Overcoming Challenges at the Workplace with Carl Thong

What does faithfulness look like in the everyday complexities of business and leadership? In this compelling talk from the Workplace Track at the Fourth Lausanne Congress, Dr. Carl Thong shares real-world stories from the marketplace—ranging from cross-cultural witness to ethical dilemmas between believers. He reminds us that our greatest opportunities for ministry often arise through our work, and that the best sermons are not preached, but lived.

Carl challenges us to reframe our workplaces not as secular spaces, but as mission fields where our conduct, sacrifice, and integrity become powerful witnesses of the gospel. His stories—both personal and professional—offer practical encouragement for Christians navigating the tension between faith and business.

Part of the Lausanne Workplace Track Series, this talk will equip and inspire anyone seeking to integrate faith with their daily work.

00:00 Introduction and Historical Context
01:53 Stories of Faith in the Workplace
04:40 The Taxi Driver’s Testimony
07:15 Reframing Work as a Mission Field
09:29 The Power of Actions Over Words
11:09 The Role of Sacrifice in Ministry and Marketplace
11:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Explore the Full Workplace Track Experience

Delve into the sessions and use the guided questions to strengthen your understanding of your calling.

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Lausanne Workplace Track Series

This series features global leaders exploring the vital role of Christians in the workplace as witnesses, innovators, and disciple-makers. Recorded at the Fourth Lausanne Congress, these talks cover themes like redemptive work, business as mission, tentmaking, integrity, entrepreneurship, and equipping the whole Church for whole-life ministry. Whether you’re a CEO, student, teacher, or technician—your work matters to God.

Explore the Full Workplace Track Experience >

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Speaker's Bio

Carl Thong

Dr. Carl Thong is the founder of the Sunstone Group (www.sunstone.biz), a family office managing diverse businesses, and the JCEN Foundation (www.jcen.foundation), which supports nonprofit initiatives. With over three decades of entrepreneurial experience, he has launched successful ventures in leadership development, healthcare, and technology across the U.S. and Asia. Carl serves as the priest warden at All Saints English, on the theological education board of the Anglican Diocese, and is the incoming chairman of TrustBridge. He is also a strategy consultant, adjunct professor, and avid cyclist. He holds a Doctorate in Ministry in Strategic Leadership from Corban University, a Master’s in Theology from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, and a Bachelor’s in Business from Lewis & Clark College.