February 23, 2026
CBMC encourages men to anchor identity in Christ amid historic January job cuts
As layoffs surge to the highest January level since 2009, CBMC calls professionals to lead with calm confidence rooted in unchanging faith
CHATTANOOGA, TN — Amid widespread layoffs and hiring freezes sweeping through major corporations, Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) is calling on working men to anchor their identity and leadership in faith instead of the uncertainty of shifting job markets.
January marked the worst start to a year for U.S. job cuts since the Great Recession, according to multiple national reports. High-profile layoffs at companies such as Amazon and UPS have fueled uncertainty in an already volatile labor market. Amazon alone has cut 30,000 positions since October 2025, citing restructuring and efficiency initiatives as the firm embraces a rapid artificial intelligence expansion.
Roles once considered stable are now being automated, restructured or eliminated. In response, CBMC encourages men not to anchor their confidence in titles, paychecks or positions, but in their relationship with Christ.
“When the world feels unsteady, men are tempted to measure their worth by their work,” said Matt Trayler, CBMC director of programs. “But our identity was never meant to be built on a job description. It is built on Christ, who never changes.”
CBMC leaders say many men find purpose primarily in career success, making layoffs or hiring freezes not only financial disruptions but also spiritual and emotional challenges. The ministry’s message is that confidence must rest in something deeper than economic forecasts.
“Confidence doesn’t come from the quarterly data or the annual projections,” Trayler said. “It comes from knowing that God walks beside us and is doing something bigger than we can see.”
CBMC points to Galatians 2:20 as a foundation for its approach, encouraging men to follow Christ’s lead, reflect His character and keep Him central in every decision. The organization teaches that spiritual grounding enables professionals to remain steady even as industries shift.
In a recent interview discussing artificial intelligence and workforce disruption, Trayler emphasized that Christian men are called to lead with peace in the middle of uncertainty. Rather than retreat in fear, he said, they are called to wade into change with faith.
“We are called to lead with calm confidence because our hope is not tied to market cycles,” Trayler said. “If and when things feel unstable, we keep our eyes on Christ. We keep trusting the One who never wavers.”
Through Gospel-centered peer advisory groups, mentoring relationships and workplace discipleship initiatives, CBMC equips men to integrate faith and business. The ministry seeks to help professionals grow spiritually while also achieving business objectives and personal development goals.
CBMC leaders say layoffs and restructuring, while painful, can also become moments of redirection and renewed dependence on God’s timing.
“God is not surprised by layoffs or hiring freezes,” Trayler said. “He remains sovereign and faithful, and He uses every season to shape leaders who reflect His character.”
As economic headlines continue to report significant workforce reductions and rapid technological shifts, CBMC’s message remains consistent: build life on a foundation that cannot be shaken.
“Our position may change. Our paycheck may change. But Christ never changes,” Trayler said. “When men build their foundation on Him, they can lead their families and workplaces with strength, integrity and unwavering faith.”
Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) exists to see men’s lives, families and workplaces transformed by God through a growing evangelism and discipleship movement in every community across the nation. Reaching, empowering and deploying generations of men in the workplace to live out their faith and multiply their impact for Christ is now more relevant than ever. As men strive for meaningful lives, CBMC is prepared to share the hope of the Gospel and offer essential tools for spiritual growth. Through Gospel-centered peer advisory groups and mentoring relationships, CBMC helps professionals achieve their business objectives and personal development goals.
For more information, visit the CBMC website at https://www.cbmc.com/.
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To interview a Christian Business Men’s Connection representative, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
