Your Calling Is Not Just in Church: Ministry in the Marketplace. Understanding our divine purpose beyond titles and pulpits.

I like to start some of these empowerment sessions by asking a question… to get your mind ticking and stimulate the discussion.

Today’s question is: What do you think about when you hear the word “ministry”? 

Most people picture a preacher behind a pulpit or a church leader in a robe. Correct?

However, the truth is that ministry isn’t just what happens on Sabbath or Sunday mornings. It’s what happens in office meetings, grocery store lines, hospital hallways, school pick-up zones, boardrooms, and malls - as we spoke about yesterday. 

So, ministry is who you are, it is who I am. Or it should be, all the time. It’s not just what we do on a stage or when someone is watching, and we want to appear to be good. 

God has positioned His people in every corner of society—media, business, education, law, healthcare—not to hide our faith, but to reflect Him in everyday life.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” 

That means, Family, that our identity in Christ isn’t just about being saved—it’s about being sent. Sent into the world with purpose. 

God didn’t save us to just warm the pews. He saved us to serve, and not just in the choir or the usher board. He designed us to bring His love, His wisdom, and His presence into every space we occupy. 

Of course, we must not be ostentatious or showy with it. Some people cannot be humble if you give them a million dollars! The Bible reminds us in James 4:6 that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

What is your calling? Do we understand our divine purpose?

Some of us may not get a position in the church or a title like Bishop, Pastor, Minister, Evangelist, or Deacon. But guess what? We still have a ministry. 

That Zoom meeting? That team project? That casual lunch with a client? Those are platforms as well.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 (NLT) “Go and make disciples of all the nations…”, He wasn’t speaking to pastors only. He was speaking to every believer. 

The marketplace is full of people who will never step into a church building. 

That’s why God sent you into the marketplace - the mall, your office. 

And what are our tools of evangelism? Compassion, integrity, consistency. 

So you’re not just a teacher, accountant, stylist, or manager. You are an ambassador of the Kingdom.

Colossians 3:23 (NLT) reminds us, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” 

That means your workplace isn’t just about a paycheck. It’s a pulpit. You represent Christ not just by preaching but by showing up on time, being honest, handling conflict with grace, and refusing to compromise your values. 

And catch this: Your faith is loudest when you don’t have to announce it. Your excellence will open doors that no sermon could.

Still, operating in the marketplace as a believer isn’t always easy. How many of us know that?

Some environments are so hostile to faith or filled with gossip, manipulation, and pressure to conform. 

That’s why Colossians 4:5 (NLT) says, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” 

Sometimes the most effective ministry is knowing when to speak and when to simply live the Word. Discernment is key. 

Be bold, but be wise. Don’t underestimate the impact of a quiet seed planted in faith. A timely word of encouragement, a patient response in a tense meeting, or a simple offer to pray for someone—these can all be moments of divine ministry.

To be successful in marketplace ministry, we need more than skill; we need spiritual grounding. 

Hebrews 10:24 (NLT) encourages us, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” 

So we have to surround ourselves with believers who will remind us of our purpose and keep us accountable. It is super important for us to stay rooted in the Word and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

And don’t be fooled into thinking that there is a playbook that makes everything go smoothly all the time. If there is ever a playbook it is the Bible. 

Marketplace ministry can feel lonely at times. But we can be comforted in knowing that we don’t have to be alone in the crowd. We are not alone. God is with us.

Family, you and I are part of a bigger movement of believers who are taking the Gospel beyond the pews and into the streets, boardrooms, and business deals.

You don’t need a physical platform to have influence. You don’t need a title to be called. If God placed you in a hospital, He has ministry there. If you’re behind a desk, that’s your mission field. 

Your light was meant to shine in dark places—not just in church buildings. Ministry is wherever people are. And if you're there, God can use you.

So let us start the day asking God to use us right where we are. 

Let us carry our faith into every conversation. Let people see the love of Christ in our work ethic, our attitude, and our compassion. 

Why? Because our calling isn’t just in church. It’s in the marketplace—and the world is waiting for our light. 

aub - 4Jun25 

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