Pentecost 2025: Sharing the Holy Spirit at work

Jono Tonks considers how we need the Holy Spirit to speak in different languages.

‘Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under Heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken’ (Acts 2:5 and 6).

Pentecost is one of those moments in the Bible that, for me, feels quite far removed from everyday life – rushing wind, tongues of fire, people suddenly speaking in different languages. But, I suppose, at the heart of it is something very practical: people from different places and backgrounds hearing and understanding one another.

It’s a picture of connection in the middle of diversity, clarity amid confusion. That feels a lot closer to home, especially in a busy workplace where relationships and communication are part of daily life.

In a secondary school, and particularly in my role as a PE teacher and head of Year 8, I’m often reminded how many different ‘languages’ are spoken. Not just verbal languages, but emotional ones too.

There’s the confident student who hides low self-esteem. The one who acts out because they’re anxious about things at home. The one who shuts down unless you meet them with patience instead of pressure. Each day presents a challenge: how do I respond in a way they’ll truly understand?

Acts 2 reminds me that it’s the Spirit who helps us bridge those gaps. I’ve seen this in quiet moments, such as when I’ve been prompted to check in on a pupil who looks ‘fine’ only to discover something deeper going on. Or when a restorative conversation goes better than expected and I realise it’s because I paused to listen rather than rushing to fix. These aren’t big, dramatic miracles. But they’re real. And they matter.

Even on the sports field, where PE lessons can become emotionally charged, the Spirit often reminds me to look past performance. I think of the student who’s brilliant at sport but struggles with self-control in a competitive environment. I used to react quickly when things went wrong but, over time, I’ve learnt to speak his ‘language’: calm tone, clear boundaries, and a reminder of his potential. It doesn’t always change things overnight, but relationships are growing. That, to me, is the Spirit at work.

No two workplaces are the same. But, wherever we find ourselves, Pentecost has something to say. God meets people where they are and invites us to do the same. Whether it’s in a classroom, a meeting room, a workshop or a hospital, the Holy Spirit empowers us to connect, understand and bring peace where there might otherwise have been confusion or division.

So perhaps some good questions for all of us are: What are the ‘languages’ spoken in our workplaces? Whose voice goes unheard? Who might need someone to meet them with grace, patience and courage?

Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit didn’t just come for a one-off event – he came to equip us daily, wherever we’re called. And often, it starts not with a sermon, but with a conversation.

Reflect and respond

• Think about your gifts and those of your colleagues. Thank God for his generosity in giving the gifts of organisation, communication, encouragement, fun, leadership.
• Explore Pentecost in practice further in the 7 June issue of Salvationist.