The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

We have heard much talk about the separation of church and state. Governments have struggled for years with special interest groups who desire to impose moral issues on the masses through governmental legislation. The struggle between religion and contemporary society is quite profound in our own country, since we have historically been known as a religious people. Even the vilest of us have some allegiance to a denomination, and while worship may not necessarily be a part of our weekly routine, most Bahamians still ascribe due benevolence to a higher existence.

What is also true about our religion is the fact that our passion and enthusiasm to live out our faith in the truest sense causes us to tangibly demonstrate acts of faith, even in the workplace. Our discussion today, then, addresses the extent to which religion and faith should impact the workforce and the corporate climate. As an individual with strong personal faith convictions myself, I have seen numerous abuses of ‘ministry’ in the workplace. In fact, we preach and teach from our pulpits that we need not be Sunday Christians, and that the double life of corporate self, home and family self and church self, abhors God and should be rejected. Essentially, we are encouraged to not disguise or diminish our Christian witness (intensify it even) when we go to work.

What I find most disheartening is the reputation that so many who call themselves Christians have earned in the workplace. They preach some things and grossly neglect others. They are often the most negative, conniving, unethical, gossipy and dishonest (sometimes under the guise of ministry).

My thoughts on the clear abuses by religious individuals, allowing the expression of their faith to interfere with their work responsibilities, hinge on the scriptural reference to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. Simply put, if your occupation and daily functions as an accounts clerk are interrupted by the prayer meetings in the lunch room, the mid-day praise break that got a little ‘hot’ or the hours of unscripted ‘ad hoc’ counselling sessions, then you have violated God’s design for honouring your vocation.

I believe a huge part of our confusion in this regard revolves around how we view ministry. The anointed minister is not merely relegated to preaching, teaching, singing, counselling, praying or shouting. The nurse who administers care and healing professionally and accurately is as anointed as the fiery preacher if he or she is purposefully aligned.

So, then, let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Do we allow religion, Christian witness and live demonstrations of faith into our workplace? The Chamber Voice says absolutely. We encourage boardroom prayer as important matters and decisions are being made. We encourage professional Christian counselling for those who are deeply hurt and confused, and under high levels of stress. We encourage co-worker discussion of powerful passages of scripture that have brought hope, healing and restoration. What we discourage, though, is the praise and worship singing that disturbs and annoys the guest, or the dogmatic spewing of doctrinal teachings that alienates people whose views are different (particularly those we serve).

Like everything else, we must manage well the gifts, resources and treasures we have received. From the writings of the great New Testament Apostle, we must become all things to all men, so we can reach some.

NB: Ian R. Ferguson was educated locally, regionally and internationally, having earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Miami. During the course of his nearly 20 years in education, talent management and human resources, he has served both the public and private sector in senior management roles. He currently serves as manager of the Chamber Institute, and as a local consultant in the field, having assisted hundreds of local and regional businesses in improving business and service excellence through their human capital.