We all feel that we must be intentional in our ministry. If we are to be obedient to a vision and mission statement within the confines of a church, that could be true. However, in the marketplace, my experience proves otherwise. In my opinion, we must be unintentional about our ministry. 

Anytime we as Christians start to sound religious, it can be a turnoff to unbelievers. Even though we think we are being stealth-like in our questions, most people will know we are trying to manipulate the conversation to inject some reference of our faith. Once that happens, the usual result is that we repel the people we had hoped to lure in. If we go about our conversations hoping to lure someone in, we have already lost. 

I’ve found through my new work in sales that so many opportunities to express my faith and share my story of coming to know Christ arise just through the course of normal conversation. Through just answering a question I find that it opens up a bunch of questions and that those I’m speaking with also have a story to tell. 

Rather than pounce on someone with your faith as soon as you sense the opportunity is there, sit back and listen. Be patient and cautious with your speech. You’ll find that instead of sounding like a preacher, you’ll actually be asked to share your story and your views on faith by someone who is truly interested in hearing it. They may not agree with you, but know that they heard you.