Can I really lead a workplace Bible Study?
We all love connecting with other Christian working women at Polished chapter meetings. The speakers provide powerful examples of practical ways to lean on and integrate our faith at work. But applying the ideas we learn from those speakers with intentionality and consistency can be challenging. What does it look like for you to honor God in everything you do at work? How can you tap into God’s wisdom and strength in your work? A workplace Bible study is a great way to explore how you can consistently be intentional about leaning on God in your work while growing with others.
I will never forget Joy, a saleswoman I worked with in the early 2000’s. She was often the top sales person and would always give glory to God. She also prayed with her customers and was very outspoken about her faith. Joy’s example motivated me to consider what it would look like for me to bring my faith into my work. But it was years later that I discovered there were resources available to help me do that. Since then, I have facilitated and written many workplace Bible studies. Even when I am going through the same materials for the third or fourth time, I learn something new—one, because I am in a different place in my faith journey, but also because of the people who join me and contribute their perspectives. We were designed to grow together.
If doing a workplace Bible study with a group of coworkers or colleagues sounds intriguing to you, we are here to help. Polished offers study materials designed for time-starved women (no homework!). All that’s required is to invite a few friends or coworkers, choose a time (weekly or bi-weekly is recommended), and get ready for rich discussion. No Bible teacher required! All you have to do is create a safe space, keep the discussion going and follow up with the group in between meetings to share a couple of key insights and remind them when you will meet again. Choosing study materials that focus on integrating faith and work will help you grow as a leader, team member and contributor, making this time an investment in your professional development.
Polished is releasing a short video on what it looks like to start and facilitate a workplace Bible study to support you if this is something God is putting on your heart.
Work is hard. Even if you’re doing work you love, you are going to face difficult days. It is possible for you to experience peace and access wisdom in even the most challenging situations. When we get together with others to study God’s Word through the lens of what it teaches us about work, we get equipped with practical ways we can turn to God. You’ll not only grow professionally, you will allow Christ’s light to shine through you more powerfully.
Catherine Gates is Vice President of Business Partnerships for Polished Network, a national non-profit that emboldens women in their faith and work. She is the author of The Confidence Cornerstone: A Woman’s Guide to Fearless Leadership. Catherine has contributed to several faith-and-work Bible studies, YouVersion reading plans, and books from other authors including the iWork4Him and sheWorks4Him publications. She is a powerful speaker and frequent podcast contributor.
Catherine is on the steering committee for the National Faith & Work Association (NFWA.org) and on the board of Ladies of Grace, a women’s prison ministry. She is passionate about helping people achieve more of their God-given potential by bringing faith into every area of life.