For years, ministers have preached about heroes of the Christian faith who have left their “secular” jobs to enter Christian ministry – perhaps even as missionaries. We are told that they no longer work for wages, but now serve the Lord in Christian ministry.
If you have preached this before you may find its challenging to understand the ministry in the marketplace. In a real sense, you don't have to leave business or another professional industry before you can serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. You can do full-time Christian ministry work right in the business or in the job you have - That's marketplace!
When we refer to the marketplace in this blog, we mean:
- the world of business, trade, and economics
- the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold
- an area in a town where a public mercantile establishment is set up
- where goods and services are bought and sold to the purchaser
- the forum through which human economic commerce is conducted
- the world of trade or economic activity
- the place of business, professional activity, employment, and creative pursuit
- the place at local, national.
The marketplace touches virtually every person on the earth and this includes the church. The church cannot ignore what goes on in the world and should position itself to be effective in society as a whole which includes the marketplace. The church should use the marketplace to spread the gospel and provide finances for its vision through marketplace activities.
Of the 52 parables of Jesus, 45 had a workplace context. What we do in the church should affect the marketplace and the functions Christians perform in the marketplace should affect the church. Christians can have an influence in the church and also in the marketplace.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. What we do is important to God. He uses us as instruments to advance His Kingdom on earth and whether we fulfill these purposes in the church or in the secular environment is not important to God as long as we are doing what He has called us to do and as long as it give Him glory.
The church must be effective and influential within and outside its walls so that God’s Kingdom is preached to everyone. In this way, the Gospel will touch schools, workplaces, government institutions, etc. Many of God’s leaders in both the Old and New Testaments ministered to the greatest rulers of their day. The Bible is full of examples of wealthy and influential people who used their wealth to further God’s purpose. The church needs to understand that businesses can be used as a resource to benefit God’s work on the earth. God calls people in all walks of life to spread the good news of heaven.
How can I become an effective marketplace ministers?
First, pray for the vision to see your business or job as a mission field. Pray that He would open your eyes to the harvest that is available right where you are. You can’t work where you can’t see! Next, pray for a desire to grow in your faith and knowledge of Him and His Word. What you need is consistent time in His Word and an open heart and mind that can absorb AND apply what you read. Pray that God will give you a hunger for His Word so that you find ways to study rather than reasons not to! And finally, with regards to praying, pray that God will equip you for the specific ministry that He wants you to do. Don’t predetermine how this will look. There are innumerable ways for Him to equip you as a missionary because there are also countless ways for Him to use you in ministry on the job/business. Also pray for the faith to trust this equipping since you will likely face doubts when the time comes.
The next step is to start looking for ministry opportunities in your workplace. It can be an ongoing task where you are constantly looking at the people around you and their needs. These people can be your customers, your suppliers, your colleagues or even your boss. Even if your contact with them is mainly by phone or e-mail, you can influence them.
Finally, start acting in love to conveys God’s love for them and points them to Him. You don’t need a Bible on your desk or a cross screen saver on your computer. You don’t have to be allowed to pray out loud in a meeting or anoint anyone with oil. You can do exactly what you need to do within your employer’s guidelines! Meet needs in creative ways and allow the real joy that is in your heart to shine through. Eventually, the opportunity will likely present itself for you to share your reasons. When it does, God will give you the words and the timing. Trust Him for this. Trust Him for the results.
Too many times, we make the excuse that we must be perfect or know more before we do more. To some degree, this can be true. However, it can also be an excuse! Start acting in love and let God guide you as you are also learning at the same time.
Related Articles
- Created for His Purpose
- What Does the Bible Say about Giving or Accepting a Bribe?
- What is Mariology and is it Biblical?
Further Resources
- Discover online ministry opportunities at Open Christian Ministries
- Online Christian degree from Open Christian University (USA)
Comments ()