On the Way to Work

Does your work give you a sense of purpose? How do you feel when work serves up difficulties and problems? How do we work well? Is there a God, and might God have something to say about the way we work? Weaving together biblical perspectives with academic research and his own experiences of working in different settings, Chris Gillies lays the theological foundation for work, moves on to examining biblical role models from both Old and New Testaments, and concludes by exploring common issues we wrestle with in our work, from money matters or managing and leading others to knowing if we’re in the right job or simply doing the right thing.

‘There’s new thinking here, hammered out on the anvil of a long, demanding, and successful career at the highest corporate levels through prayerful reflection, biblical engagement and careful analysis. Chris Gillies offers us a rich understanding of God’s purposes for humankind, framing his approach to work on the dynamic springboard of the life, character and work of Jesus, and on the ongoing empowering of the Holy Spirit for everyday work. This is a book that anyone at any level could profit from. Bravo. And thank you.’
Mark Greene, mission champion, The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)

‘Christians just don’t think enough about work and the way work is changing. On the Way to Work is a treasure trove of deep insight from the scriptures and a mine of good advice from a seasoned practitioner. Chris Gillies’ insights are honed from many years’ experience and will be lifegiving for all kinds of people in different roles and occupations.’
Steven Croft, bishop of Oxford

‘On the Way to Work paints a reframing vision of how we can approach our working lives as worship. Such a brilliant handbook for how to approach the world of work with a kingdom-first mindset. Equipping, affirming and inspiring. I can’t wait for Monday!’
Caragh Bennet, cofounder and CEO, ZENA

‘Chris Gillies combines values with brilliant business acumen. He is one of the few people I pause to think “what would Chris do” and, most importantly, how. I’ve been lucky enough for Chris to have been my professional mentor since working together at Zurich. This book offers the opportunity for everyone to experience his wisdom and guidance, helping you choose how to spend your energy and achieve your aspirations, with morals at the forefront of decisions and actions.’
Kathryn Axcell-Steele, head of brand and integrated marketing, Wesleyan Assurance Society

‘Chris Gillies offers a rich and rare combination of biblical wisdom, practical insight and personal experience that will inspire Christians to think differently about their work and its significance. My hope and prayer is that Christians and other readers will learn from Chris and the compelling vision he sets forth in this book.’
Matt Lynch, associate professor of Old Testament, Regent College

‘This important book is insightful and inspiring, and full of invaluable, real-life examples of leaders navigating the world of work. Anyone who is keen to discover how to best deploy their influence for the kingdom of God will find much here to guide them through their careers.’
Stephen Foster, rector, St Aldates, Oxford, and advisor, Alpha UK

‘A theology of work and a work of theology. Over many years of treasured friendship, Chris Gillies both demonstrated to me and challenged me to see that the call of God, the vocation of the Christian, is not limited to ordained ministers and foreign missionaries, but rests upon all who follow Jesus and all who are sent to serve the king and his kingdom in every sphere of life and work.’
Simon Ponsonby, pastor of theology, St Aldates, Oxford

‘This book will expand your vision of what a deeply fruitful and successful life looks like. A central premise of the book is that our work matters to God and God really does matter to our work. With that as a robust foundation, Chris Gillies tackles many layers of the implications of what that means for our frontline work, time, money, decision making, relationships; in essence, our whole lives!’
Ness Wilson, leader, Pioneer UK

‘This is a remarkable book, and you should read it. In these pages,
Chris Gillies illuminates a path to work that is not only distinctive but
also the way of Jesus and of the kingdom of God. If you let this book
do its work, it will change you – for good. Chris has crafted a work
that is truly transformative – a powerful journey towards personal
and spiritual growth.’
Paul Woolley, chief executive, The London Institute for
Contemporary Christianity (LICC)

‘This is a timely book on the importance of work – what we do, how we
do it and most importantly why work is part of God’s plan for what it
means to be human. Chris Gillies brings together years of experience,
a biblical framework and lots of helpful illustrations in a very readable
and accessible style.’
Peter Lynas, UK director, Evangelical Alliance

‘This is quite simply the best book I have read about the interrelationship between Christian faith and our working lives for a very long time. Chris Gillies repeatedly illustrates wise practical advice with telling anecdotes from his own experience, covering many different topics, acknowledging the value of different perspectives and sharing maturely what God has taught him along the way.’
Richard Higginson, former director and chair, Faith in Business

‘Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this book has something invaluable to offer. It masterfully combines the wisdom of years of experience with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking God’s calling on their life and true success in their work.’
Reuben Coulter, senior advisor, Faith Driven Investor and partner, Ignis Advisory

‘This is a book that has been over 40 years in the writing and its depth and insights reflect the journey of a man who has set his sights on bringing kingdom influence to the highest level of businesses.’
Nic Harding, director, Kairos Connexion and Together for the Harvest

‘Chris Gillies writes a wonderfully practical and thoughtful book that speaks powerfully about what it means to engage in the world of work in a distinctively Christian way. He constructs a brilliant, thorough and nuanced analysis that challenges the oft-prevailing and unhelpful narrative of the sacred–secular divide, and offers beautifully crafted autobiographical, theological and academic reflections to suggest an alternative mode of being for operating as a Christian in the workplace.’
Catherine Delve, CEO, Resurgam Asset Management Limited; chair of trustees, Bridge the Gap Football

CPAS Lead on newsletter review June 2024. Review by Mike Duff

St Paul charges the Philippians, as citizens of heaven, to live utterly different lives to the Roman citizens around them. With 30 years' experience in top-level corporate leadership, Chris Gillies delivers the same powerful challenge to Christians immersed in the culture of their working life.

'The idea God was as interested in my work as he was in the way I did church... that God might have work for me to do at my workplace didn't really occur to me. My understanding of why God mattered to my daily work was virtually non-existent.'

As at home in the Bible as the workplace, Chris addresses this autobiographical question through four basic themes: how it all started; the problem of selfishness; what it means to be fruitful; where we are heading. Elements of the salvation story are carefully worked out as they apply not in church, home or individual discipleship but in our working life.

Next, he explores with penetrating insight some obvious biblical role models - Joseph, Jethro, Daniel and others - and less obviously how Jesus approached his own redeeming work.

The longest section applies biblical discipleship themes to the workplace: What is the prevailing workplace worldview and how might we confront and change it? Am I in the right job? How can we do we do the right thing and adopt a godly lifestyle amid pressures to conform? How do we balance the major claims on our time when work demands everything? How would Jesus have us handle money and lead others? What is our true reward for working well?

Preachers will recognise in this outstanding resource many familiar insights but applied with a clarity, insight and authority ew will have achieved. Those whose work is outside the church will find themselves challenged by God's intimate and relentless concern with their working life. Church leaders will be given a profound insight into the world of work and how to shape the life of the church so that it connects with this vital 'frontline'.
Review by Mike Duff, CPAS Patronage Secretary

Richard Frost, writer and blogger: workrestpray.com. 1 June 2024

Books providing a Christian perspective on work can at times feel as rare as hearing a sermon on the topic. So, Chris Gillies' offering is a welcome contribution and one which I looked forward to reading.

I spent most of my professional career helping people with their work and also supporting businesses and organisations in caring for staff. I even wrote a book about it myself.

Chris Gillies brings a wealth of experience from senior management positions in financial sector businesses and charitable organisations. This, combined with insight from his faith and biblical knowledge, and observations from others (most notably Mark Greene, well known for his own work in this field) provides a strong base on which to build.

Gillies explores the nature of work from Genesis through Old Testament examples such as Joseph and Daniel and the core characteristics Jesus demonstrates for us to aspire to. The author also includes a number of examples of businesses adopting a godly approach towards people, practice and profit.

Its pages are full of well-rehearsed biblical insights and familiar business-speak which will resonate particularly with those with similar faith perspectives and senior leadership experience. For this reviewer, I would have liked to have seen more content which relates to the vast majority of those who find themselves on the way to work: the ones who don't occupy well-paid, high-level, influential roles.

Nevertheless, for those who wish to explore this important aspect of life (and one which, for many, occupies a considerable amount of it of it) it is a thought-provoking read.

Reviewed by Richard Frost, a former employment specialist, and the author of Life with St Benedict and four other books. Richard writes a blog at workrestpray.com. 

Books for Today April 2024. Paul Beasley-Murray

On the way to work: A Christian approach to thinking differently about success and fulfilment by Chris Gillies, who is the treasurer of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, is intended for all those who are at work, to help them live out their faith Mondays to Fridays. Divided into three parts, the first section is entitled ‘From a garden to a city’; the second looks at some of the Old Testament heroes and goes on to reflect on Jesus and how Christians today have sought to implement the teaching of Jesus in the workplace; while the third section deals with some is very down-to-earth issues such as how hard we should we work along with money matters. At the end of each chapter there’s a summary of the key principles. This is a good book for ministers to commend to their people.