What major should I pursue to prepare to be a tentmaker?

/ Phill

What major should I pursue to prepare to be a tentmaker?

This question often comes up when talking with university students planning to become tentmakers. It is a logical and good question to think about. The answer I give them is not always what they expect.

Has God laid a specific country or people group on your heart?

My response changes depending on their answer to this question, “Do you have a calling to a specific country or people?”

If the answer is YES, then look at the professional needs in that area and pursue something that will fill those needs. The answer varies depending on the context. There is no one field or skill set for all locations. Sometimes there is a specific sense of calling. But frequently it is not.

When there is no specific people or place in the calling

Many times, God simply asks us to be available and to use our gifts for His service. In that case, it does not make much difference what field we pursue. What passions and skills to you enjoy which you would like to improve? That will provide a direction.

  • “God uniquely created you with talents and passions for a purpose you can do better than anyone else. Your task is to discover and follow it.” Develop what God has given you.
  • He wants you to use it for His glory.
  • We have not found an area where what God gives you cannot be used. But not all areas of the world are a good fit for every gifting.
  • Some tentmakers found their niche in doing their hobby. That’s a real dream job.
  • The famous Christian Olympian, Eric Liddell said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run, I feel his pleasure.”
  • When we exercise out gifting in God’s service, we are fulfilling his plan.
  • The key to tentmaking is to be intentional about using your gifting for the glory of God.

Supplement your vocational studies with tentmaker equipping

There is one additional category of training we encourage all tentmakers to get. It is rarely found in universities (even Christian ones). Sadly, it is not usually part of a church curriculum either. That is the area of Tentmaker equipping.

What I am talking about is training to naturally share his faith in the workplace environment. These are the topics I am thinking about.

  • What is tentmaking? What does the Bible teach about tentmaking? We get the term because the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker by trade.
  • Crossing cultures and building relationships.
  • Hospitality. For some this comes naturally. For others it requires commitment and practice. It opens doors and hearts to the relationships which build trust and allow us to introduce people to our friend Jesus.
  • Storytelling – your personal story and God’s story. Be prepared to give the reason for the hope that lies within you. People love to hear stories and they are easy to remember.
  • Building a spiritual support team (church, prayer group, etc.). This is critical for those doing battle with the Spirit of this world.
  • Leading a bible study. Find an approach that is culturally appropriate where you will be living and begin practicing while you are still in preparation.
  • Discipling others – be careful here. Many discipleship-trainings focus on a knowledge set rather than the practice of following Jesus and obeying his teaching.
  • Personal spiritual growth. You need to be able to “feed yourself” spiritually and not depend on others.

Where to go for training/mentoring? Some of these are not tentmaker exclusive and may obtained from other third-party providers. Here are some sources within the Global Intent tentmaker training network.

Connect with info@intent.org for more information.

By Phill Sandahl