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The Evangelism Myth

There has been a long standing myth that connecting our everyday work with God’s mission means that we all become apologists and evangelists in our workplaces. That is a modern cultural idea, not one that is supported by scriptures or tradition.  

Paul talks about spiritual gifts that are given to those who are in the body of Jesus. One of these gifts is evangelism, but there are many others. I don’t believe that the use of those gifts evaporates at the institutional boundaries of church properties and programs.  1 Corinthians 12 says^{: “}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.”

The important thing is that we understand how God has gifted each of us and that we bring life and renewal to every area of our lives through those gifts (and the other characteristics that reflect Jesus nature).

Don’t be guilted or misled into trying to live out someone else’s spiritual gifts. That leads to frustration and annoyance, not renewal and healing. Do your whole life, including your work, with the gifts that God gave you.