In this article on the Gospel Coalition site, Jeff Haanen explores how churches can develop behaviours and habits that encourage Christians in the workplace.
Quoting Lesslie Newbigin (“The congregation has to be a place where its members are trained, supported, and nourished in the exercise of their parts of the priestly ministry in the world. . . . There is need for “frontier-groups,” groups of Christians working the same sectors of public life, meeting to thrash out the controversial issues of their business or profession in the light of their faith.”), he suggests that vocation based groups are excellent examples of ‘frontier groups’.
In summary, he provides some advice for pastors wanting to form?vocational groups within their congregations:
1. Visit church members at their work: ?“When you consider forming vocation groups, the best place to start is by listening. Visit five to ten people at work, see their craft, and hear of their triumphs and challenges over lunch …?Vocation groups begin with a well-informed pastor who understands the real difficulties of where his congregation spends the majority of their waking hours.”
2. After a sermon series or class on faith and work, organize vocation groups
3. Commit to resourcing your vocation groups.
Read the full article for some very helpful suggestions and insights.