Walking Faithfully in the Marketplace….

We hear a lot of talk today about the “marketplace minister”…

That’s the person who is able to navigate through the everyday interactions of their work life and bring their faith in Christ to life within it.

They don’t rely on stained glass windows or worship music to trigger their sense of God’s abiding presence…they take it with them wherever they go and in whatever situation they encounter.

This is a 24/7/365 approach that has no seams….

What makes this marketplace minister so effective?

Three key qualities come to mind….

The first is Congruency, the second is Humility and the third is Versatility.

Congruency. James 1:8 tells us “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways”. Being double minded means lacking congruency between our faith and our walk. Congruency is defined as displaying “agreement or harmony”.

In short, this means “walking the talk and talking the walk”…in the marketplace you call “home”.

Humility. Tim Keller talks of humility being “so shy”. So true…we see it show it’s face so infrequently in the marketplace. It is defined as “a modest view of ones own importance” (Webster).

Philippians 2:3 states “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”.

Displaying authentic humility in the marketplace is so rare that it becomes it’s own beacon…you can’t help but be noticed when you are authentically humble.

Versatility. 1 Cor. 9:22 “To those who are weak I became weak. That was to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that in all possible ways I might save some.”

This is all about understanding your audience and moving in rhythm with them. It is all about meeting people where they are and walking with them for the part of the journey to which you are invited.

Photo credit: http://www.livenynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Walking-in-New-York-City.jpg

Versatility is about adapting to the needs of others while continuing to be your self. It’s about a personal “nimbleness” that allows you to explore, discover and guide as the relationship permits.

Congruency, Humility, Versatility….the 3 Important Keys to being an effective marketplace minister.

Take them with you wherever you go…

*Biblical references from the NIV or King James versions