PRIESTHOOD IN THE MARKET PLACE (MARKETPLACE MINISTRY) – PART 1
Recap: In episodes 4 & 5 we discussed privileges (access, prayer life), and responsibility (holiness,
intercession) of the priesthood.
Introduction
It is pure (human) invention that pope, bishops, priests and monks are to be called the “spiritual estate;” princes, lords, artisans, and farmers the “temporal estate.” [On the contrary] . . . all Christians are truly of the “spiritual estate,” and there is among them no difference at all but that of office.
When Luther referred to the priesthood of all believers, he was maintaining that the plowboy and the
milkmaid could do priestly work. In fact, their plowing and milking was priestly work. So there was no
hierarchy where the priesthood was a “vocation” and milking the cow was not. Both were tasks that God called his followers to do, each according to their gifts.
REMOVE-SPIRITUAL-SECULAR DICHOTOMY – ALL TASKS GLORIFY GOD
Doing away with the demarcation between the spiritual and temporal realms, Luther invested a dignity in vocation whereby a Christian may live a whole life in worship of God (Rom 12:1). Each daily activity, from the mundane to the material, from the remunerated to the unpaid, is a realm in which to glorify God. Whereas the world tempts us to think that the value of a task is wrapped up in the amount paid to do it, we are offered a new way – all tasks are a way to glorify God as priests, which is the ultimate bottom line at the end of the day.
The Market place as a parish; for many disciples, the workplace is one of their greatest spheres of
connection and influence. Yet many believers don’t see that their job can be an act of worship — and an opportunity to engage others with the gospel. 2 Corinthians 2v14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us [d]diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
Disciples spread the fragrance of Christ in the workplace
Business is ministry If the Church teaches that working in business, communications, politics, or any other profession is just as impactful as working directly in the ministry, it allows Christians to connect
their beliefs to their everyday actions, giving them purpose in their jobs and equipping them to serve
others and improve society though their daily work.
‘Ministry’ is no higher than Business: On the other hand, if the Church implies that the ministry is a higher calling than other professions, it will lose the impact that it has on individuals and society through “secular” vocations.
● A word for Pastors
o Definition of church. How we define the church determines how we lead it. The church is
not the building but the people. The truth is it is not a physical building but a spiritual
building made out of people.
o Do we lead a people that goes to church or a church that goes to the people?
o The Purpose of Sunday is Monday.
Church begins on Monday. Read Ephesians 4v12-13. The purpose of gathering for worship and receiving
spiritual nourishment on Sundays is to equip and inspire Christians for their actions and service
throughout the rest of the week, starting from Mondays. The teachings and experiences from Sunday should have a practical impact on how believers live out their faith in their daily lives.
o Church gathered (on Sunday for training) vs church scattered (Monday-Saturday for mission).
o Churches and disciple-makers need to present a Biblical perspective on work while
equipping believers to be salt and light in the marketplace.
CONCLUSION
Let’s rediscover the purpose of the Church and the Pattern for Ministry. The Church is not the building but the people.
