Bringing Jesus to the Office

“Talking about our faith is a mission God gave us,” said Charlene, a Saddleback member and employee at a mutual fund company in Irvine. “Sometimes we might experience rejection or awkwardness, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re God’s vessels. We just need to do our part in a simple conversation, and he’ll take care of the rest.”

In 2010, a group of employees at the company began gathering for a casual small group and Bible discussion at lunch on Wednesdays, led by Simon, another Saddleback member.

“I was driven to love people at work because that's what Jesus would do, as well,” Simon said.

“In those early days, the meetings were quite informal,” recalled small group co-leader and Saddleback member Jinpil. “People found us through word of mouth.”

The group kept growing, so they added a second session on Thursday to accommodate the numbers. This sparked a vision for something greater — a formally recognized Christian community of workplace small groups. “We would pray, ‘Lord, if we could have a group every day of the week, what a blessing that would be,’” said Debbie, Saddleback member and one of the co-leaders of the small group.

The backing of senior leaders in their workplace was critical to firmly establish the community. “Human resources was very supportive,” Debbie said. “They were willing to work with us at every step.”

The process to officially launch a workplace small group took nearly a year of working with management. “Over the course of those months, as we waited to hear if our group could continue meeting, there were ups and downs — and waiting — but it was worth it!” Simon said.

As a leader, Jinpil witnessed their group becoming established in the workplace. The process gave him a range of emotions. “I was scared at first because I didn’t know how it was going to change our small group,” he said. “But later on, I became excited when I realized we could study God and be part of the Christian community in my workplace.”

Even after the community was official, it took prayer and trust to build up membership. “At our launch in April of 2017, we had only 23 members,” Debbie recalled. Employees worked to spread the word. “We wanted people to know we were here, if nothing else to know that someone was here to pray for them.” She is grateful to Simon for his efforts to get the word out. “Simon is a force,” she said with a smile. “He worked tirelessly with the leadership and prayed over the office the entire time we were working to make the community official.”

Simon also has gratitude for his company. “Our company promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” he explained. In fact, the company is consistently honored by local and national awards that recognize companies who have made extraordinary strides in these efforts.

“We’ve focused on creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive and be supported,” said Jim, one of the business’s senior leaders who helped the small group get started.

Thanks to God’s leading in the lives of various leaders who have stepped up to host small groups, there is now a study almost every day of the week. “Serving as a host has had an incredible effect on my being able to keep my focus on God throughout the week,” explained Doug, Saddleback member and co-host of the Thursday group. “My conversations with my co-host Andrew N. enrich both of our understanding of the Word as we prepare our weekly studies and deepen our fellowship with each other.” 

Andrew O. is another leader. He uses the principles he has learned at Saddleback to help shape his group. “I always felt like I had a good understanding of God,” he explained, “but it was the messages from Saddleback Church that really encouraged me to pursue a true relationship with Jesus.”

The effect of the groups on the members is undeniable. “I am extremely blessed to work at a place like this,” said Charlene. “In the small groups, I grow my understanding of the Scripture and gain encouragement from my fellow believers.”

In fact, studies have shown that companies that allow Christian and diverse groups to meet boast a higher retention rate, engagement, and trust from their employees. “Our diverse communities help build networks, attract talent, and support professional development,” said Jim. In fact, the company also has nearly 40 communities that support groups like veterans, nonprofit leadership, women, and parents of children with special needs.

Charlene agrees that the small group community has built a lasting relationship with co-workers. “How wonderful it is to have a faithful and supportive group of people in the office,” she said. “When the week gets tough, the study on Thursday will boost me up, because I know people who are looking out for me. My fellow brothers and sisters are my source of encouragement. I need them in my life.”

This is why our group fits perfectly into the company culture. “We hold each other accountable to biblical principles,” said Victoria, a group host and Saddleback member, “which are consistent with the core values of our workplace: integrity, accountability, humility, collaboration, respect for individuals.” “This is so we can ensure continued success in our work and the way we treat our co-workers.”

The workplace small group has not only benefited employees but the Orange County community, as well. Through volunteer projects and partnerships with nonprofits, members have shared Jesus’ love with other people, including children with parents in rehab, the homeless, underserved elementary school students, low-income women seeking employment, and foster children.

“I am excited to see the positive impact of support, encouragement, and love that our group has had on those around us,” Simon said. “When we show good work in the community, God is glorified.”

Group members have the chance to extend both God’s hope and practical services to those who are hurting in our local community. “People are hungering for God’s love, and we want to be there for them in their need,” Debbie said.

“This is who we are — we care and give back to the community by serving those in need,” said Anne, a Saddleback member.  “Whether it be the homeless, marginalized, local or global, our members have made it a priority to connect with the underserved.”

Volunteering also strengthens the members’ relationship with each other. “As I reflect on what God has done in my life, I can’t thank him enough for the privilege to serve in the Christian community here,” Simon said. The service projects also put God’s love in action.

“I long to be close to him to understand his love and show the same to the people around us,” said Charlene.

This spirit of inclusivity has also played a role in the success of the workplace small group. The community is open to all employees, regardless of religion or denomination. “Everyone is welcome,” said Debbie. “We just love people.”

One of the ways that God is moving through these workplace small groups is in how members feel empowered to discuss the group with co-workers. Though this topic may have been considered taboo in the past, God gives the group members courage when needed. “We should never be ashamed,” Debbie said. Doug recognizes that everyone’s method of communication is different. “Each of us is called to talk about our group in different ways and at different times,” he explained. “When the opportunity arises, we just need to recognize it and know he is with us always.”

Doug emphasizes that bringing up the groups can be simple. “It can be in the course of any casual conversation with a small mention of what I did that weekend. For example, ‘Oh, when I was preparing for the study, I learned …’ Many times, that can open a door. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but as people know and realize who you are as a Christian, it becomes easier over time.”

Anne agrees. “Being part of Saddleback and the Christian community in my workplace has given me more courage to talk about my faith,” she said. “I’ve connected with other associates on a different level. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made, which have also created a work environment where employees can thrive.”

“I pray that our workplace small group continues to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to draw us closer to God,” added Jinpil.

Simon hopes for a continued impact beyond those in the faith. “I pray that non-Christians will see Christians differently through the workplace,” he said, “and that our brothers and sisters make an impact to one life at a time.”

Victoria also looks to the future with excitement. “Isaiah 43:19 always inspires me: ‘For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.’ This verse reminds me that God is doing something new within every single group. I’ve been blessed to have launched numerous small groups and have witnessed the power, grace, and love of God through each one. And I see how he is the living God, fully alive, and his Word is the living Word.”

These groups that began with the simple, bold idea have grown to over 500 members in company offices in Los Angeles; Indianapolis; San Antonio, Texas; and Hampton Roads, Virginia, with plans to launch in New York City. Recently, a group launched in London — that’s right, it went international!

These workplace small groups are clearly in God’s hands, and the members trust him to keep providing a forum in the office to come together. Though Debbie acknowledges that she and Simon put in efforts to start the community, she gives true credit where it is due.

“We may have started with an idea,” she said, “but it’s the Lord who gave it life and breath. I know how fortunate I am to be here.” She motioned her head to the entryway of her office building, saying, “I’m grateful every time I walk in that door.”

Learn more about workplace small groups and integrating your faith in your career at saddleback.com/works