Ministering/Witnessing to a coworker (opposite sex)

John, I often think about this and over the years found a personal testimony of God's goodness and desires to be the best witness, without sounding like a preacher and being overbearing. Be friendly and not familiar, and that keeps the friendship on the right plane.

All the best with your witness, and God bless.

Cheers,

Jim

 

First off, I would let my wife know what's going on, and get your wife's permission to do some witnessing with this person.

Other than that, I think others here have given sound advice.

 

would your wife go with you?

 

I'm "dittoing" Sister Scarlett here! Whats wrong with a male being led to lead a female to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ??!!

Nothing!

Not long ago there was a young divorced woman at church who "cornered" me after Sunday Morning Worship in the Church foyer and said

"Preacher! I want to get saved and I want to get saved NOW!!!"

Mercy---I didn't run go find the "Women's Club" to touch base with them---see if they would do it for me----right then and there---I led her to repent of her sins and receive Jesus as Savour and Lord!

And I'd do the same thing if I were at Wal-Mart or Home Depot or in the workplace!!

Thank you, Sister Scarlett for your Godly wisdom!!

Bro. David

 

I would ask the lady if she would mind meeting you and your wife for coffee or something. There you can share whatever you like. Otherwise, back off.
I could not see my wife telling some fellow at work she is having a hysterectomy. Sounds odd to me. Some people are very crafty with their motives be careful.
Make sure your "burden" is not lust or something like that. I'm not accusing you of anything but dude there is always an alternative to having coffee with a woman when you are a married man. Even in a public place at work your co-workers, if they know your a married christian man might think it odd that your sitting at a table sipping coffee with a single lady.

 

Yes, you're right, Shannon----coffee is out---but there are other times other than "Break Time Coffee" to get a "word from the Word" in---true--I would make the "witnessing encounter" as public as I possibly could! Five or six co-workers all in the lounge/breakroom---along with you and the other witnessing encounter---nothing wrong with that, you suppose???

I mean---you don't want to "back off" all the way and not think of somethin' that would be fitting and appropriate, would you???

 

John, I have no doubts about your motives. I do, however, have doubts about hers. Maybe I'm too suspicious, but the hysterectomy comment seems odd to me, especially since you said that she was an acquaintance. This is not something a mere acquaintance will tell. I would be very, very careful here.

 

We need to always be careful but I don't think the hysterectomy comment is any red flag. Many people need to share things they have concerns with. Surgery of any kind would fall in this category. Make sure she knows where you stand on the relationship. Witnees often share your experiences about church, the Bible, God. If she is needing private consuling make sure your wife is there or don't do it. Not for you or her but for the gossip it could start.

 

I am of the opinion that something seems out of the ordinary with this situation. I would advise extreme caution. I will echo Shannon and ccrobinson. If this woman is willing to meet with you AND your wife, that's great, otherwise, I think you would be wise to steer clear.

 

Been there, done that. Let me give you a piece of advice and I sincerely hope you hear me. Don't mix work and friendships, especially with a woman. First off, your employer wouldn't like too much if he knew you were discussing personal matters on company time. But most importantly, developing any sort of relationship beyond that of a working relationship will (and has) impacted your marriage. Trust me, too many of us, even if it doesn't develope into something more, fall into this and the only person who gets hurt is the spouse. Besides, even though you're motives are honest why have any implication of something ungodly hanging out there for others to see. IMHO, your wife deserves your care, not another woman. That said, if you want to meet with her WITH YOUR WIFE PRESENT to minister to her needs and your wife is willing to put in the effort as well then that is a different situation. But avoid this personal stuff at work. It's like twisting the dragon's tail ... sooner or later he'll turn around and bite ya! Sorry if I sound harsh, that isn't my intention. But I know of what I am talking about; It's not worth it!

 

blackbird,

I say back off in the sense that if his wife cannot be present when he is witnessing to this lady then he needs to pray and ask God to send a christian,lady co-worker to do it for him.
God will honor his desire to do right by his wife and open up another door.
Your situation was totally dif. Your in the hall of your church and your the pastor. If you took that gal back to your study I imagine you left the door open while counseling her or your wife was sitting right beside her while you did the talking. I trust you did the right thing at that time.
I know when I was in Bible College I used to just flip out when the married dudes would seem to buddy up or sit by single gals when there were plenty of other seats available. Out of respect for my wife I never sat by, fraternized with or flirted with single women nor do I do it today period.
For me there are some convictions that I have secured in stone since the day I got married. One is don't give single women the time of day unless my wife is present period.
John, find a christian woman to carry on from where you are and move on.

 

Got to admit, it astonishes me just how paranoid so many seem to be about simply talking with a woman you're not married to. Maybe it's an American thing, but is far beyond my experience.

There are obvious standards of christian behaviour to follow, such as being public and not deveoping it into an affair (euphonism for adultry). Beyond that, why not talk about Christ and salvation to a co-worker/friend? Why not listen to a co-worker with job related or health problems? - suerly part of our witness is listening to others, let them share their needs/concerns/joys/excitement as we share our knowledge of Christ.

At various times i talk and listen to my co-workers about our kids, our homes, our spouses, our out of work activities. Sometimes I hear very personal things (obviously not repeated to others) some of which I would rather not know, but is part of accepting the trust they put in me. Listening may well be the only help/support i give them, but how I do that is part of my witness to the non-christians at work.

My advice/comment .. John, do what you belive the Lord is leading to you, doit openly, do it with a joyful heart, share that joy with your wife.

Regards
Bob

 

Good to hear they are like that Scarlett, may God Bless tham and you for having a positive attitude towards one another.

Regards
Bob

 

If people spent as much time winning people to Christ as they did pushing them away our churches would be overflowing.