The Market Place

The Market Place

When we refer to the marketplace in this book, 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, and international levels that impacts the economy and those working within it

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.

Marketplace Ministry

“The whole world could abound with services to the Lord - not only in churches but also in the home, kitchen, workshop, and field.” - Martin Luther

Marketplace ministry typically refers to Christians who fulfill their calling in the secular workplace.

The concept of ministry is changing as the world changes and it is important for the church to make adjustments to the way people are used in their gifting and profession so that the gospel can be presented everywhere and not only within the four walls of the church. There are people who will never go to a church service and may never hear the good news of the Kingdom unless it is expressed in the marketplace.

To be in ministry means to serve others. Jesus was the best example because to even washed the feet of His disciples.

Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

We are called to serve and not be served and we can do this effectively within the church and also beyond the church walls.

Most people relate ministry to the work done by the pastor of a church, missionaries, music ministry, children’s ministry, youth ministry, and Christian counselors and not those who fulfill their life’s purpose in the secular world and in doing so may become more ministry focused.

A Christian who wishes to be in fulltime ministry can fulfill their desire to serve God in the workplace and this can be regarded as being in fulltime ministry.

Many Christians mistakenly believe that those who are in fulltime church ministry have a higher calling than those who fulfill their calling in the secular world.

There are so many Biblical accounts of individuals who were called by God to religious and nonreligious related work.

The Biblical concept of ministry is service rendered to God or to people. The standard set for those in ministry are portrayed in the servant-leadership of Christ.

Ministry involves people and its purpose is to advance the Kingdom of God in word and deed.

Whether it refers to those who work in a church environment, or on the streets of a city, or in the workplace, ministry must be seen as a personal commission from God that works toward the reconciliation of others to Christ through the gospel. It is the fundamental responsibility of every born again believer.