Business as Ministry…

I’ve heard it said way too often. Each time it comes up, the conversation becomes somewhat predictable.  The topic is ‘work and ministry’.  What becomes predictable are the assertions and applause when a willing soul announces leaving their marketplace career to pursue vocational ministry.  Now granted there are clear New Testament passages which advocate seeking certain spiritual gifts¹ and accompanying local church offices/functions², but…

…but what of the lives and relationships one is leaving behind? What of the ordered, divine realm of work which God had and has ordained³; and for which laborers are needed⁴? What of THAT ministry into which one had been supernaturally guided and selectively entrusted⁵?  

Where stands it written that “ministry” is exclusive to a certain title or office? Or a hallowed local assembly on Sunday?  Or that it is excluded from the marketplace?  Was there not a reformation over such errant thinking? 

And dare it be heard from the shadows to that soul headed out the door if in fact he or she has a demonstrable resume of fruit and faithfulness in the “prior ministry” ?  Note: it is always best to ask such questions before their new commissioning.

Now my appeal.  May we gently and boldly interject into ministry conversations the correct biblical instruction that those who remain in the marketplace are varsity ministers.  To faithfully complete spreadsheets and relentlessly pursue workplace relationships for the cause of Christ…is doing ministry.  Yes, business as ministry.  And may the Church not fail to assert(teach), applaud, and support all who tread and remain in the marketplace. After all, is it not for the work of the ministry in the marketplace and formal assembly of the church for which all member-ministers are to be equipped?   Period. Full stop.  

PS.  Yes, go ahead, gently offer correction to any conversation that assumes and asserts otherwise.  

¹ 1 Corinthians 12:13

² 1 Timothy 3:1

³  Genesis 1:28, 2:5,15; 3:23

⁴ Matthew 9:38

⁵ Acts 17:26-27; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

⁶ 1 Peter 2:4-5

⁷ Ephesians 4:12-13