Jehovah's Witness at work

[ChrisM]

My new job has lots of benefits, great schedule, paid holidays, and weekends off with the family. These pale in comparison to one thing I have been looking forward to and praying about. Witnessing to coworkers. I know it might get me in trouble if I am not careful, but I don't intend to say anything unless the Holy Spirit prompts me to speak. That said, if a coworker brings it up to me, I am allowed to speak freely and will do so in love and compassion for the souls of my lost coworkers and friends.

There is a nurse in our unit who is a part of the local Kingdom Hall. She has been very friendly to me and we get along well and work together off and on during the day for a few minutes at a time. I have considered making myself obvious by bringing my Bible to work and reading it on breaks. I have also thought about bringing a book about some Biblical topic so that people will notice and maybe those who are open may ask questions. Of the OR staff of about 20, 4 of us are Christians. We pray for one another, and I pray for them often while working as I have time doing repetitive or mindless tasks at times where I can pray.

Does anyone know any topics of interest to JWs that I might use to start the discussion? I talk about our family a lot, so she will not feel uncomfortable about me as a man (I hope) and folks know that I was in Christian missions, so no doubt her curiosity may be peaked about me. I am being very cautious to do my job well and maintain a good testimony in all things. I just feel compelled specifically to reach this woman for Christ. I would appreciate prayer regarding this, and also insight if folks have friends or family in the JWs that might have good ideas for conversation. I have confronted the teachings before, but mostly done so admittedly in pride and seeking to beat down my debate opponent. This is behavior I have repented of and I pray the Lord gives me courage and opportunity to reach out with the right motives and actions as I seek to get to know Sarah better and hopefully see her come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

 

[Isabella]

Just be aware that some people may consider that harassment and may complain about you.

I would save it for outside work if I were you.

Bels

 

[FollowingHim2]

Just be aware that some people may consider that harassment and may complain about you.

I would save it for outside work if I were you.

Bels

Oh Bels chill out :lol: . How is him having a conversation with a workmate harassment? Honestly.

Mark, the way I find it works best is NOT to talk about it. I don't specifically bring up the topics of God or PM with people but they seem to just come up on their own. When they do, then I know it's the right time and are being led by God. Don't stress too much about things, just let it flow naturally.

 

[FollowingHim]

Jehovah's witnesses consider themselves Christians, and in my limited experience join in with conversations that are on a religious or moral theme the same as any other Christian. This may give openings occasionally. I would treat them in conversations the same as I'd treat someone in another denomination, taking their side in discussions with atheistic workmates. Become the workmate they relate to well as a peer, and that may allow deeper conversations later.

Actually, although I believe they have very faulty theology and are led astray by a cult, on an individual level I do believe many are saved already. Please correct me if I am wrong, but where does the Bible say you must believe Jesus is God to be saved? By my reading you must repent of your sins and accept Him as Lord, that's all. By that measure they are saved, as far as I can see.

So I treat them just like I treat other Christians. I try to lead them towards a better understanding of Scripture whenever I can, but don't lose sleep worrying that they are going to hell. Atheists like Bels are a higher priority, I've just got to find her workplace so I can do some real harassment.

Am I way off track, or does this sound reasonable?

 

[Isabella]

Just be aware that some people may consider that harassment and may complain about you.

I would save it for outside work if I were you.

Bels

Oh Bels chill out :lol: . How is him having a conversation with a workmate harassment? Honestly.

I said 'some' people....

And you do not know how people will take it. Please do not presume my emotional state. I do not need to chill.

 

[CecilW]

I'm weighing in, briefly, sorta on the side of Bels -- a regularly level headed, if a-religious and sometimes prickly, addition to our group.

If talking to someone about general religiousity and, as you say, they bring it up, you are probably ok. However ...

IF you talk about PM, even if they ask questions and SEEM interested, which I suspect Bels thought you meant, best beware. It is a controversial enough topic that even if the person asked, they may later decide to claim harassment, or that you were coming on to them, or pressuring them to accept. And if they don't, someone else who overheard, or who they tell of the conversation may! NOT good. At work, even on breaks, carries extra risks.

 

[FollowingHim]

I talk about PM at work when it comes up, which it does occasionally, suprisingly. I might however be hesitant to start explaining it all one-on-one with a single woman there, but would certainly do so in a discussion with her and others.

 

[FollowingHim2]

Ok, I can understand not preaching to people and I would be cautious about talking about PM to a single woman on your own. But the world gets too pc when we start talking about God and it's ridiculous.
My children are a huge part of my life, and I talk about them to people. God is an even BIGGER part of my life, and I talk about him too. Why would it be ok to talk about my kids but not about God?
I think the best bet is to make it clear that you're a Christian and then if they have any questions, they will ask. That's what happens with me anyway. And trust me, I get some random pearler questions!
Most people don't want to think. They are happy in their wee world and don't see the need to change at all. If you wait for the questions, or where God is leading the conversation, then it's come about at the right time and they are open to hearing what you say, instead of shutting you out as soon as you say the word 'God'.

Obviously there are other situations where preaching at people actually is the best thing to do, and everyone is different. But in a work situation I believe this is the best bet.

My 4 yr old says I have to add :| :evil: :mrgreen:

 

[FollowingHim]

Every thread eventually mentions PM on this site! But clearly that was not the intent of your post.

The best topic for any workplace discussion is whatever is currently in the news - that's what people tend to naturally start talking about anyway, so you don't even have to bring it up! This often has theological implications which will come out in the discussion, and provide openings to talk to both saved and unsaved people alike.

 

[eternitee]

My 4 yr old says I have to add :| :evil: :mrgreen:

Your 4 yr old has great insight.....I was thinking more along the lines of :shock: :lol: :ugeek: but I am willing to concede that I could be wrong!

 

[chris]

I have a set of Ankerberg pamphlets, haven't looked in a while. I'll check tomorrow to see if there is one on Jehovah Witnesses if you're interested.

 

[maddog2]

That's a good word of caution Bels.

Find a common thread between JW and what you believe and build on that. Disarm with genuine love. Religious convo should be on your own time not your employers- they are paying you to produce a product FOR THEM. If a disagreement occurs(and it does all the time), courts can rule AGAINST the employer(because it was on Company property and time) and you end up costing them money. Any potential convert must have the freedom to walk away from a conversation, and that is impractical and sometimes impossible at work. Your love must benefit the receiver not the giver.

M