Grateful Living
Finding Purpose in Everyday Work
For Christian Berechree, Operations Manager at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, faith offers a new perspective on routine tasks—whether it’s TV appearances or cleaning toilets. Christian discusses how Scripture influences his work, faith provides courage in tough times, and why sharing Jesus at work is less intimidating than it seems.
By Christian Berechree,
By Christian Berechree,
When people hear the title Operations Manager, they might imagine a role filled with strategy meetings and big-picture decision-making. In reality, my work is a mix of the very visible—presenting on radio, TV, or at community events—and the very ordinary, like making sure the electricity bill is paid and the toilets are clean.
As part of the leadership team at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, I oversee the day-to-day running of our community centres, manage media and marketing, support volunteers, and even get involved in IT and maintenance. It’s the “engine room” of the organisation, and I count it a privilege to serve in a place that makes a real difference for some of the most vulnerable in our community.
But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: work is simply work. It’s not my identity, and it’s not the ultimate purpose of my life. Instead, I see it as another opportunity to glorify God. That perspective takes the pressure off. I don’t have to chase the perfect job I’m “called to do”. I simply need to do my best where God has placed me today.
My faith helps me keep sight of a bigger picture. When things get stressful or I feel misunderstood, I remember that I’m part of something greater than what happens Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. James 2:14 - 17 has been a guiding passage for me ever since I first read it at 14 years old: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” That reminder shapes how I work—with fairness, compassion, and courage to take risks, trusting that God’s hand is over it all.
And yes, faith shows up in the workplace too. I’ve found that being open about what I believe isn’t nearly as scary as it seems. Most colleagues accept it as part of who I am—and many are even curious. My encouragement is this: be bold, but don’t push. Build genuine, caring connections. Let faith be something you live out, not just something you talk about.
At the end of the day, whether I’m on stage at an event or fixing the photocopier, my goal is the same: to ask, “What would Jesus do?” and to serve Him faithfully, right where I am.
As part of the leadership team at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, I oversee the day-to-day running of our community centres, manage media and marketing, support volunteers, and even get involved in IT and maintenance. It’s the “engine room” of the organisation, and I count it a privilege to serve in a place that makes a real difference for some of the most vulnerable in our community.
But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: work is simply work. It’s not my identity, and it’s not the ultimate purpose of my life. Instead, I see it as another opportunity to glorify God. That perspective takes the pressure off. I don’t have to chase the perfect job I’m “called to do”. I simply need to do my best where God has placed me today.
My faith helps me keep sight of a bigger picture. When things get stressful or I feel misunderstood, I remember that I’m part of something greater than what happens Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. James 2:14 - 17 has been a guiding passage for me ever since I first read it at 14 years old: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” That reminder shapes how I work—with fairness, compassion, and courage to take risks, trusting that God’s hand is over it all.
And yes, faith shows up in the workplace too. I’ve found that being open about what I believe isn’t nearly as scary as it seems. Most colleagues accept it as part of who I am—and many are even curious. My encouragement is this: be bold, but don’t push. Build genuine, caring connections. Let faith be something you live out, not just something you talk about.
At the end of the day, whether I’m on stage at an event or fixing the photocopier, my goal is the same: to ask, “What would Jesus do?” and to serve Him faithfully, right where I am.
Posted in Grateful Living