The Marketplace Christian’s Primary Mission in Business

How I Discovered My Ministry in the Marketplace

•     The Most Important Thing I Learned in Seminary

•     Starting Businesses to Make Disciples

The marketplace is a great place for a Christian.

•     Almost all non-Christians work in the marketplace.

•      Only 11.7% of U.S. population in church by 2050.

•     Almost all Christians work in the marketplace.

•      85% of the Christian workforce in U.S.

•     Discipleship actually can happen in the marketplace.

•     It’s the example set by Jesus.

•      Jesus was a blue-collar worker.

•      92% of his public appearances were in the marketplace.

•      87% of his parables had a workplace context.

What are “royal priests” called to do in the business world?

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…”

                   —1 Pet. 2:9a

 

Responsibilities as Priests:
Sacrifice & Proclaim

•     Royal priests “offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (1 Pet. 2:5b)

•      Types of “spiritual sacrifices” for marketplace Christians: the work itself, personal holiness, forgiveness, financial earnings, extra time at the office, selfish ambition, etc.

•     Royal priests “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9b, NASB)

 

Responsibilities as Kings:
Provide & Protect

“Fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule.” –Gen. 1:28, NASB

•     Provide: Meaning through work, economic value, opportunities, compensation, spiritual gifts, alms, etc. 

•     Protect: Making wise and righteous decisions, life-giving words, prayer, support through personal hardships, etc. 

 

What is our primary mission in the marketplace?

•     Applying timeless principles?

•     Being financially prosperous?

•     Abolishing the “local church” model in favor of something “better”?

•     Selling Christian-themed stuff to Christians?

•     A prescribed method of “marketplace ministry”?