Worship Doesn’t End on Sunday (It Clocks In on Monday)

What If Your Job Is Holy Ground?

Hi Friends! I’m Pastor Chris McKinney, and I write Faith Unplugged. Are you interested in faith-based encouragement that will challenge you to grow? If you are, hop on the bus and subscribe. If you’ve been around a while, consider supporting this work with a free or paid subscription. You can also give a one-time gift here.

There’s a question I’ve wrestled with at multiple points in my life — during the early mornings setting up kids’ church rooms, late nights writing sermons, or even in the quiet drive to church:

Is this just a job, or is this a calling?

We spend more than a third of our waking lives at work. That’s not a glitch in the design. It’s an invitation.

From the very beginning, God wired purpose into our work. Before there was sin, there was an assignment. Genesis 2:15 says, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Adam wasn’t placed in the garden to chill—he was entrusted with a purpose. Work wasn’t a punishment. It was part of how we reflected our Creator.

I’ve worn many hats: pastor, tech guy, writer, volunteer, and, yes, professional coffee drinker. I used to think only the spiritual stuff counted. But God has shown me that whether I’m leading worship or counseling someone in need, all of it is holy when surrendered to Him.

Let’s talk about this lie we need to crush:

The Myth of "Secular Work"

For someone walking with Jesus, there is no "just a job." If the Holy Spirit lives in you, then wherever you step becomes holy ground—even that staff meeting where someone brings up another totally unnecessary group email.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Whatever. You. Do.

That includes sermon prep and spreadsheets. Worship sets and grocery runs.

God isn’t watching your career ladder. He’s watching your heart.

Servant Leadership

I’ve been in the trenches—assigned tasks my younger, immature self would’ve labeled “beneath me.” I remember one particular season when a well-meaning boss realized I had a knack for making a killer cup of coffee. It's not just your average drip, but authentic espresso—frothy, fragrant, barista-level stuff.

At the time, our whole office had a chronic lateness problem. Everyone stopped for overpriced lattes on the way in and got caught in those long drive-thru lines. The solution? I was “voluntold” to become the in-house espresso guy.

My new morning ritual included buying all the supplies, firing up the machine, and crafting six or seven custom drinks before I started my real work. It took nearly 90 minutes a day. And while my boss probably thought this was a genius time-saver (and budget-saver) for the staff, I couldn’t help but stew a little.

Sure, I liked making the coffee. And yes, it saved everyone a few bucks. But in my head, I kept wondering: Why me? Wasn’t I hired to do ministry? To lead? To build something important?

Back then, it felt unspiritual, a waste of gifting, and a drain on my time. But over time, something shifted.

It became sacred the moment I saw it differently.

Serving my team each morning changed my heart. It humbled me. It reminded me that leadership starts with a towel, not a title. God used that espresso machine to grow my character. To teach me that nothing done in love is ever wasted.

Looking back, I see the altar where God taught me servant-leadership. To this day, I lean on those lessons every time I lead, serve, or ask someone else to do the hard, hidden things.

Joseph: A Man on Assignment

Joseph’s life in Genesis 37–50 reads like a spiritual rollercoaster. He’s favored by his father and given that infamous robe (Genesis 37:3). Then he’s betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. That wasn’t in his five-year plan.

Still, in Potiphar’s house, "the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man" (Genesis 39:2). His integrity got him promoted—until it got him falsely accused and thrown in jail. And even there, the Lord was with him (Genesis 39:21). He managed the prison excellently.

Eventually, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, and he says something I’ve held onto: "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" (Genesis 41:16). He knew who his source was.

Joseph’s rise to second-in-command wasn’t about power — it was about purpose. In Genesis 50:20, he tells his brothers, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive."

Joseph was on assignment, whether he was a house manager, a prisoner, or a prime minister.

What would change if you believed God placed you in your current role on purpose, even if it’s uncomfortable?

Work as Worship

I used to think worship was limited to guitars and fog machines. But Romans 12:1 flipped that for me: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

That means my worship can look like leading worship even when emotionally drained. It can look like preparing a sermon carefully, even when time is tight and distractions are loud. It’s sitting with someone hurting, not having the answers, but being present, listening, and gently pointing them to Jesus.

Worship is less about the platform and more about posture.

From Paycheck to Purpose

Not every job is exciting. I’ve stocked shelves, run cables, and done admin tasks that felt mind-numbing. But I’ve also seen God use those moments to form me. Sometimes, what feels pointless is the soil where faithfulness grows roots.

Maybe you’re in a season that feels like prison, not promotion. But like Joseph, you can still be faithful. You can still show up. And God can still work.

Don’t underestimate what God can do through small, consistent obedience.

Practical Steps to Grow in This Area

1. Start Your Day with Surrender
   Before coffee or commute, say: “God, this job is Yours. Use me today.”

2. Find the Why Behind Your Work
   Ask: Who benefits from what I do? Who am I serving?

3. Show Up with Integrity
   Do your best, even when no one sees. It’s seen by the one who matters.

4. Be Salt and Light in Small Ways
   Leave an encouraging note. Bring someone coffee. Listen longer than usual.

5. Process Weekly
   Ask: What went well? Where did I reflect Jesus? Where do I need grace?

---

Remember

We weren’t made to live compartmentalized lives. Jesus doesn’t want Sundays—He wants the whole week—your desk, your tools, your calendar—all of it.

So tomorrow, when you open your laptop or grab your keys, don’t ask “How do I get through this day?”

Ask: “How do I serve the Kingdom right here?”

You’re not just earning a paycheck.
You’re living your calling.
And the Father is in every moment you offer back to Him.