L a u n c h i n g a Marketplace Ministry in the local church Jim Hargis

WHAT WE WILL COVER A. Why a Business Ministry in the Local Church B. The significance of Work C. The New Testament model D. The needs of the Christian businessperson E. The four areas the Christian businessperson should be challenged in F. Keys to launching a marketplace ministry G. Suggested Ministry Activities H. Hindrances to launching a Marketplace Ministry

Why a Business Ministry in the Local Church? Other ministries - Youth, Children, Senior Saints, etc Other ministries - Youth, Children, Senior Saints, etc Businesspeople have unique needs Businesspeople have unique needs ALL believers should be equipped ALL believers should be equipped

The Significance of Work Paul tells us to walk worthy of our vocation. Paul tells us to walk worthy of our vocation. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…” (Ephesians 4:1 KJV) “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…” (Ephesians 4:1 KJV)

It is one of the most strategic and untapped segments of society for reaching the world. It is one of the most strategic and untapped segments of society for reaching the world. 1. A breeding ground for intentional relationship building 2.Gallup poll: 50% indicated they had discussed spiritual issues in the last 24 hours. 3. Adults spend the largest part of their life at work 4. No other arena compares to this impact - not the church or neighborhoods.

The New Testament Model 50% of Jesus’ adult life as a carpenter 50% of Jesus’ adult life as a carpenter Of 132 public appearances, 122 were in the marketplace. Of 132 public appearances, 122 were in the marketplace. Of 40 divine interventions recorded in Acts, 39 were in the marketplace Of 40 divine interventions recorded in Acts, 39 were in the marketplace

Of 52 parables, 45 had a workplace context. Of 52 parables, 45 had a workplace context. Construction Construction Wine making FarmingRanching Management & Labor Family owned business Crop yield Misuse of money Venture capital in high risk situations

The needs of the Christian Businessperson Spiritual principles related to the business arena “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) Spiritual principles related to the business arena “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) Interaction with peers Interaction with peers Accountability to one-another Accountability to one-another Fellowship with peers (The door for all other needs) Fellowship with peers (The door for all other needs) Prayer Prayer

The four areas the Christian businessperson should be challenged in 1.Stewardship- We each have spiritual gifts. (see I Cor. 12:18) Money is important to the kingdom 2.Excellence- 3.Evangelism- We ALL should help fulfill the great commission The church should equip marketplace ministers

A great definition of marketplace ministers “…men and women who retain ties to the marketplace and draw their primary income from it. They are ministers of the gospel. Their marketplace ties create influence for the kingdom of God and provide provisions for kingdom works.” Paul Gazelka 4. Influence Society- Mark 12:17 emphasizes we are to still function Mark 12:17 emphasizes we are to still function and impact society. and impact society. “The “layman” need never think of his humbler task as being inferior to that of his minister. Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called, and his work will be as sacred as the work of the minister.” A.W. Tozer

Keys to Launching a Marketplace Ministry Where to begin 1. 1.Pastoral Support 2. 2.Who Should be Included? Business Owners Managers Professionals (lawyers, physicians, dentists, etc.) Real estate Agents Sales People Young business Leaders

Organization 1. Leadership - Ministry Organizer Business leader or Pastor 2. Structure Highly or loosely structured 3. Mission & Purpose

Suggested Ministry Activities 1.Relational-Small Groups Start-ups Women in business Seasonal Business Leaders Young Entrepreneurs 2.Inspirational - Motivational (Corporate Gatherings) Speakers Luncheons – Dinners Marketplace prayer gathering 3.Business Leader Support Counseling “Plans fail for lack of counsel…” Content Workshops Intercession

Hindrances to launching a Marketplace Ministry Not be aware of - or convinced of the need. Not be aware of - or convinced of the need. Intimidation Intimidation Not another program!! Not another program!! Concern - Adequate number of businesspeople? Concern - Adequate number of businesspeople? How to execute? How to execute?

Jim Hargis