begins Chris’ blog entry where he talks about his marketplace ministry. He goes on to explain, “… it’s sacred space for me precisely because the people around me there aren’t all Christians. In fact, most are unchurched or de-churched. And I love them.” Chris works part time at the café and realizes God has put him in his position for a purpose. There are daily opportunities to touch the lives of those who need to know his Savior.
He continues, “The cafe becomes sacred space for me every time I have a deep conversation with a coworker or listen to a regular customer share their life-story. The relationships I’ve been able to develop with co-workers and customers are sacred relationships. Some people talk to their barista they (sic) way one does to the proverbial bartender, and at times I feel like taking off my shoes because I know I’m on holy ground when someone opens up to me.”
This story is instructive for several reasons. Chris was intentional in his choice to be bi-vocational. He recognizes that the café environment gives him an entryway into the community. He has continual opportunity to meet people who would not normally set foot inside a church. He meets them on their terms in a setting where they are comfortable. He can demonstrate the love of Christ in very natural ways non-believers can understand and relate to.
The Church has not done a good job of teaching its members that we are all called to be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God and that we are all called to go out to all the world (including the marketplace) and make disciples. [1 Pet 2.9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.]
Chris says he also does it because it gives him a way to demonstrate and model for the other members of his congregation how they, as disciples of Christ, can find meaning in their “ordinary” jobs. “Our churches are filled with people who are discontent with their work and who rarely think of their jobs as places where they can participate in the Kingdom of God.”
This story brings life and relevance to 1 Cor 10.31 “…whatever you do…do all for the Glory of God”.
Chris’ other vocation is as a pastor, but he sometimes says, “the place where I do the most real ministry is the cafe.” He is considered “bi-vocational” because he works half-time in a church and part-time at the café. Yet he does not see any difference between the two “jobs” when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel.
Chris concludes his article, “there’s no separation between the two – each job complements and enriches the other.”
As I reflect on Chris’ experience, I can’t help but ask, “Would Chris be any less a minister of the gospel if he only worked at the café?” This is tentmaking – sharing the Gospel in the workplace where God puts you.
I encourage the reader to go to Chris’ blog and read the account in his own words.