How to Read the Bible with Workplace Eyes

All parts of the Bible can relate to life’s work, you just have to read the bible with eyes primed to see workplace applications. Here are TOW’s top resources to help Christians learn to read the bible with workplace eyes.

1. A Preacher's Perspective on Reading the Bible with Workplace Eyes - Haddon Robinson, former President, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
   After listening to an hour of preaching that has very little to do with their life Monday through Friday, many Christians feel like their work is not important to God. In this article, a seasoned preacher explains why it's critical to talk about workplace issues in each Sunday sermon. He gives examples of hard questions that workplace Christians want their pastors to address. And he offers a worrying warning about the bitterness workers express when they feel their pastor isn't talking to them.

2. A Workplace Christian's Perspective

   A Workplace Christian's Perspective on Reading the Bible with Workplace Eyes - Al Erisman, former Director of Technology, The Boeing Company
   Al Erisman worked for The Boeing Company for 32 years. Over the course of his career as a marketplace Christian, Erisman came to see that the Bible has a lot to say about what he did every day at work. In this video he talks about the different ways the Bible speaks to us about our work: through direct instruction, through stories, and through best practices for life.
3. A Biblical Scholar’s Perspective on Reading the Bible with Workplace Eyes - Sean McDonough, Professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
   This article answers the question "How can I bring biblical wisdom into my daily work?" by offering suggestions on ways to read the Bible. Reading with common sense and a willingness to put what you read into practice are valuable prerequisites. McDonough also points out specific commands which relate to work, and expands on the type of character that scripture aims to instill in its reader.

4. Does The Bible Really Say Much About Work?

   A Bible Commentary Author's Perspective on Reading the Bible with Workplace Eyes - Will Messenger, Editor in Chief, The Theology of Work Project
   While editing the Theology of Work Bible Commentary, Will Messenger discovered with surprise just how much of the Bible pertains to work. In this video he explains that he used to think the Bible was a book about religion with very little to say about work. Now he believes the Bible is a book about God, and God shows up wherever his people are. Which is mostly at work.
5. An Author's Perspective on Reading the Bible with Workplace Eyes - Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor, North Point Community Church, and author of the book The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
   This article encourages preachers to ask "What biblical principles are challenging to apply in a work environment?" Stanley argues that pastors should address these felt needs in every sermon they preach, and he offers some guidelines for starting out.

When Application Isn't Straightforward

Sometimes the application of a particular biblical passage isn't straightforward. These resources provide some guidance for troubleshooting tricky passages.

1. The Heresy of Application - Haddon Robinson, former President, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, speaks in this interview about the challenges in biblical application.
2. What to Do When Application Is Not Simple - Al Erisman, former Director of Technology for the Boeing Company, describes in this video how he's applied the bible to his life as a marketplace Christian.