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 Whoever thinks that a secular career meant less opportunities for ministry work might must think again. Let’s learn from our brothers and sisters in Accenture who discovered, that for some, a career in the marketplace might just be their very ticket to ministry work.
What keeps them united is a purpose from the very heart of God. To know God’s love and share it to others: this is The Gathering (TG) Accenture Cybergate's purpose statement and this propels them to press on. And though their group is not a single church's ministry or a particular organization’s branch, they have learned the art of not breaking ranks.
The Gathering's fellowship meetings make Friday lunch breaks a constant source of excitement and anticipation. Where work, from time to time, definitely brings stress, Friday chow meetings provide a source of strength and a sense of higher purpose for the members of "The Gathering." Worship, Word, friendship, and discipleship – these blessings, God had empowered them to bring to the place where they are planted.
Jay Robielos, The Gathering's leader and a Senior Software Engineer in Accenture, recounts their ground breaking meeting attended by 8 individuals who desired to be used of God in their workplace. That was in August of 2006. Since then, the attendance has more than quintupled. God had been waiting for a small group to take the initial step. And because they did, all provision came afterwards: co-laborers, new souls, finances, favor...
Their humble fellowship is changing lives - the lives of both new souls and their dedicated servant-leaders. Out of the 300 workmates who participated in either one of the two Purpose Driven Life 6-Week Programs that the members organized for Accenture Cybergate's employees, new disciples have continued on to passionately pursuing God's purpose for their lives. This first fruits gave birth to 4 small groups (of approximately 12) that meet weekly, separate form the Friday Fellowships. This, for Jay, is one of the best perks of serving God.
PDL Book Club will soon be formally recognized by Accenture Management. It is expected to become an official addition to Accenture's organized clubs.
A similar group has also been meeting in Accenture Gateway. Michelle Ortiz, an Accenture nurse and a member of Gateway fellowship's core group, believes that what had been key for their group was their decision to "step out." Before the step of faith, there had been fears of rejection and failure, and a stream of 'what if's' that had kept them paralyzed until they laid down all questions and apprehensions before God. But the moment they chose to march forward in radical obedience to God's call to be a light in the workplace, the blessings began to pour.
 
Both fellowship groups gather in their respective Accenture branches at simultaneously around - 11:00 am to 1:30 pm every Friday. Gateway has adapted the name "The Gathering," as well.
Involvement in this ministry, for Jay, is synonymous to living life to the full. "No career, financial wealth nor worldly repute could ease any man's hunger and dissatisfaction," Jay says. It is obedience and faithfulness that satisfies. Peace can only be found in putting oneself at the very center of God's will and not at center stage.
Accenture is growing at 10-20% in employee population. Winning the company has therefore become a challenge that The Gathering shall pursue with every ounce of spiritual strength that they have. Thus, they have written for themselves a new definition of career - living to win souls in the workplace. This, of course, begins with taking on the challenge to step out.
Believe it or not, I used to live a life in darkness, in doubt and in lies. It came to a point where I almost want to give up. But, God saves me! God set up this path for me → PDL → Small Groups → One to One with Aryan →Friday Fellowship (The Gathering) →Sunday Service... The darkness becomes light, doubt becomes confidence, and lies become truth. And now, I’m looking forward for the great things that God has prepared for me.
Makriz, 22, Software Engineer
Through TG (The Gathering), I'm constantly reminded to put God at the center of everything, including work. I can say now that I chose to excel in work not for my personal gain but because this is my service to God. And He deserves my best.
Gay Anne, 25, Senior Software Engineer
One to one has been my guiding light in what I should do to become more like Christ everyday and how to spread His word to other people. It has positively changed the way I deal with everyday life and completely changed my attitude towards the word of God. I would highly recommend this to people like me before who are lost but are willing to change in His name.
Donny Ray, 22, Software Engineer
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