I have questions about starting a Workplace Small Group

 

Q1: Is this legal to do in the work place?

A1: Yes, you can! You small group should be held on non-working hours such as before or after work or during the lunch hour. You don’t have to leave your religion at the door when arriving at work. But keep in mind that your freedom of religion is limited by other people’s freedom not to participate in your practices, and to hold beliefs different than yours. “Freedom of religion” does not mean that you can practice your religion during work hours without your employer’s informed permission. When you are at work, your time is not your own, but belongs to your employer for your employer’s business purposes.

Obtain your employer’s consent before using company premises and facilities for anything other than work purposes. You must also strictly follow management’s expectations that workers to be at their jobs during specific hours. Your small group meeting times and activities must avoid interfering with work operations. Finally, for these meetings to be legal, they must not be used to coerce attendance or to exclude attendance of any person with the actual or subtle threat of reprisal. Co-workers must never be treated differently because they choose not to attend, cease attending, or even if they openly criticize those who attend. Management especially must avoid any harassment or criticism of employees who choose either to attend or not to attend.

Q2: How do I get my company or supervisor to approve this?

A2: Take the initiative of requesting permission in writing with a specific proposal. Make some alternative suggestions concerning time, place, and facilities so that management can select an option that is least disruptive of business operations. Be flexible in considering other possibilities management may propose. Make your proposal specific, simple and clear, stating the time, location, purpose, and likely numbers of persons who will attend. State in your proposal that no one will be excluded from the meeting who wants to attend, and no one will be forced to attend or criticized for non-attendance. Make it clear that persons attending will be attending only during their non-work hours, and will be back to work when expected. Do not use company DVD, computer, photocopy or internet resources unless you request and receive permission in writing. One proactive step is to suggest to management that each person attending your Workplace small group will sign an acknowledgement that he or she has read and understands the company’s non-discrimination policy, and will follow it. Finally, your proposal may state that one of the purposes of the meeting is to encourage members to deliver better work to the organization which is in conformity with Christ’s teachings.

Q3: What if my employer won’t allow us to meet at my place of business?

A3: You can meet offsite. We have groups meeting in the courtyards of the building, at restaurants and coffee shops.

Q4: Can I have a productive group if we have only 30 minutes to an hour to meet?

A4: Yes! Many of our groups meet for only 30 minutes. We will show you how to do this and suggest materials that will fit in the time that you have. The Weekly Workplace Wisdom or other devotional or book study are favorites for the 30 minute groups.

Q5: What study materials are available?

A5: Materials can be purchased at the Pavilion on the weekend after each church service or the bookstore in the Ministry Center or at Christian bookstores. A sampling of suggested curriculum is provided in What to Study.

Q6: I’m not a natural leader.

A6: You don’t need to be a leader at all; you just have to have a heart for people and for God. We will provide curriculum, ideas, and the leadership training. The Holy Spirit will provide what you need to lead the group.

Q7: I am not a leader in the organization; I am just a worker.

A7: Every position in an organization is important. God calls you to minister to those who will receive you. You can lead a group regardless of your position in your organization.

Q8: I don’t know how to lead a group.

A8: You are more of a host than a leader. We will provide small group/leader training to give you the tools and resources you will need.

Q9: I don’t know the Bible well enough.

A9: It’s not necessary to be a Bible expert in order to lead a small group. You just have to want to serve others as you facilitate the gatherings. The small group studies and devotionals will guide the group conversations. Let the group share with one another and if you the host share deeply others will be encouraged to do so as well.

Q10: I am afraid of being seen as a “religious nut”.

A10: It is true that we may unfortunately meet or work with other people who hold negative stereotypes of Christians. You can’t control what others believe but you can influence their thinking. Colossians 3:23 reminds us that Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Focus on being a better employee and apply that learning to your worklife. Do your work and conduct yourself as if God were conducting your next performance appraisal.

Q11: I am not that strong in my faith.

A11: Participating in a Workplace small group will strengthen your faith. God equips those he calls.

Q12: How do I recruit people to be members?

A12: We will show you, but it is primarily by talking to people who you know that work in your company or nearby. Tell them you are putting a group together to learn what the Bible has to say about being a more valuable employee at work and to grow in relationship with God. It is best to invite them personally and not use company resources.

Q13: Do I invite non-Church members who are Christians?

A13: Yes, unless it is inappropriate for a particular study. We are all part of the body of Christ. Matthew 18:20 tells us that For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. And Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Regardless of where people worship, you share a common place of work and God wants his people united wherever they are for his plans and purposes. You can support each other with prayer and encouragement and pray for your co-workers and employer.

Q14: Do I invite non-believers?

A14: Yes, unless it is inappropriate for a particular study. Some studies actually are made for Christians and non-Christians. A workplace small group is an inviting way for non-believers to investigate the claims of Christ and to see what we believe. If they say no, let it go.

Q15: Is the study material attractive to non-believers?

A15: A variety of study material is available that you can select from depending on the mix of your group. As we grow in discipleship in the work place, others may be attracted and interested in learning more about employing good principles into business practices. God will bring the people to you if you are open and inviting.

Q16: How do I go about inviting people?

A16: First pray for God’s wisdom, direction and that he will bring other willing participants. It is important to make the first invitation in person. If the person wants to attend, you can then send an email or letter to confirm.

Q17: How do I get momentum?

A17: If you can get 2 or 3 people to join you, it will be easier to recruit more members. If you know of at least one other person who would like to do this with you, you may consider inviting people as a team or a growing small group. People have a tendency to flock to the action.

Q18: What if I am the only believer in my work place?

A18: Pray that God will provide the direction and the wisdom and send you another person. The Purpose Driven Life or 40 Days of Love, the Relationship Principles of Jesus are good studies for non-believers. Many people want to better understand their purpose in life.

Q19: Do I need my supervisor’s approval?

A19: If you want to meet on company property you should obtain approval from your supervisor. If you are meeting off-site this is not necessary.

Q20:

Q20: The important thing is that your gatherings do not disrupt normal company operations nor interfere with your job. It is best to meet outside of company time which would include before and after work, during the lunch hour or during breaks.

If you have additional questions, please call our Workplace Leadership at 949-609-8139 or email us at