Called To Work: Workplace Transformations Globally Through Discipleship and Leadership

Elaine Kung, founder and co-chair of Called to Work since 1996, shares her journey of integrating faith and work. While balancing a busy career at AT&T, church teaching, and raising children, she realised the importance of bringing Jesus into the workplace, instead of “leaving Jesus at home or at the church.” For 33 years, she symbolised this with an empty chair in her office, reminding her to co-create with Jesus, her “ultimate CEO.” While AT&T pays her salary, Elaine says that “I had ongoing one-on-one discussions with Jesus in my conversations at work,” and in creative problem-solving and in conflict resolution, she adds value at work. Through her prayers, she witnessed that “Jesus shows up and intervenes.” Through discussions with Jesus, creative problem-solving, and prioritising people over projects, she found joy and purpose in her work while living out the Great Commission daily “as a full-time missionary at work.”

Called To Work is a global workplace ministry founded in 1996, based in the US, with speaking engagements, partnerships, and resources reaching around the world. Originally launched in New Jersey through AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Rutgers Community Christian Church in Somerset, New Jersey, Called To Work is now affiliated with Northeast Christians At Work based in Vernon, Connecticut. The ministry is led by Founder and Co-Chair Elaine Kung and Co-Chair Drew Crandall. Both leaders have extensive experience integrating faith and work within their spheres of influence. Elaine, now based in California, speaks globally, expanding the ministry’s coast-to-coast and international footprint.

The vision of Called To Work is to advance God’s kingdom in the workplace around the world through discipleship and evangelism, encouraging working Christians to be Spirit-filled Ambassadors for Christ in their everyday lives. Its mission focuses on encouraging workers, equipping leaders and organisations, and expanding workplace ministry partnerships and geographic networks in the US and beyond. The ministry also provides a scalable framework of workplace Christianity resources and best practices, applicable to individuals, small groups, and large organisations.

In retirement, Elaine focuses on workplace and home discipleship, publishing nine books and training over 2,000 graduates through Called to Work courses, supported by a global team of 50 trainers. These efforts have empowered individuals, who transitioned from struggling at work to thriving and blessing others.

Elaine highlights 2019 as a transformative year, shifting faith at work from a moment to a movement. Now, in 2024, she emphasises accelerating this movement, encouraging people to dedicate a day to celebrate work. Her vision is for the world to be filled with individuals like Samson, embodying faith and purpose in their professional lives.

Elaine clarifies that success should be carefully defined. While the world often measures success by position, wealth, and possessions, true success lies in being faithful and using God-given talents to glorify God and benefit others. Material achievements are neutral and not inherently wrong, but they cannot truly satisfy or define success. 

Pascal’s insight—that every person has a God-shaped vacuum in their heart—emphasises that only God can fill our deepest needs. Chasing material goals or believing in prosperity theology (the idea that faith guarantees wealth and success) is misguided and dangerous. True fulfilment comes from living out God’s calling and mission, not from pursuing worldly measures of success. 

A meaningful life is one lived without regrets—loving others, forgiving, and being the best version of oneself. Success is about fulfilling your purpose and making a lasting, positive impact, not just achieving societal benchmarks.

Called to Work invites you to explore the pages of the Called To Work platform and L.I.S.T.E.N.:

• Learn more about our history, vision, and mission.
• Implement free and practical resources in your daily life at work.
• Subscribe to our Salt Net email workplace devotions.
• Touch base with strategic partners and networks for support.
• Engage with our upcoming speaking events.
• Nurture opportunities to share Called To Work and grow in workplace discipleship and evangelism.

They hope you are encouraged, inspired, and equipped to be a more Spirit-filled Christ-follower in your workplace.

About Elaine Kung

Elaine Kung, born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Maryland as a teenager, became a Christian in 1981, transforming from a “trouble maker” to a “peace maker.” With an educational background from Cornell, Princeton, and Wharton Business School, Elaine had a 33-year career at AT&T before founding Called to Work. She serves on several boards, including Dallas Theological Seminary, Lausanne Workplace Ministry, Theology of Work Chinese Board Chair, and is a frequent speaker globally on faith, leadership, and family life. Elaine resides in San Diego with her husband, Dominic, and their two grown children.

About Drew Crandall

Drew Crandall, co-chair of Called to Work since 2001, is a New England native with deep roots in the region and a strong commitment to integrating faith in work. Founder of Keep in Touch and Northeast Christians at Work, Drew is also a seasoned author, journalist, and speaker across the northeastern USA. His leadership spans various organisations, reflecting his dedication to advancing Christian values in professional and community settings.

Read more about the ministry here: https://www.calledtowork.org/

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