When I started developing the workplace ministry at Saddleback Church there were less than 20 work related small groups informally meeting. These were individuals in the same industry, co-workers or just working individuals coming together for support and to grow in God's Word. As a ministry leader on the Small Group team, I was responsible for the small groups meeting in workplaces amongst co-workers and the volunteer leaders to support those groups.
Over time I built out the workplace ministry and workplace small groups, recruited a volunteer ministry leadership team, launched many initiatives and heard countless testimonies. When I stepped away from the pastoral role we had about 500 small groups meeting in workplaces across Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The average size of the group was eight people.
In completion of my Organizational Leadership studies, my master's thesis for my research topic was How to Effectively Establish and Maintain Workplace Small Groups. I conducted primary research of groups that disbanded and those that continued. I learned that the value of workplace small groups was more than I had considered.
Some of My Research Findings
- 80% of the people who were in a workplace small group, or Bible study at work, reported an increase of peace, joy and patience at work.
- 25%, or 1 out of every 4 people in the workplace small group came to Christ. I even met many of them when they came to church to be baptized!
- 15% of the participants in the workplace small groups were either un-churched, had an alternate faith or no faith association at all.
- 47% of the people joined the group because they wanted to learn how to be more like Christ at work.
- 50%, or 1 out of every 2 people who regularly attended a small group at work with their co-workers claimed a greater clarity and purpose of their work.
- 93% of the members in workplace groups reported a deeper connection with co-workers in the group.
- 93% of the people wanted to learn more about God or grow in their faith.
- 73% joined the group because they wanted to know God's plan for their life.
Since the 1980's spirituality has begun to move into the workplace, and it does not mean proselytizing on the job. It does mean finding ways to integrate faith and work to recognize that many employees desire to live an integrated holistic life. Proposals to form affinity groups, prayer breakfasts and the introduction of corporate chaplains are among the common employee requests.
Taking time to meet together as co-workers before work, during lunch, or after work provides an opportunity to build deeper relationships, encourage one another, support each other in the workplace, intercede for their employer and leaders and to see God at work in their lives. The workplace small group generally meets for 30 minutes to an hour in the workplace or somewhere offsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not unless your employer gives you permission.
Start with having a conversation with those whom you think would be interested. If your employer allows, post a flyer in a common workspace.
Discuss and decide as a group what resources and study material you will work through. It can be curriculum, podcasts, videos online or books.
The leader of the group has the role of facilitator, not teacher. It is important that each person be heard and not minimized, the meeting is respectful and the meeting starts and ends on time.
