The road and sky were clear as Michael made his way down Highway 99. He was grateful for the lack of traffic and the evidence that spring was in the air. In addition to getting work done by cell phone, long drives also give Michael an opportunity to reflect on God’s wonderful grace.

Michael Stain is a senior vice president for Wells Fargo. He is a regional private banking manager in their wealth management division. Michael oversees private banking functions in Northern California and provides financial services to wealthy clients.

A Heart for Ministry

Michael graduated from Fresno Pacific College with a degree in banking. Working with financial institutions agreed with him, and he has been doing so for the last 26 years. While his career is in finance, his heart is focused on the impact he makes through his faith and his ministry. At the age of 16 Michael was introduced to a group called Young Life on his high school campus. Young Life is a ministry that carries the message of Jesus Christ in order to point young people toward life as they were created to live it. Established in 1941, the ministry’s leaders meet kids where they are—on school campuses, at sports events, and in other areas.

After attending Young Life, Michael was introduced to Christ “in a wonderful way that drew me to his love and grace and mercy.” He was deeply impacted by the message of salvation and on August 14, 1972 Michael accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Many years later he is passionate about the ministry Young Life provides and currently serves on their board.

Michael has found many ways to share his faith in the banking industry. People notice he does not use profanity or coarse talk. They also notice he is forthright and transparent about why he is doing what he is doing, even in difficult situations. In addition, Michael presents himself as a “person in progress and not holier than thou.” He is seeking to grow in his character and his craft, and doing so is a witness to those around him. People also notice that in spite of his successes, Michael continues to walk in humility and give honor and recognition to others.

Lifestyle Evangelism

Michael does not intimidate people when sharing his faith, but he also does not shy away from telling people about his weekend, which includes teaching a Sunday school class, or his vacation, which included attending junior high camp. “I don’t apologize for my faith, but I don’t push it on people either. Being good at what you do and pursuing excellence for the sake of Christ makes a difference in sharing your faith.”

Challenges often arise when one desires to be transparent, open, kind-hearted, and a team player in the business world. While Michael has those motives, some of the people he works with and for do not. Michael acknowledges it is not always easy to live out his faith, but he is committed to making a difference in the workplace. His goal is to be a vehicle for God to use. Working with others who are not transparent or have motives that are not similarly aligned can present challenges. But Michael knows God uses difficult circumstances to challenge him and lead him to further growth. “In the work environment, it is not about being religious. It is about having a relationship with Christ that is functional and that enables a person to deal with challenges on an ongoing basis.”

Michael and his family reside in Fresno, California. Although job opportunities have arisen that would require them to move, he and his wife believe God wants them to live there for the purpose of ministry and raising their family. Over time God has provided professional opportunities beyond what Michael thought possible. In addition, God has provided opportunities for Michael to share his faith beyond what he thought possible. He remains faithful to that calling, pursuing excellence for the sake of Christ. |L

Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.

OTHER COLUMNS:
June 15, 2008 - A time saver who knows the soul saver
May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best