As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, casting their nets into the water, engaged in the daily work that provided their bread and butter.
“Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Without hesitation, they left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:19-20).
In this simple yet profound encounter, we see Jesus, the first Fisher of Men, inviting these ordinary fishermen into an extraordinary apostolic mission—fishing for souls for the Kingdom of God.
This invitation wasn’t just for them; it echoes through the ages, reaching us today. Jesus still calls us to follow Him and draw everyone unto Him. So, how do we respond? Must we all leave our jobs to preach full-time? For some, that might be the path God has chosen, but for many of us, the call might look very different.
We can best serve God by doing what He has called us to do in the place that He has called us to be.
This means embracing the work that God has already placed in our hands and seeing it as a platform for His Kingdom. Consider the possibilities: A doctor who prays for patients, recognising that true healing comes from God alone, or an analyst who, guided by the Holy Spirit, provides insights for big pharma that could transform global healthcare outcomes. No matter where we find ourselves—whether in an office, a hospital, a classroom, or any other setting—there is an opportunity to become fishers of men.
In today’s fast-paced world, success is often measured by the deals we close, the profits we earn, and the targets we meet. Yet, amid the boardrooms and business strategies, lies a profound opportunity to fish for people, just as Jesus did. Fishing at sea requires the right tools and techniques, and similarly, gathering souls into the shores of heaven requires intentional strategies. Jesus offers us a powerful model in the principles of prayer evangelism outlined in Luke 10:5-12.
1. Blessing and Speaking Peace
The first step is to bless and pray for those around us. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” (Luke 10:5).
This simple yet profound act of blessing can transform our interactions with others. Imagine starting each meeting, project, or even casual conversation with a silent prayer of blessing. It isn’t just about positivity—it’s about inviting God’s peaceful presence into every situation, creating an atmosphere where fruitful interactions can take place. When we approach our work and relationships with this mindset, we open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
2. Fellowshipping
Fellowship is the next step. Jesus said, “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide” (Luke 10:7).
Fellowship goes beyond simply sharing a meal; it’s about building relationships and valuing people for who they are, not just for the roles they play in our personal and professional lives. In our workplaces, this might look like taking time to truly connect with colleagues and clients, getting to know them as individuals rather than just business contacts. Some may have drifted far from God, much like fish that have swum far from the shore. By engaging in genuine fellowship, we create opportunities for deeper conversations, ones that reveal their true needs and open the door for us to serve them in meaningful ways.
Sometimes, this fellowship will lead us to engage with people or industries that might seem at odds with our Christian values. Initially, I wrestled with this idea as I feared that this would force me to compromise my Christian principles. But then I remembered that Jesus Himself fellowshipped with the worst of sinners and not the righteous, as it was precisely these individuals that needed His transforming grace and love the most, and whom He could best serve. Rather than compromising His godliness, He transformed their lives radically. Likewise, we can engage with all kinds of people, confident that through us, God can bring about transformation. When these individuals or companies experience God’s love, they too can begin to operate differently, creating a ripple effect that can transform entire communities, industries and nations.
3. Ministering to Felt Needs
As our relationships deepen, we might find that people begin to open up about their personal or professional struggles. This is where the next step comes in: ministering to felt needs. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Heal the sick who are there…” (Luke 10:9).
In our context, this could mean praying for a colleague going through a tough time, offering advice to someone facing a challenge, or simply being there to listen. When someone trusts us enough to share their burdens, we have the privilege of bringing those needs before God in prayer. Whether it’s a health issue, financial difficulty, or a personal crisis, we can intercede on their behalf. Sometimes, just letting someone know that you’re praying for them can be incredibly comforting. And if they’re open to it, offering to pray with them can be a powerful act of love.
4. Proclaim the Gospel!
When God moves in these situations, people often become curious about the source of their breakthrough. This is where we can share the gospel. Jesus told His disciples, “Tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you’” (Luke 10:9).
When someone experiences a tangible answer to prayer or feels God’s presence in their life, they may start asking questions. This curiosity is our opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Think about how Jesus first caught Peter’s attention: after a night of no catch, Jesus directed him to cast his net once more, resulting in an overwhelming catch (Luke 5:1-11). This miracle didn’t just meet Peter’s immediate need; it revealed something much deeper—Jesus’ divine power and His invitation to a life-changing journey. They realised that Jesus was their ultimate need and fulfilment, and cast off their old lives behind to follow His calling. Similarly, when we help others see God at work in their lives, we’re not just offering a solution to their problems; we’re inviting them into a relationship with the One who can meet their deepest needs.
Fishing for souls in the workplace doesn’t always involve overt preaching or organised evangelism. Often, it’s about living authentically as followers of Christ, letting our actions and interactions reflect and preach His love. It’s about being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, ready to share our faith when the moment arises. Each prayer, each act of kindness, and each conversation is a seed planted that, in time, may lead someone closer to Jesus.
So, how do we answer His call in our own lives? By embracing the roles and responsibilities God has already given us and seeing them as opportunities to serve His Kingdom. Whether you’re a doctor, a teacher, a business professional, or anything in between, you have the potential to be a fisher of men right where you are. Through prayer, fellowship, service, and sharing the gospel, we can participate in the mission of drawing others to Christ. Let’s allow our daily lives to be a testimony of God’s love, inviting others to join us on this journey of faith. The seeds we plant today may take time to grow, but with patience and prayer, they will yield a plentiful harvest for the Kingdom of God.
Eden completed the Worship.Works Graduate Programme in 2024, with a hunger to learn how she can live out her faith in Jesus through her work and make an impact for His Kingdom.