Faith in Action: Here’s Why Christian Social Workers Thrive
Integrity. Service. Compassion. As a Christian, these are a few of the values that are important to you. So, it’s natural you’d want to pursue a career that’s also guided by these values.
If you’re searching for work where helping others is the focus, social work could be the profession that allows you to live out your Christian values in your personal AND professional life.
Read on to learn more about the historical link between Christianity and social work, how Christian values align with the profession, and why you should consider earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a faith-supportive program.
History of Social Work and Christianity
Social work’s roots, which extend back to the 19th century, run deep in the Christian faith. Many social work practitioners were called to their work because of their faith.
For example, the Charity Organization Societies, which formed first in Europe and then in the United States in the late 19th century, were led by Christians looking to solve urban poverty challenges.
Then, there was the Settlement House movement, led by figures like Jane Addams who, in the late 1800s, co-founded Hull House in Chicago. Hull House provided essential services to immigrants such as education, health care, and recreational activities. Both movements were heavily influenced by Christian ideas of social justice and ministry.
How Christian Values Align With Social Work
As we’ve already mentioned, your faith-focused values make you a natural fit for a career in social work. Let’s take a closer look at how some of these values would factor into your day-to-day work with clients.
- Love. Christian teachings emphasize the power of love and treating others with kindness and respect. A social worker practicing love creates a safe and welcoming environment for clients, treating them with unconditional acceptance and respect. They demonstrate love by actively working to build a positive and trusting relationship with clients.
- Justice. The commitment to justice and fairness is central to Christianity and aligns with the social work principle of promoting social justice, advocating for equal opportunities, and challenging systemic inequalities. A social worker practicing justice actively seeks to address systemic barriers that lead to inequality, and advocates for policies and practices that promote fairness and inclusivity.
- Integrity. Christian values emphasize honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct. A social worker practicing integrity adheres to professional ethical standards and guidelines in their interactions with clients and colleagues. They maintain confidentiality, are transparent about their role and limitations, and act in an honest and trustworthy manner.
- Empathy. Social workers who embody the Christian value of empathy can connect deeply with individuals’ experiences, understand their emotions, and provide compassionate support tailored to their unique needs. A social worker practicing empathy puts themselves in the client's shoes, seeking to understand their perspective and emotions. They validate the client's feelings, demonstrate active listening, and respond with sensitivity and understanding.
- Service. Christianity encourages believers to serve others selflessly. Social workers who embody this value are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve, going above and beyond to meet their needs. A social worker provides practical assistance, such as connecting clients to housing, employment, or health care resources.
- Humility. Christian values promote humility, recognizing that no one is superior to others. Social workers who embrace humility approach their work with an open mind, respecting the dignity and expertise of individuals they serve. They approach their work with a humble attitude, acknowledging that they’re there to support and empower clients, rather than impose their own views.
- Forgiveness. Social workers who embrace forgiveness can help individuals navigate conflicts, heal from trauma, and promote harmony in communities. A social worker practicing forgiveness helps clients navigate conflicts, heal from trauma, and work toward reconciliation.
- Hope. Christian faith offers a message of hope, which can be a powerful and transformative force in social work practice, inspiring individuals to overcome challenges and believe in a better future. Social workers help clients identify their strengths and work toward their goals, providing encouragement and reminding them of their intrinsic worth and potential.
The Value of Earning an MSW Degree
The foundation for a successful career in social work is earning an MSW. And while an MSW requires an investment of your time and money, there are a variety of reasons why it’s worth it.
For example, when it comes to the social work profession, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects it will grow faster than average (a 7 percent increase) between 2022-2032. And more than 53,000 new jobs are expected to be added to the number of social workers in the United States over this time period.
While a Bachelor of Social Work can provide access to case management and administrative positions, an MSW provides many more opportunities for direct practice and paves the way to becoming a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Here are a few examples of careers you can pursue once you’ve earned an MSW:
- Nonprofit program coordinator
- Veterans affairs social worker
- International social worker
- Medical social worker
Why You Should Choose a Christian Master of Social Work Program
When it comes to selecting an MSW program, you can opt for a non-religious option. Or, you can choose to earn your degree from a faith-supportive program like the one offered by the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University.
While this program is open to all students — regardless of the students’ faith (or non-faith) base — the Garland School’s MSW integrates faith and practice. For example, the Council on Social Work Education requires the school to be guided by nine competencies as part of its accreditation. But it’s developed a 10th competency based on the importance that faith plays in the profession:
Engage in ethical and anti-oppressive social work practice and research that considers the role and influence of religion, spirituality, and philosophical perspectives.
As a student in Baylor’s program, you’ll earn your degree in a supportive faith community where ideas of social justice are integrated with Christian ethics and values.
Ready to begin your path to an MSW? The Garland School team is here to help.