Most biblical heroes were not priests.  Abraham was a rancher and a business man; Joseph was a businessman and a skilled administrator; Joshua and Caleb were generals; David was a shepherd, a general, and a king; Daniel and Nehemiah were governmental administrators. 

But these biblical champ- ions have been interpreted for us through the eyes of modern-day priest and they have been stripped of their marketplace identity.

Christianity today lacks models of Jesus in the marketplace.  Who are the role models for today’s marketplace Christians?  There are very few, and without models we can’t visualize what we are to do, much less walk in it.

The elasticity and adaptability of the marketplace in no way compromises, devalues or minimizes the quality of the pro -grams that begin within the four walls of the church building.   Instead, when analyzed, it simply recognizes that before the church initiates any programs or church-based ministry, its marketplace members should already be engaged in kingdom work.

That makes the unlimited scope of the marketplace for work, business and opportunity a natural venue for cultivating the kingdom of God. The marketplace is a vital ministry setting.  Partnership between the local church and its marketplace people is crucial. Leaders who understand this will take the initiative in equipping the people of God for their kingdom assignments.

The workplace must be transformed, it too must be included in the domain of the Kingdom of God. 

Who is this Carpenter?

He left there and returned to his hometown. His disciples came along. On the Sabbath, he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He made a real hit, impressing everyone. "We had no idea he was this good!" they said. "How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?"

But in the next breath they were cutting him down: "He's just a carpenter—Mary's boy. We've known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he is?" They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further.                          (Mark 6:1-3, Message)