By Seth Neistadt
As we begin a new year, I want to thank every person who helped us reach the 500 x 2025 projected goal. This milestone represents men and women whose lives were changed, who encountered Christ, and who are now carrying his light into their workplaces and communities. I am grateful for every Chapter, Small Group, and individual who prayed, invited, and served.
I also want to express my personal gratitude for those who supported the Mooney Campaign, which began in the summer of 2023. Your generosity allowed the ministry to hire me and direct focused time and energy toward Challenge Weekends and long-term growth. I am here because you believed in the mission and invested in it. Thank you for that trust.
As we look back, we also see signs of new growth and new communities forming. Crosslake, Minnesota; San Diego, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii, joined the story in meaningful ways. We also held our first virtual Challenge Weekend, proving that distance is never a barrier for the Holy Spirit. These steps remind us that God continues to open doors and expand the reach of this ministry.
This past year also helped us rediscover the unity that has carried this organization for more than 40 years. Christians in Commerce is our history and WorkLight is our present expression, but it has always been one ministry with one mission: To help people live their faith at work and to shine the light of Christ in all they do.
This unity is rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4, “… The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” The idea of the “plural one” reminds us that God brings his people together to share purpose, identity, and devotion. Throughout Scripture, from the Patriarchs, to the Temple, to the early Church, we see God building his people through relationships and generations. That same pattern has guided this ministry since the beginning and it continues to guide us today.
We saw that vision come to life again last year. Leaders stepped forward. Relationships deepened. Chapters grew stronger. People rediscovered confidence in living out their faith at work. The impact of 500 x 2025 is not just the number we reached. It is the renewed sense of unity and purpose that God has stirred within this movement.
As we step into 2026, my focus is to strengthen the level of ministry support we provide to local Chapters and to come alongside our Chapter leaders with clearer tools, better communication, and more consistent encouragement. Scripture reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength,” and that joy will carry us as we continue this journey together.
Seth Neistadt is WorkLight’s vice president of ministry programs. He can be reached at seth@worklight.org.