ABSTRACT
Social work practice is strongly founded on the belief that each person has the ability to change and develop and that, with appropriate facilitation and support, growth and change can happen. This position is strongly represented in the ‘strengths-based’ approach to service delivery, in interpersonal work as well as community development. The faith-based worker in the helping professions can have a strong sense of being led, that God has called them to be on this career path. Problems can arise when there is apparent tension between the career path and the religious path that God requires. By contrast, in a secular workplace, an action such as praying with a client may lead to conflict, for it may be seen as a transgression of professional boundaries. Health care professionals who have a strong faith can feel isolated in a secular workplace where there are few like-minded colleagues who speak their faith language and with whom they have shared experiences.
