Answers to Your Marketplace Ministry Questions

Covid-19 gave us plenty of reasons to reflect on the future. We started asking questions about life, our future, and our purpose. I have also gotten more questions about Marketplace Ministry. To help, here is a compilation of Answers to Your Marketplace Ministry Questions.  

Hopefully, this information helps you design a clear path to start and manage your Marketplace Ministry.

First, let me suggest the best approach for understanding the answers and recommendations. There is no cookie-cutter solution for operating your Marketplace Ministry. Every organization is unique. These answers help you with your decision-making process to narrow your pursuits. Let this information guide you as you pray and seek God’s direction.

What is a Marketplace Ministry?

The definition of Marketplace Ministry is changing. In the past, a person in Marketplace Ministry was primarily a chaplain, who worked for a secular organization. They were evangelists on assignments in the workplace. While both definitions are true, there is another piece of the description. A person in Marketplace Ministry is a businessperson or worker who is an example of a biblical lifestyle in the workplace. People are attracted to God because of what they see in you. Get more details from the post–What is a Marketplace Ministry?

How do I make money and do Marketplace Ministry?

The good news about Marketplace Ministry is you can make plenty of money. It’s all about what God is calling you to accomplish and using the gifts that He gives you. You schedule a time to make money and you schedule time for your ministry. However, your ministry never stops. You shine your light in both places. How to Turn Your Business Into a Marketplace Ministry explains it in more detail.

I can’t seem to wrap my mind around a for-profit ministry. How can I serve God and be a for-profit organization?

The status “for-profit” primarily describes how your business is taxed. It means you will engage in an activity designed to earn a profit. But you are free to engage in additional activities as well. How you spend your profit is still your choice. It’s your choice to take your financial resources and use them to serve others. It’s your time and your money. Check out my most popular post about–16 Reasons to Consider a For-profit Status For Your Ministry.

If I go the for-profit route, can people still donate money?

Yes, people are free to donate wherever they please. However, you need the 501(c)(3) status for them to receive a tax deduction for the donation.

Can I still have volunteers?

Yes, people are free to volunteer in any capacity they choose. With for-profit business activities, it’s good to have interns so they can learn from the experience. It’s even better if you pay them for their income-earning activities. However, if your business is engaged in activities that serve the better good of the community (with no profit to you), volunteers are a great idea. Here is a post about how to treat employees/volunteers in your marketplace ministry – 10 Business Practices that Should Never Happen in a Marketplace Ministry

Do I have to own a business to do Marketplace Ministry?

No, your Marketplace Ministry goes where you go. You can start a business, or you can set your own parameters to be a marketplace minister at your current job.  

My job won’t let us talk about God. How can I have a Marketplace Ministry without getting fired?

Your company pays you to perform certain job functions. A part of your ministry is to complete those functions with excellence. Allow your life to tell your story, even before you speak. Be caring, honest, show your co-workers how you pray for guidance, and handle challenges. Let them know when God answers your prayer and be openly thankful. Perform at the top of your company’s expectations and wait for people to ask you, “How do you do it?” Then tell them about God’s blessings. If you can’t find a time to talk at work, go to lunch, or meet in another place when time permits. Pray for opportunities to share God’s love and watch Him open the doors that you need at the right time. Look at this post–10 Amazing Benefits of Praying For Your Coworkers.

How do I start my business?

This is a brilliant question with a broad answer. Remember, a business makes money by providing a product or service that people will pay you to provide. It takes time to learn what people want and what they will pay to receive. It takes even longer to find those people and make a profit. The best resource for starting a business is the Small Business Administration. Commit to completing a business plan including marketing strategies. Attend webinars, and find free training sources. Learn as much as you can before stepping out and spending money. The Small Business Administration has a great resource to get you started–10 Steps to Start Your Business.

How do I Start a Ministry?

That’s another question with a broad answer. You can start a ministry on weekends by just walking down the street and praying for your neighbors. You can also start a church. It all depends on what God is calling you to do (Hint: He uses the gifts and talents that you already have). The best way to start is to serve with someone who is in your ministry area. There is so much to learn before you start your ministry, and it’s important to connect with an experienced friend. Look at How to start a Ministry. Also, read 16 Reasons to Consider a For-Profit Status for Your Ministry.

Is it wrong to pursue profit while committed to God?

This is a phenomenal question that causes an internal struggle for some readers. Look at Matthew 25:14-30. If you own a business, you’re expected to make a profit. The goal is to make sure that earning profit is not your primary and only focus. God comes first, but He calls people to the business world and gives them the ability to make money and multiply what He gives. If you are that person, go for it. People are waiting for you to use your gifts and resources for the better good.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

Colossians 3:23

There are people serving in low-income areas and missions around the world. They don’t have an income-earning source, instead; they depend on you and me to help them by giving. Are you the money-maker who God wants to be a financial resource for other ministries? If so, go hard. Use your grit and make your money!

It’s time to think outside of the box and boldly step into the culture without compromising your ministry. God wants to use you in every sector of society, demonstrating the goodness of God.

We have much more coming to help you manage your Marketplace Ministry. Register on this site and let’s do this together. Go forward, my friend. Use what you have!