More pastors are preaching about the biblical view of work more often, according to recent research from the Center for Faith and Work at LeTourneau University.
In 2011, 26 percent of pastors said their sermons addressed faith and work. In 2014, 36 percent of senior Protestant pastors said they preached a sermon on what the Bible says about God’s view of work within in the past month, with an additional 36 percent preaching on faith and work in the last six months.
The number of pastors who say they preached about the biblical view of work in the past year was 86 percent.
The research also indicates 70 percent of American churchgoers don’t “see how their work serves God’s purposes,” and 78 percent “see their work as less important than the work of a pastor or priest.”
So, while it’s encouraging that pastors are talking about faith and work more often, a majority of Christians still believe ministry work is more important than other kinds of work.
Art Lindsley, vice president of theological initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, suggests four ways church leaders can encourage their people in their work:
- Interview workers in various professions during services.
- Pray for people in various professions (and all workers).
- Watch your language by elevating ministry work over other kinds of work.
- Stress that anyone can have a ministry at work.
Previously, pastor Darryl Ford wrote how churches can help encourage Christians to have a more biblical perspective on work. He says, “I believe we need a robust theology of faith and vocation that ties into our discipleship.” In a Q&A, business owner David Barranco answers how his faith plays into his business.
