Christians and work parties

[Archippus]

I am sure this problem is universal, and not just here in Europe.

What do you all think about Christians and work parties where drinking is the going to be rampant? How does a Christian, especially one in a position of authority which more or less requires his/her presence, handle this dilemma? Do they skip the party and risk harming their career in subtle ways? Do they go long enough to put in their presence? Do they "grin and bear it" for the whole party?

Drinking is not the question here. This is for those who do not drink out of Biblical conviction.

Any thoughts out there?

Any thoughts?

 

[JamesJ]

I say that the Christian should go. Of course, whether or not to drink alcohol is a matter of personal conviction. I don't believe that drinking an alcoholic beverage is a sin, I believe that being drunk is. Some will say that drinking an alcoholic beverage will destroy your Christian witness. Those around me, who I work with every day, who are not Christians, would disagree with that. They actually stop and listen to what I have to say instead of what some of the other more strict brothers who abstain from every slight appearance of the hint of evil have to say.

The party is merely a small slice of the whole of society. We are here in the world, but not of the world. Jesus prayed in John 17 that the Father not take us out of the world, but keep us from the evil of the world.

How can we remove ourselves from the world that we live in? If Christians always abstain from every event where there might be a hint of something untidy, isn't that hiding our "lamp under a basket"?

I say go. One never knows who the Lord is going to lead you to witness to. Perhaps the very presence of one who is following in the footsteps of Jesus at the affair, when seen by the others, how he/she is acting and interacting at the party might make some wonder, "that person is different, and I like it. I think I'll find out why that person is different", and then there's a chance to witness of the hope that is in you.

Who knows, the Christian might even be asked to give someone who has had too much to drink a ride home. It could be both a physical, and a spiritual, lifesaving event.

 

[Mike McK]

You could always go and choose not to drink.

 

[blackbird]

First, the party should not be a required function---it should be a get together for all interested employees---it should be their option!

If the party involves alcohol---it should be located off premises from the company HQ's! Say, at the boss's house or at some neutral location.

If the party involves alcohol--non-drinkers should not be forced to drink---as in peer pressure---"COMMMMMME on, have one!!"

My dad worked for MA BELL---they had company get togethers at the office/shop---no alcohol! When the party was at the supervisor's---it was known clearly---that the party was not sponsored by the phone company---if it was--no alcohol! If Phone Company funds were used----no alcohol!

Of course, I do not personally have to address that problem at church---but if I worked in the secular world---the above would be my conviction as well.

Blackbird

 

[dianetavegia]

How does a Christian, especially one in a position of authority which more or less requires his/her presence, handle this dilemma? Do they skip the party and risk harming their career in subtle ways?

I would make an appearance right at the beginning of the function and then excuse myself for a previous scheduled engagement even if that is shopping with a family member. Under no circumstance would I drink!

My husband has traveled for work for many years. After a business dinner, many men will want to 'hit the bars or strip joints' and Jim will always excuse himself to go back to his hotel room to work on some report, etc. He's told me that he's actually had some men in the group speak up and say 'me too...' once he takes a stand.

Diane

 

[Major B]

I always ask: what activities will take place, and what will be served? If I don't like the answers, I don't go.

 

[gb93433]

Jesus ate with sinners.

 

[blackbird]

Jesus didn't have a choice---think about it! Either He ate with sinners or He ate by Himself!

Your buddy,
Blackbird

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

Another factor to consider is yourself and your past. If there is someone who is a recovered alchoholic, perhaps going to a party where there is drinking is not worth witnessing to sinners, saving face for your job, etc...

Sometimes, there are more important things than even your job, and fleeing temptation to slip back into an addiction is one of them, IMO.

For the record, no, this would not be my problem in case anyone might misconstrue this post.

Joseph Botwinick

 

[Don]

Facing the same situation myself, quite frequently.

My squadron's having their Christmas party at a local casino. I refused to participate, watch kids for others, etc.

Some have told me that I should set the example and support the squadron, period. I would like to think that I'm setting the example by standing by my convictions.

 

[SaggyWoman]

Salt and light, folks.

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

Tina,

I understand and agree. But how much light would a recovered alchoholic be at one of these parties if he fell back into temptation and into addiction. Sometimes, there is a point where you have to say it is better to stay at home.

Joseph Botwinick

 

[Dr. Bob]

I have a couple such parties this year. Find that there will be some who drink (to excess, often, since it's free) and there will be provision for those of us who don't. Hosts are careful about not offending.

Odouls is non-alcohol beer (in a distinctively colored bottle so everyone can tell). Bottled water is popular, too. And soft drinks.

I just don't frequent that kind of place in normal activity. So don't care to spend much time with the drinking crowd, even in a holiday party.

 

[Gib]

We have a yearly Christmas party, usually at a resturant or other. It's pretty sober. After the festivities many will hit the clubs, but they do that year round.

Many have made it clear that they don't want to be around a bunch of drunk, rowdy folks. Those prone to hitting the bottle have been very understanding.

My wife has many teacher dinners and events. There'n nothing funnier than seeing the 3rd grade math teacher fall down drunk and all the other drunk teachers falling over themselves trying to pick up the math teacher. We always leave before they get really smashed.

 

[Trotter]

My company's annual Christmas party is coming up on the 20th. Although attendance is not mandatory, my wife and I plan to attend.

The usual schedule of events are:
>> Dinner
>> Service Awards (for years of service)
>> Employees of the Year (by departments)
>> Gift drawings (everything from TVs to t-shirts)
>> Open the bar & start up the band (this is where we leave )

The way we look at it, we get a free meal (buffet with carved prime rib) and a chance at some great gifts, but don't have to stick around to see how big of an idiot my co-workers can become!

In Christ,
Trotter

 

[ralb]

Originally posted by Gib:
There'n nothing funnier than seeing the 3rd grade math teacher fall down drunk and all the other drunk teachers falling over themselves trying to pick up the math teacher. We always leave before they get really smashed.

Sounds a little like "Looking for Mr. Goodbar". What a hoot that was.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Interesting that you brought this up at this time Archi. Mt 22 year old son living at home had such a work function last night, and he is in a position of responsibility. We were just discussing the rights and wrongs of it last night. He decided to go for the dinner and leave when it was a tactful time to do so. My problem with the situation is that as a part of management he has to pay dues into the company "social club" which pays for the dinner and drink. I think he found the right balance in his decision.

BTW, I hope those who were talking about drunkenness being funny were joking. There is nothing funny about it.

 

[Bob Farnaby]

Originally posted by blackbird:
Jesus didn't have a choice---think about it! Either He ate with sinners or He ate by Himself!

Your buddy,
Blackbird

Think that means I have less choice .... eat with sinners or not eat ...

Bob

 

[ralb]

Originally posted by Christ4Kildare:

BTW, I hope those who were talking about drunkenness being funny were joking. There is nothing funny about it.

Don't know about the other comments but mine was just a little sarcasm.....My husband's family was nearly torn apart by drunkeness about 5 years ago. Still hasn't really healed.

We went to my husbands party last night. Nice dinner, I even enjoyed a small glass of white wine with mine. But we agreed to leave soon after dinner was over. People and music were getting loud and I have found that it is almost impossible to carry on any kind of meaningful conversation with anyone in that kind of environment. The best I can usually manage is to nod understandingly and try to respond intelligently when in truth I do not understand a word anyone says to me. And there is usually some controversy that arises every year and is the subject of gossip for days afterward.

 

[Karen]

Originally posted by Mike McK:
You could always go and choose not to drink.

Generally what we do. Went to such a dinner last month that was very nice. Some of those attending drank. We didn't. Neither group made a big deal about it.

Karen