Marketplace ministry is evangelism or Christian activities conducted in the workplace. It is for a call to see our businesses as platforms for Christian ministry, stewarding business with eternal perspective. If God has placed you in the marketplace, don’t wish you were called somewhere else! The marketplace is a great place for Christians. Here’s why:
Today, only 1 in 5 adults attend church regularly in the USA. In Europe, the ratios are even lower. Elsewhere, there are countries where church gathering is restricted. However, people are still waking up daily to go to work alongside their Christian coworkers in those marketplaces. The marketplace provides a way for Christians to have interaction with others. Our co-workers can observe how we react under pressure; how we treat people and how much God truly matters in our daily lives. They get to ‘see’ Jesus, through us. Discipleship can happen in the marketplace. The process is definitely relational, making it ideal with our co-workers, staff, and clients.
The marketplace forces the Church to use all of its capabilities. Mega-church Christianity doesn’t work in the marketplace. Christians sitting on the sidelines of ministry won’t transform the nations for the glory of God. Marketplace ministry activates people’s unique spiritual gifts. For example, a pastoral gift views marketplace ministry as a call to care for the personal needs of employees and/or co-workers.
Finally, the marketplace is a source of resource for ministry. Mature Christian business professionals can hear God and understand His plan to make righteous decisions in stewarding resource.
The Kingdom of God should permeate and transform society and marketplace ministry can play an important role.
~ YC Chen
