Job related run-in with Christianity

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[mandrina]

As an aside, I find it a little odd to be called a "silent" ministry when it involves making people listen to something.

Sperran

Ot's just part of the environment, like having crucifixes or some such on the wall.

[Melamphoros]

As an aside, I find it a little odd to be called a "silent" ministry when it involves making people listen to something.

I'm guessing that they somehow got the word "silent" mixed up with "passive-aggressive" in their mental dictionaries.

[RandallS]

As an aside, I find it a little odd to be called a "silent" ministry when it involves making people listen to something.

It's "silent" in that they are not actively pitching Jesus to people.

[Zoe Moonchild]

Update... for everyone who has replied so far, thank you.  Curious to hear your views on what happened today...

This morning I approached the husband and asked what this silent ministry was all about.  I wanted to be sure I wasn't reacting to something I misunderstood.  His answer is that it is a way to bring people to Jesus.  I also asked if he was clear that I was not comfortable with this situation, he replied that was clear to him.  We talked about where I was at in the equation, by essentially being forced to be a part of this silent ministry when doing so goes against my beliefs.  He added that having this music going and this ministry was a requirement of working there, one he is not going to compromise on.  I told him we have a problem, he agreed.  We agreed to part ways and he agreed to not hold me to the non-compete clause.

The office manager asks me to not do anything yet, let her talk to him.  The office manager knows the bottom line is that I am a damn good therapist and I make the clinic a lot of money.  She has known him for years and says he just gets this way sometimes.  Meanwhile, she gets the wife to come in on her day off (husband and wife work alternate days).  Wife comes in with a CD player and Spa music CDs.  They prayed about this problem and came up with the CD player as a solution to the problem. 

Really?!     This is the solution I offered yesterday after I did some soul-searching about what I could do to cope with this change in things.  The solution that I was flat out told no to.  Soul-searching apparently is not as good as praying to Jesus.

So after they realize what this might cost them, they are willing to compromise (keep in mind Monday, Tuesday and even this morning they are unwilling to compromise).  They even offer that they will change the station from time to time as they would like some variety.  Again, really?  I've been there since August, not a very long time, but it was the Love channel up until last week. 

Right now I'm scratching my head trying to figure out if I keep my job, or just go my own way.

That is really wonderful!  Thank goodness for office managers that understand a business is about making money!  I honestly did not expect them to change.  Now is a good time to do some more soul-searching and see if you want to stay there or move on.  I wish you luck either way.  

[Sperran]

It's "silent" in that they are actively pitching Jesus to people.

Are you missing a "not"?

[Lizard]

That is really wonderful!  Thank goodness for office managers that understand a business is about making money!  I honestly did not expect them to change.  Now is a good time to do some more soul-searching and see if you want to stay there or move on.  I wish you luck either way.  

Thank you.  I've been trying to figure this out since yesterday and keep coming up at a draw.

A large part of this has nothing to do with the religious aspect, but more how disrespectfully I was treated.  We go from them telling me if I have any suggestions for a change or improvement they will be happy to hear it.. to the events of this week. 

If I stay on, can I deal with having a similar situation occur?  Whether it hinges on a religious theme or not.  I hate to end up kicking myself for not taking the opportunity to leave when I have a chance.  OTOH, since they compromised, I suspect if I leave I become the non-believer be-atch of the year.

[Lizard]

You seem to have liked working there up until now. They've compromised because they decided they need you to keep working there because you bring in good money for them. I'd keep working there unless things really change. This will reinforce the idea that compromise works with them and apparently make you and them some good money. It's a win all the way around as far as I can see.

Overall, yes I have enjoyed working there.  A few bobbles with similar no-compromise sort of attitude, nothing I couldn't deal with.

However, I make them good money... what I get from it has me barely at the poverty line.  If I lose the roof over my head provided by my SO, I would be in a tough spot.

If I take this opportunity to start my own business - nothing designed to compete with them, I double my income if I keep working the same number of clients.  That would be after I consider expenses.

All things I'm considering.  Added to the fact that I don't like to make waves.

[Lizard]

I'm guessing that they somehow got the word "silent" mixed up with "passive-aggressive" in their mental dictionaries.

I think that is the explanation.  Somehow, because they are not directly bringing up the topic... just setting up a possible conversation, it is "silent" on their part.

I've been managing to keep my cynicism pretty well in check, so far.  I fear that control may be failing though.  *sigh*   

[Lizard]

Ot's just part of the environment, like having crucifixes or some such on the wall.

So one thing that I don't understand with these people is that they don't do that.  No bibles laying around the waiting area, no jesus loves me posters, no statues or crucifixes... if they would have given me some indication that this could be part of the job description I would have said thanks but no thanks.   

[Zoe Moonchild]

Thank you.  I've been trying to figure this out since yesterday and keep coming up at a draw.

A large part of this has nothing to do with the religious aspect, but more how disrespectfully I was treated.  We go from them telling me if I have any suggestions for a change or improvement they will be happy to hear it.. to the events of this week. 

If I stay on, can I deal with having a similar situation occur?  Whether it hinges on a religious theme or not.  I hate to end up kicking myself for not taking the opportunity to leave when I have a chance.  OTOH, since they compromised, I suspect if I leave I become the non-believer be-atch of the year.

You're welcome.

In a way I understand their POV.  To them, if you aren't saved then you are going to spend eternity in hell when you die.  Not all, but most Christians, that I know at least, take this very seriously and truly care about the fate of the people around them.  That is a good thing.  But they often forget that their God gave man-kind a choice and they seem to miss the point that most people do not want to have that shoved down their throats.  That in fact it is a detriment to what they are actually trying to accomplish.  I have always been a firm believer that a person should simply live their convictions and that others will notice.  If they want to know then they will ask.  But one doesn't need to (or shouldn't need to) put up Jesus posters or play Christian music in order to open up ministry opportunities.  But ... all the churches that I have been in seem to have a more aggressive point of view. 

Like you, I would seriously consider the fact they disregarded how I felt.  No matter the good nature of their motives they were very disrespectful to a valued employee.  Now that something has been said and changes made you might have a legal leg to stand on in the future, if you decide to stay.  If nothing else you might have a clause drawn up in addition to your original contract stating something to the fact that you will not take part in any ministry attempts, silent or otherwise, that the owners choose to conduct within the work setting.  And I would personally specify that I could choose my own music, etc. while working with patients.  Things of that nature.  And most importantly ... that if they violate your right to NOT be a part of their ministry that the contract would be considered violated on their end and that you could leave without notice and without having to uphold the non-compete clause.  That might be a good compromise.  They are free to minister as long as you are not involved nor expected to take part, silent or otherwise, and you are free to do your job without feeling pressured by them to conform to their religious beliefs. 

[darashand]

As an aside, I find it a little odd to be called a "silent" ministry when it involves making people listen to something.

Sperran

It is ironic, isn't it?  I think it refers to the idea of people "witnessing" to others without actually having to broach the subject overtly. 

[mlr52]

Ot's just part of the environment, like having crucifixes or some such on the wall.

A crucifix on the wall is a major statement.

[mlr52]

I think that is the explanation.  Somehow, because they are not directly bringing up the topic... just setting up a possible conversation, it is "silent" on their part.

I've been managing to keep my cynicism pretty well in check, so far.  I fear that control may be failing though.  *sigh*   

Have you considered, that you may be one of those, they are trying to covert to the light?

[Nimue]

It is ironic, isn't it?  I think it refers to the idea of people "witnessing" to others without actually having to broach the subject overtly. 

What is "witnessing"?

[mlr52]

What is "witnessing"?

Short version: someone telling others how Jesus Christ has affected them, and their life, (some may even tell you how your life can be changed by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior).

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