meets the world.
In 2025, thousands of Christians across the UK are considering how to be more faithful and visible for Jesus in councils, hospitals, universities, government departments, factories and businesses. Around 500 Christian Workplace Groups (CWGs) now bring believers together to strengthen their witness. Of course, these groups face challenges, as colleagues often come from very different church traditions. But just as students work across denominations in Christian Unions to reach campuses, the same cooperation can continue in professional life.
It's crucial to know the places we are called to reach
Most of us can tell people how many people were at our service on Sunday. We are usually less certain …