I’m a graphic designer. And I’m a disciple-maker. It took me a while to figure out that I could do both at the same time. (Read that story here.)

You may be ahead of me in knowing that God wants to use all of you — including your work — for His kingdom. But maybe you struggle on the practical side. How do you live out your faith at your job?

I’d love to say I have a formula to make amazing spiritual connections happen at work every week. But in my experience, the moments of seeing God work are like windows in a long hallway. They’re there, but so are the sections in between, which seem very ordinary and unimpressive. Visible or not, our heavenly Father is always working.

In both the ordinary and extraordinary moments, what does the life of a disciple-maker look like? Here are nine practical ideas to try as you make disciples at your workplace.

1. Pray for God to work in those around you.
   It’s His work, after all. Our efforts will be fruitless unless He is in it, so pray, pray, pray.
   
   
2. Live with Jesus on display.
   Remember His example and imitate Him. In other words, live and love like He did. And look for ways to speak about your relationship with Him.
   
   
3. Engage your coworkers about things other than work.
   Learn about their lives and interests, and care about what matters to them.
   
   
4. Offer to pray for their needs.
   As you learn about them, listen for needs and concerns. Ask to pray for them, and be sure to follow up later.
   
   
5. Spend time with your coworkers outside the office.
   Invite them to your house for a meal or to a local sporting event.
   
   
6. Participate in the water cooler conversations.
   Gently but honestly express a Christ-follower’s worldview on current events, workplace drama, and the conditions of the human heart.
   
   
7. Protect your testimony.
   Work hard, do your job well, and show respect to everyone.
   
   
8. Be ready to act.
   Trust the Lord to direct you and move forward in faith — even when it’s outside your comfort zone.
   
   
9. Be humble.
   You’ll probably miss God-given opportunities and have selfish or prideful moments. Confess those things to God (and to your coworkers when appropriate), learn from them, and keep going.

In all of these things, remember to be patient. This doesn’t all happen in a day. Some days it will feel like nothing is happening, but trust that God is working, even when you can’t see it.

What advice do you have from your experience? Share your ideas in the comments.

Crossworld worker Nicholas and his wife, Kayleigh, are preparing to move overseas as marketplace workers with Crossworld.