A CRISIS Exists: Sustaining Faith and Mission Through Your Work

by Nathan Elliott

In the military, we’re trained to keep operations going under pressure, guided by principles summed up in the phrase: “A CRISIS Exists.” These same principles can help us live out our faith intentionally in the workplace—especially when balancing a full-time job with a Kingdom mission.

If you feel called to lead where you live, work, and play, remember: you are God’s method of reaching the world.

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Let’s walk through the CRISIS acronym and see how it can shape your faith and work.

A – Anticipation

Just as we anticipate enemy movements or logistical needs in the field, we should also anticipate opportunities to serve, share, and stay faithful.

“Be ready in season and out of season…” – 2 Timothy 4:2

Practical Application: Build prayer and spiritual preparation into your daily and business rhythms. Expect God to work through your relationships at work.

C – Continuity

Sustainment operations can’t afford to stop—and neither can your mission. Faith isn’t something we clock in and out of.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good…” – Galatians 6:9

Practical Application: Stay consistent in your character, generosity, and witness—even during busy or difficult seasons.

R – Responsiveness

Strong logistics teams respond quickly to changes. In the same way, Kingdom-minded workers respond with humility and care to the people around them.

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak…” – James 1:19

Practical Application: Be fully present. Respond with compassion to the needs and challenges your coworkers and customers face.

I – Integration

In the field, logistics and operations are never separate—they’re part of the same mission. Your faith should be integrated into your daily work the same way.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…” – Colossians 3:23

Practical Application: Don’t compartmentalize your faith. Let your business decisions reflect your values, ethics, and God-given purpose.

S – Simplicity

Simple plans are easier to execute under pressure. The Gospel is simple, and so is our command to worship: love God, love people.

“He has shown you what is good… act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.” – Micah 6:8

Practical Application: Keep your mission plan focused. Start with one or two tangible ways to bless others through your work.

I – Improvisation

When resources are tight, we adapt. The same goes for ministry—God often shows up in our flexibility and weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you…” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Practical Application: Be open to unexpected ways God may use you. Your mission may not look how you imagined, and that’s okay.

S – Survivability

Endurance is essential in both military operations and ministry. Resilience is part of your testimony.

“Endure hardship as discipline…” – Hebrews 12:7

Practical Application: When trials come—in work, family, or calling—lean into God. Stay the course.

E – Economy

We are called to be wise stewards of all we’ve been given—for God’s glory and Kingdom purposes.

“To whom much is given, much will be required.” – Luke 12:48

Practical Application: Budget to give. Build a generous business—one that stewards time, resources, and Gospel influence well.

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God may have placed you in your current job not just to earn a paycheck—but to carry His mission forward. You may be the light someone else desperately needs.

Whether you’re leading a business, serving in the military, or working a 9-to-5, a crisis exists—people around you need Jesus.

Let’s be the ones who sustain the mission of Jesus through everyday faithfulness.

How can you live out these principles this week at work?