Discipleship in the Workplace

By John Scroggins, The Baton Exchange

(8 1/2 minute read)

Jeremy wasn’t like me, but he walked with me anyway—and it shaped my perspective.

My first job out of college was at a global manufacturing company, where I managed the scheduling of high-end air conditioners for computer systems. Though my role was based in the office, I often spent time on the shop floor interacting with the people who built the units. It was in this secular workplace context that I met Jeremy.

Other than being men, growing up in Ohio, and working for the same company, we didn’t seem to share much in common—or did we?

We both were seeking God. I was a believer wanting to know Him more. Jeremy wasn’t yet a believer—he was seeking to know if God was true. Over time, as I interacted with him during my visits to the shop floor, a friendship began to form. Beyond work conversations, I’d check in to see how he was doing.

One day, we began a spiritual conversation. I invited him to walk and talk after work, and he accepted. We talked about God. Later, I invited him over to my modest bachelor pad for dinner.

Nothing fancy—just a meal, an opportunity to build relationship, and a chance to plant seeds. I don’t know if Jeremy ever decided to follow Christ, but the experience expanded my perspective on sharing Jesus with those I initially thought I had little in common with.

Looking back, I wish I had been more intentionally connected with other believers in that company—people who could have discipled me on how to follow up with Jeremy, collaborate in ministry, and pray for him more effectively.

The workplace can provide many natural opportunities for disciple-making. Certainly, one doesn’t need another believer in the same company to be effective at sharing faith. However, having fellow believers nearby can create unique possibilities—shared understanding of the culture, awareness of challenges, and access to the same coworkers. Regular check-ins and spontaneous encouragement provided by a discipler in the next cube or down the hall become more natural.

These workplace relationships and opportunities for mentoring and discipleship are among the many strategic reasons why intentional discipleship in the workplace matters. Below are a few more reasons why it’s important and practical ways to do it well.

The Biblical Mandate for Workplace Discipleship

Scripture teaches that our work is not secular—it is sacred. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Work itself is a divine calling, instituted in the Garden of Eden before the fall (Genesis 2:15). When we view our workplace as part of God’s mission, discipleship naturally follows.

Paul saw this clearly when he wrote to the Corinthians: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Ambassadors live in foreign territory, representing their homeland. In the same way, believers represent the Kingdom of God in a world that often operates by very different principles.

Discipleship in the workplace means living out this identity—modeling integrity, humility, and servant leadership so that others may see Christ in us. It’s not an additional “program” to fit into your day; it’s a lifestyle of influence that transforms how you work, how you lead, and how you relate to others.

Why It Matters: The Missional Power of Everyday Work

The Workplace is Where the World Is

Most adults spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else. It’s where relationships are built, challenges are faced, and character is revealed. Jesus’ command to “be salt and light” (Matthew 5:13–16) applies directly here. Salt preserves and flavors; light exposes truth and brings clarity. When believers live out their faith authentically at work, the gospel is made visible in a context where people might never step into a church.

Work Reveals the Gospel’s Transforming Power

The gospel doesn’t just save us—it changes us. A transformed heart leads to transformed behavior. When believers show patience in conflict, excellence in effort, humility in success, and grace in failure, they provide a living testimony of the gospel’s reality. Paul urged the Philippians to “shine like stars in the world” (Philippians 2:15). In a workplace culture often driven by pride, competition, and self-interest, godly conduct shines brightly.

Discipleship at Work Shapes Kingdom Leaders

The workplace develops skills like problem-solving, communication, and resilience. When these are guided by the Holy Spirit, they become tools for Kingdom influence. The biblical figures of Daniel, Joseph, and Esther all demonstrated faithful discipleship in professional and political settings. Their workplaces were their mission fields, and their influence changed nations.

Practical Ways to Disciple in the Workplace

Discipleship in the workplace doesn’t require a pulpit—it requires intentional presence. Here are practical ways to integrate faith into your daily work and relationships. As you read through these, think about how these things could be done together with other Believers, frequently, intentionally and encouragingly spurring one another on in these things.

1. Model Christlike Character

Character is the foundation of discipleship. Integrity, honesty, and humility speak louder than words. When you make ethical decisions even at personal cost, you demonstrate the difference Christ makes. Peter encourages believers, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable… so that they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).

Take time to evaluate your daily habits:

• Do you keep your word?

• Do you treat all coworkers with respect, regardless of position?

• Do you give credit to others rather than seek your own glory?

Living with consistent integrity builds credibility—and credibility opens doors for spiritual influence.

2. Build Genuine Relationships

Jesus discipled through relationships. He spent time with His followers—listening, eating, walking, and sharing life with them. In the workplace, discipleship begins with genuine care. Take interest in your colleagues’ lives, families, and challenges. Listen more than you speak.

Pray regularly for your coworkers, even if they don’t know it. Look for opportunities to serve or encourage—whether that means offering help on a project, writing a note of appreciation, or simply being available when someone is struggling. Genuine love softens hearts and builds trust.

3. Integrate Faith into Conversations Naturally

You don’t need to force spiritual conversations, but you also don’t need to hide your faith. Let your relationship with Christ surface naturally as part of who you are. When coworkers ask how you stay calm under pressure, you can point to your trust in God. When someone shares a personal struggle, you can offer to pray for them.

Colossians 4:5–6 gives wise instruction: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.”

4. Mentor and Multiply

Discipleship is about multiplication. As you grow in faith and maturity, look for opportunities to mentor others—believers and unbelievers alike. Offer spiritual encouragement, wisdom, and accountability.

If you supervise others, view your leadership as stewardship. Use your position to empower, not exploit; to serve, not dominate. Jesus modeled servant leadership when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14–15). In the same way, workplace discipleship means helping others reach their God-given potential.

5. Form or Join a Workplace Fellowship

Many workplaces allow for voluntary employee groups. Consider starting or joining a Christian fellowship, prayer group, or Bible study during lunch breaks. These gatherings strengthen believers, create community, and provide a safe space for seekers to explore faith. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.”

6. Work with Excellence and Purpose

Excellence honors God and attracts others. When your work reflects diligence and quality, it validates your testimony. Daniel excelled in his duties so much that his enemies “could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Daniel 6:4).

Your work is an act of worship. Offer it to God as a daily sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Whether you’re designing software, managing a team, teaching students, or repairing equipment, do it as unto the Lord—and let your excellence draw others to ask why you work differently.

7. Respond to Conflict with Grace

Conflict is inevitable, but it’s also an opportunity for discipleship. Responding with gentleness, patience, and forgiveness demonstrates the Spirit’s power. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

When wronged, refuse to retaliate. When misunderstood, seek peace. When others gossip, choose encouragement. Each reaction becomes a witness to the gospel.

Living as a Workplace Disciple

When Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), He wasn’t limiting that command to pastors, missionaries, or church leaders. He was speaking to every believer—ordinary people living out their faith in ordinary places. For most of us, that place is the workplace.

Whether you work in an office, on a job site, in a classroom, or behind a counter, your workplace is one of the most strategic mission fields God has placed in your life. Discipleship in the workplace is not about preaching sermons at your coworkers; it’s about embodying Christ’s character, influence, and truth in the rhythms of everyday work. It’s where faith and vocation intersect to display God’s glory.

Discipleship in the workplace is not about perfection—it’s about presence and perseverance. It’s choosing daily to align your work with God’s purposes, to see your coworkers through His eyes, and to let your actions point others toward Him.

In a world desperate for authenticity and hope, believers who live out their faith in their work settings are beacons of light. The workplace becomes a context for transformation—for both the disciple and those they influence.

Jesus’ invitation remains the same today as it was two thousand years ago: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). When you follow Him into your workplace, He will use you to reach others right where they are. Pray that God use you and others discipling each other to reflect at work that “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

Reflection & Application

• How do you currently view your work—merely as a job, or as a calling?

• What opportunities for discipleship exist in your daily work relationships?

• Who might God be calling you to invest in spiritually?

• What practical step can you take this week to model Christ in your workplace?