Integrating Faith & Work

In their book, Faith & Work: Galvanizing Your Church for Everyday Impact, Missy Wallace and Lauren Gill relate the story of Teena, a young woman bartender who wondered if there was any Christian calling in what she was doing. She realized that the standard industry practice was to encourage better service to the wealthier because of higher tips, and that the employees in the “back room” were not treated or respected as well as the bartenders. Rather than just earning money to live and seeing no calling in her service as bartender, here is how she responded:

“Witnessing these inequities and brokenness within her industry, Teena felt compelled to embody an alternative way, one that reflected God’s restorative love and presence. She committed herself to offering the same quality of service regardless of the potential tip. For many patrons, this meant they were being treated with a level of respect and kindness they rarely experienced elsewhere. Teena realized this new vision for her restaurant wasn’t just for the customers she was serving; it also extended to helping her coworkers view their work as sacred and meaningful. One of the ways Teena sought to do this was through creative writing. She started a blog and, in it, she attempted to capture the goodness and beauty of her restaurant and the work within it. Her writing even resonated with non-Christians. Some of her coworkers printed out her words and displayed them in the restaurant—a constant reminder to themselves of the dignity inherent in their everyday tasks.

After a decade of faithful service, Teena became convinced that God’s redemptive mission to reconcile all things in heaven and on earth isn’t just confined to churches, nonprofits, and traditional mission fields. It’s unfolding in the everyday restaurants and bars scattered across our cities, in the bustling kitchen as much as in the dining areas … one small act at a time, one customer at a time.

We have seen other Christians choosing to express love in the hospitality industry through acts of care, whether it be prioritizing the highest quality and sustainability of ingredients or offering employment opportunities to those facing barriers, such as those reintegrating into society from prison. We can all consider what it means to foreshadow the heavenly eternal reality in our own contexts.”

A Prayer for Hospitality Workers

Father, Giver of every good gift,

Thank you for welcoming us with your extraordinary hospitality. In the beginning, you created a space for humanity to dwell-brimming with beauty, order and diversity, providing for our every need. You fashioned our hearts to find great joy in what you made. You formed our hands to cultivate and extend hospitality to others. And then, when we turned our backs on you, you came close, taking on flesh and serving us in the most intimate of ways.

Would you help us see how sacred this work is that we’ve been called into? Dispel the idolatrous lies that our work is somehow “lesser than.” Instead, help us see the way we bear your image as we welcome strangers and serve them in a way that puts your goodness and love on display. People are desperate for connection, to be seen and genuinely cared for. We thank you that we get to participate in that work with you!

Jesus, when guests treat us poorly, meet us with your humility. Remind us that you lavish grace upon us, even when we are among your mockers. Also, redeem us from the evil spirit of the age that values people according to their wealth and extends hospitality with partiality. We confess that this is not the way of your Kingdom.

Protect those who work in the “shadows” of the hospitality industry. Bring fair wages and provide for their every need, Lord. May our whole industry, and especially those of us who follow you, love these vulnerable workers well. May we all value their work as you do.

Our work is centered around the table; may it always be sustained by coming back to your table. As we partake of the bread and wine of the new covenant, feasting on your unfathomable grace, we also look ahead to our future destiny…for blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

May the joy and creativity of our daily service offer our guests a small taste of your coming Kingdom, inviting them to know the good and gracious King.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.