This is something I’ve wrestled with, prayed about, and lived out for some time now.

As someone who has worked both in the corporate world and in church circles, I’ve seen the gap: many believers in the marketplace feel like they’re on the outside of the real work of ministry.

They show up on Sundays, serve when they can, tithe faithfully—but then return to the “secular world” where faith often feels muted, isolated, or irrelevant.

Let me say this plainly:

The marketplace is not just a place where you can do ministry. It is your mission field.

It is holy ground.

It is part of God’s plan for the renewal of all things.

The Marketplace and the Mission of God

From the beginning, work was part of God’s design:

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
— Genesis 1:28, ESV

Work was sacred even before there was sin. And after the fall, God’s mission became not just to save souls, but to restore all of creation—including work, business, economics, and leadership.

“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
— Colossians 1:20, ESV

Your office, your business, your projects—they’re not outside God’s plan. They’re part of it.

Kingdom Economics: Purpose Over Profit

Kingdom Economics reframes how we think about success and wealth. In the world’s system, we chase profit, prestige, and platform. But in God’s economy, the purpose of wealth is stewardship, multiplication, and mission.

“You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
— Deuteronomy 8:18, ESV

Wealth, influence, and opportunity are not ends. They are means to fulfill God’s covenant purpose on the earth.

You Are Sent: A Theology of Calling

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’”
— John 20:21, ESV

Too many Christians compartmentalize their lives: spiritual on Sunday, secular the rest of the week.

But in the Kingdom, there’s no divide.

Your calling is not less sacred because it happens in a boardroom, a bank, or a barangay.

God sends some to pulpits—but He sends many to the marketplace.

You are not just called to work. You are called to witness, build, restore, and reflect Christ right where you are.

N.T. Wright and the Gospel for the Marketplace

I’ve been learning much from theologian N.T. Wright lately. In his work on the Kingdom of God, he emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus launched new creation right in the middle of the old one. God is not just saving souls for heaven—He is renewing all things through Jesus Christ.

That includes your business. Your office. Your client meetings. Your product launches.

You are not just there to succeed.

You are there to serve, rebuild, influence, and reflect Christ in a broken system.

“God intends to put the whole world right in the end. That’s the message of the gospel.”
— N.T. Wright

The marketplace isn’t neutral ground—it’s contested space. And we are called to be salt and light in it.

Four Kingdom Commitments for Marketplace Believers

1. Work With Integrity

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”
— Proverbs 16:8, ESV

Be honest, even when it costs. Your witness is your credibility.

2. Steward What You Have

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV

Manage money, influence, and opportunity as one entrusted—not entitled.

3. Pursue Purpose, Not Just Platform

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33, ESV

Don’t chase fame. Chase fruit that lasts.

4. Love People in Your Path

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16, ESV

People around you are watching. Be present. Be kind. Be bold in love.

A Personal Appeal to Believers in the Marketplace

To my fellow believers in business, finance, education, tech, media, healthcare, and beyond—

I see you. I understand the tension you carry.

You want to be excellent, but not worldly.

You want to be influential, but not proud.

You want to serve God, but sometimes you feel like your work doesn’t count.

It does.

Your calling is real.

Your mission field is where you clock in.

Your witness is just as vital as any sermon on Sunday.

Don’t underestimate how God can use your spreadsheets, strategy sessions, leadership, and creativity to build something eternal.

A Word to the Church: Empower the Saints in the City

As church leaders and disciplers, we must equip believers not just for church roles, but for cultural roles.

Let’s teach theology of work and economics.

Let’s affirm entrepreneurs, professionals, freelancers, and government workers as missionaries.

Let’s preach about calling beyond the pulpit.

Let’s commission believers into the world—just as we do for those in “full-time” ministry.

Because the church’s job is:

“to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:12, ESV

That includes ministry in the marketplace.

Where You Are is Where You’re Sent

The Kingdom of God is not only coming to church—it’s coming to your building, your Zoom call, your client meeting, and your pitch deck.

So stand tall in your calling. Work with excellence. Lead with humility. Love with intention. And let your work be worship.

Because the marketplace is not just a place for ministry. It is the mission field.