Marketplace Ministry Is So Important, But What Is It?
The question I get asked most: What is Marketplace Ministry?
One of the most popular questions I get asked is “what is Marketplace ministry?” It’s a fair question because I talk about Marketplace ministry a lot, I talk about its need, its value, its effect on my life and its place in the local church and business. Marketplace ministry has shaped my faith and business. It has impacted my marriage and family. It has challenged me in my own character and prayer life. In short, I believe it is very important!
Marketplace ministry is not simply a program, it is a way to live that connects with my purpose in life. I think one of the best ways that I have found to encapsulate a quick understanding of this ministry is by taking a closer look at the two words that name it:
Marketplace
The Marketplace refers to the place you go to work every day. It is the place of the city with the most influence, and where you have influence. In many ways it is the hub of any community. It is where goods that are needed for life are bought and exchanged, it is where relationships are formed and where we spend a good portion of our time and effort. As a result, this becomes a very key part of our lives. The marketplace is the place of highest potential to grow the kingdom of God.
When we approach the marketplace with a deep sense of purpose found from our faith in God, the opportunities are endless. My marketplace has been in the construction industry. It has given me the opportunity to meet many people that do not know Christ yet. It has allowed me to increase profits that have allowed me to become more generous with my resources. My purpose in the context of the marketplace has allowed me to have a great impact for the kingdom of God, and it is an exciting way to live.
Ministry
The word ministry is often used in the church world and not so much in the business community. However, the meaning of it has a vital role in business and (if I could be candid) is key to success in business. Ministry means: to equip, to resource, to train, to help and serve. Can you imagine a business without these components? It would be destined for certain failure.
The combination of these two words means that we see ourselves as ambassadors for Christ; those who represent something bigger than ourselves in the workplace. We enter our marketplace with a God given purpose; that means that our place in the marketplace, (your job) has a far greater significance than simply collecting a paycheck. When my eyes were opened to this reality, I started to align my whole life according to God’s principles. Matthew 6:33 became a life verse, a motto or personal mission statement of sorts. It says:
Make the Kingdom of God and life in loyalty to Him, the object of all your endeavor, and you will get all these other things as well.
Matthew 6:33 (BAR)
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As I pursue God and his purposes with 100% of my life, He helps me with my marriage, family and business. My life has been a story of how God has shown up for me in all these areas of life. I have such a passion for marketplace ministry. It has changed my life.
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