I am of the belief that no kingdom-minded ministry is complete without placing due emphasis on Marketplace Ministry. We as believers should use the skills and talents God gave us to bring God’s character, active in us, into the marketplace. WE should be the vendors, product suppliers and service providers, and should do business in such a way that glorifies GOD. This does not mean you “preach” to all your clients, customers and co-workers; but rather that you show the love and character of our God WHILE doing business!
We can make a much greater impact through continuous infiltration into the economic systems of this world than we can by further creating this “us and them” mentality that many (too many) Christians live by.
Let’s look at what marketplace ministry is, and what it is not…. We’ll start with what it is not:
Marketplace Ministry does NOT mean that…
- You do not intend to make a profit in your business
- You plan to only do business with other “Christian” businesses
- You must give other Christians “the hook-up”
- You must explicitly share Christ with every customer/client
- Your business products/services must cater to the “Christian” community
- You ostracize yourself from non-believers with whom you work
- You treat your workplace like a preaching engagement
- You avoid the ‘greed’ of corporate America by choosing not to work there, believing you’re only supposed to have a “church job” or a “ministry job”, or a “kingdom job”
Marketplace Ministry DOES mean that…
- You perform your work with the highest level of integrity and justice
- Your quest for profit and wealth is inherently moral and closely tied to who you are (who GOD created you to be)
- Your place of business and employment has a praying believer bringing the culture of God’s heavenly kingdom – Thy kingdom come – to that earthly territory
- You produce a quality product and give the best possible customer service to your customers and clients
- You pay your debts and proper taxes as required by earthly governmental authorities
- You have no qualms about tithing from your increase into a your local church
- You, as lead by the Holy Spirit, may sometimes need to carry out ‘pastoral care’ type ministry to co-workers and customers when needed (but without going overboard with it)
- You plant small seeds of kingdom principals when the opportunity arises
- You are the ‘resident intercessor’ over your place of business
- Your spiritual ears are forever open to hear the mind of God concerning your place of business
Can you see how valuable, yet easy, marketplace ministry can be? It should be a no-brainer for the well-balanced sons and daughters of our Father and Lord.
Ask yourself this question and ponder it in prayer: Have I personally taken my place as a marketplace minister?
~ Selah, Pastor Michelle
(Click here to see my professional profile. I AM a marketplace minister.)
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