Integrity Under Pressure: Aligning Work and Faith
At our recent Needle’s Eye Faith & Work Lunch on February, 7th, we kicked off our Pressure Points series with a powerful conversation led by Steve Rogers, a seasoned executive whose career journey was shaped by a defining moment of integrity.
When Career and Conviction Collide
Steve began his career in accounting, eventually rising to a senior executive role at Dominion Energy. Ambitious, hardworking, and goal-driven, he prioritized professional success, striving to provide for his family while maintaining a moral compass. However, early in his career, he faced a pivotal moment: a choice between compromising his ethics or risking his job.
He made the wrong choice.
It wasn’t illegal. No money was stolen. But deep down, he knew he had crossed a line. That night, regret hit hard. “When the smoke clears, all I have is my integrity,” he realized. That moment became his turning point—a vow never to compromise his values again.
Finding Faith in the Workplace
Determined to realign his career with his faith, Steve made a shift—not in profession, but in perspective. He sought out faith communities, deepened his understanding of God, and allowed his beliefs to shape his professional decisions. He didn’t wear his faith on his sleeve in a way that pressured others, but rather lived it out through his actions:
Community involvement – using his platform to give back.
Family-first mindset – prioritizing loved ones over work.
Honoring commitments – being a person of his word.
A new perspective – worrying less, trusting more.
A simple phrase became his guide: “Preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.”
Can Faith and Work Coexist?
For many of us, the challenge isn’t choosing between faith and work, but figuring out how they can coexist. Steve’s takeaway? They can—and should. But it takes intentionality. Growth in faith and career often happen simultaneously, forcing us to juggle worldly pressures while staying anchored in Christ.
He found simple ways to stay grounded: a Bible in his desk, daily check-ins with his wife, and remembering that success without integrity is no success at all.
As he closed, he left us with a challenge: “There is no such thing as ordinary. What does bold faith look like in your daily work?”
What About You?
How does your professional perspective align with—or challenge—your faith? Have you ever faced a defining moment that shaped how you integrate your beliefs into your career? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Interested in joining the next Faith & Work Lunch? Stay tuned for what’s next!
