Why marketplace neighbors are great mission fields

Written by David Kim

Everyone is looking for meaning

There are many people that I come across who are looking for meaning and purpose in their life. I meet them all the time. This is why it’s critical that marketplace ministry exists. Most people grow up thinking, if you study hard, you get into a good college, and then you get a good job. Unfortunately, life lessons end there. But the reality is that life is so much more than “a job.” Everyone is looking for meaning and purpose in life. This is especially true where I live—Silicon Valley. I have come across so many young people in their 20’s and 30’s with great jobs, who end up asking themselves:

“Is this it? Is this all there is to my life?”

These people all studied hard, they got into good universities, and now they work for brand name companies in Silicon Valley. But they’re wondering, “Is this it? Is that all that there is to be?” So it’s really critical to understand that we somehow bring meaning to work, rather than to derive our meaning or identity from our work.

Marketplace as mission field

In my mind, marketplace is one of the great mission fields that exist today. Monday through Friday, 40 to 50 or more hours a week you’re working alongside colleagues who are from different backgrounds, beliefs, and nationalities. Our own co-workers can be our most accessible neighbors, for whom to extend modern grace. For eight hours a day, this is where we can build a bridge of faith perspective and faith expectations, rather than asking someone to come to 123 Main Street on Sundays at 11 o’clock. You are there in the marketplace, Monday through Friday, day in and day out with the very people who need to hear the gospel of Christ. In that workplace environment, you really get to know the people; their hurts, their joys, their dreams, their challenges. Sadly, the marketplace is probably one of the least served mission fields in the world today. Christians can witness in a variety of styles, from more direct to more relaxed. That said, the Christian should be intellectually honest and understand what the Bible says. Apologetics is not a common word understood by a lay believer. But knowing how to defend your faith is so critical now with the cultural shifts we are seeing in the US.  In addition, I would ask, “Do we know how to defend our faith without coming across abrasive or accusatory or ignorant about different faiths?”

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

Lifestyle evangelism is a more low-key approach, because it’s a safe inviting way when we live out faith with compassion, generosity of talents, time and treasures and humble service to love and serve. But both styles have their place as you strive to be sensitive, both to the Holy Spirit, as well as to your co-workers.

Who are your neighbors?

In terms of our workplace mission fields, I encourage Christians to think specifically, to pray consistently, and to act intentionally. Here are some questions to get us moving in that direction:

1. Think about your own marketplace neighbors. First, how many can you name? How well do you know them?
2. What three things can you start doing differently in order to understand them better?
3. What specific steps can you take in your workplace to begin building bridges of God’s grace to your neighbors?

Feel free to share your comments here… I am interested to hear from you.

David Kim