HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN AT WORK WITHOUT FRATERNIZING

When I started doing Bible studies with people from work, I was concerned that I might be engaging in the activity that everyone emphatically said to stay away from: FRATERNIZATION (frat). One document from my workplace says this about frat: personal relationships between officer and enlisted members which are unduly familiar, do not respect differences in grade or rank, and are prejudicial to good order and discipline are prohibited. Your workplace may have similar policies or expectations for personal relationships between co-workers. 

Many (including me) are wary about the kinds of relationships we have with people of different ranks because we think it might be considered frat. It has discouraged many of us from inviting co-workers to church, prayer, Bible studies or even to share a meal because we are fearful of being seen socially with people of lower rank. We may not be exactly sure if we are breaking a rule but we know (or believe) it is frowned upon.      

But the Bible gives us different standards about how we should interact with believers, regardless of their rank, social status, ethnicity, or sex. All believers are members of one body (I Corinthians 12:12-26), should not show any favoritism or preferential treatment (James 2:1-4) and are to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:27-29).  However, the Bible also says that we are to obey the ruling authorities in society and government (Romans 13:1-7 and I Peter 2:13-17).  

So what are Christians to do? I obey man's law by respecting the rank and title of the person (even outside work) and obey God's law by seeking to build up the body of Christ (regardless of their position in the workplace). I have not had to choose between obeying God or obeying man in this regard but I already know what decision I will make if I am faced with that choice.  

Is it possible for you to be a Christian in your workplace and also obey the rules about relationships?

Practical Suggestions:
-Don't be on a first name basis with people significantly lower or higher in rank.
-Talk to a chaplain (if you are in the military) about rank/frat concerns.
-Ask a chaplain about becoming a "lay leader" so you can hold Bible studies with command approval (the Navy regularly does this). 
-A discipleship relationship is the Christian version of mentorship; if you describe it using that word, it will be easier for people in the chain of command to understand.  
-Pray about it.  

Related Posts:
Have You Ever Wanted To Be A Double Agent (for Jesus)?
Don't separate who you are from what you do!
Why Pastors Shouldn't Work
Can you see what God is doing?

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