Have you ever heard the term ‘marketplace ministry’? Some Christian businesses coin the term to describe a business which honours Jesus first. The purpose of this article is to outline for Christian businesses what it means to truly be a ‘marketplace ministry’ or a place that puts Jesus at the forefront of your day to day business.
Do you dance for an audience of one?
God knows what you do when no one is looking. As a marketplace business this fact must remain top of mind. The moment other peoples’ opinions become more important than God’s we have stopped dancing for an audience of one.
Don’t– Worry about the results of following God in your industry. Even if it means loss, maintaining your integrity is worth any price. It will end in blessings you did not count on.
Do- Strive to do your work with excellence, not perfection. Character is not only revealed in excellence but how you react to a mistake.
It’s Time!
Each of us has been given 24 hours to steward. In the marketplace it is so important to evaluate how we invest our time. Each person and every moment is an opportunity to allow God’s reality to invade our own. To be effective we must discern between the good opportunities and the great ones.
Don’t- Take on every opportunity which comes your way. Instead, ask for wisdom in discerning the many good from the important few. Less is more in the marketplace.
Do- Take cues from how Christ lived his day to day life. Discover what is important to you, what you are passionate about and say no to anything which does not line up with these goals.
I am Lord.
Few who pursue marketplace ministry would dispute the statement “God is Lord,” but our lives can present a picture very different from this statement. One of the most important truths to hold onto is acknowledging God’s authority. When we relinquish control there is no need to worry or fear.
Don’t- Go to work worrying about your paycheck. God’s job is to provide when you and your business walk in His will.
Do- Walk in what God has for you each day. Spend time listening to His voice. These are all important aspects of running a marketplace ministry which can be ignored.
For those of you who want to learn more about stewarding your time Essentialism by Greg McKeown is a great resource. He takes you step by step into leading the life of an essentialist, a fascinating read and one you will turn to over and over again. Remember, running a market place ministry is about you and your relationship with God as it is about your business. This gives you freedom to make decisions, trusting in a God who will take care of you.