Bringing Up Workplace Missionaries

by Tan Sin Guan

A study by Sivam Doraisamy entitled Situation of Young Workers in Malaysia (2002) revealed that youths aged between 15-34 years constituted 42.5% of Malaysia's population and this percentage represented 55-60% of the total workforce. Though it was a relatively old finding, the percentage has been relatively consistent throughout the years. Another study by the Ministry of Women and Family Development (2008), which quoted the findings from the Department of Statistics, Malaysia, implied that the youth who are in the workforce today, and those who are currently in the secondary schools and tertiary institutions will make up to 63.3% of the Malaysian population by the year 2010.

The statistics above show the importance of the youth for nation building. In fact, numerous studies which include understanding the Malaysian youth's mental health and well-being, moral conviction and academic prowess, have been conducted to assess their readiness to engage the rising global economic challenge and changing political landscape. In addition, initiatives such as the "Kelab Rakan Integriti Mahasiswa (RIM)" have been proposed to encourage the youth to go beyond "book" education as it is no longer sufficient in building people with good character and values. Accordingly, Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Hassan, the Higher Education Ministry Secretary General, confirmed that the government is working hard to build strong individuals who are able to face the increasingly demanding world (The Star, 29 May, 2010).

The findings above pose two important implications for the Church in Malaysia. Firstly, it implies the opportunities and direction that the Church could seize if we are serious about making a Christian impact in the workplace, and hence Malaysia. Secondly, related to the opportunities noted above, the findings point to the need for the Church to raise Christian youths who are of good character, efficient and effective for the purpose of nation building as well as intentionally living for Christ at their workplaces. And this has to be started early.

For this reason, the Church may begin by understanding what the youth need and what they want to be equipped with. My experience with youths confirms that many Christian youths struggle with finding meaning in their work. Moreover, many find themselves in the wrong industry. More pressingly, not a few have been swept by the tide of materialism and secularism. Perhaps the research entitled Linking Youth with the Workplace: What Employers, Youth and Youth-Serving Organization Think, can provide some ideas on how these challenges can be addressed. Though it is a secular research, it provides findings that may be relevant to our effort to raise marketplace-savvy youth. The research revealed that youth want an avenue where they can learn more about their career and how to become employable. In addition, they are looking for a place where ideas about work and career can be exchanged and discussed. In a nutshell, they need information and someone to mentor them to turn the information into wisdom for life.

For this reason, it is necessary for the Church to consider initiatives that are relevant to what the youth need. Nevertheless, since we are interested in building youth who will shine for Christ, these initiatives cannot neglect the instilling of a biblical foundation. Hence, while these initiatives might come in different forms and approaches, I wish to suggest the following for consideration.

Firstly, instill the truth that each of them has been called and consecrated to serve God. This truth implies that each of them is already a fulltime worker for God. Hence, the correct question that a youth should be taught to ask is no longer, "Am I called?" but "Where am I called?" that is, to the marketplace or to fulltime Christian ministry. In addition, they should be informed that work is also sacred in God's sight. And, God is pleased with those who work faithfully for His glory.

Secondly, it is necessary too for the youth to be informed about the difference between career and calling. Research has shown that the pursuit of a career is founded on the assumption that God does not exist. The youth have to be informed that they are not called to pursue their career but to fulfill their calling that God has purposed for them in the workplace. It would be challenging, and very often frustrating, to the Christian who aspires to serve God in the workplace and yet unconsciously embrace a pursuit which assumes that God does not exist.

Thirdly, it is important that the youth be trained and taught the value of fearing God (Ecclesiastes 12:1). The fear of God means that one lives conscientiously because he knows that God will judge even offenses that no one sees (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Such an emphasis is necessary because it would ensure integrity and other good values that are necessary for the workplace. Indeed, research shows that employers place more weight on attitude and character than skill. As the saying goes, "Hire for attitude, train for skill."

Fourthly, help the youth to discern and pursue what God has placed in their heart. The Scripture encourages the youth who already fear God to "follow the way of their heart and whatever their eyes see" (Ecclesiastes 11:9b). This means that the youth should pursue what they really like to do, rather than what others want them to do. The text assumes that God has placed in each person certain giftings and abilities that, when exercised in the correct context, bring enjoyment and meaning in the work they do. As noted earlier, churches or youth organizations can assist youth in this area by organizing activities such as work forums or retreats to help the youth understand more about what they want to do and what it takes to ensure employability. In addition, churches, through their members or network can provide internship opportunities to give the youth an exposure to what it is like to serve God in the workplace. These activities would not only provide practical exposure for the youth, but build basic skills and help them discern what God's mission field is for them-the workplace or fulltime Christian ministry.

Finally, provide a support system as they live out their calling. One of the primary needs of the youth is a support system via a mentor-mentoree relationship. While guidance and training can be easily accessible at the workplace, they need additional support for the purpose of accountability and encouragement so that they can stay on course with their calling. It is no secret that the challenges and temptations in the workplace can sweep just anyone from his firm footing. In addition to a top-down mentoring relationship, an avenue for peer-mentoring can be considered. This is a place where the youth could meet together for the purpose of exchanging ideas and information about the challenges or lessons from the workplace. Such an avenue would not only meet the need for information and support, it would also show them that they are not alone in their struggle and effort to serve God in the workplace.

Tan Sin Guan is director of Malaysia Campus Crusade for Christ’s Impact! ministry. He is also an associate pastor of Klang Chinese Methodist Church.