God@Work, Volume 2, 0768422663

GOD @
WORK
VOLUME 2
DEVELOPING MINISTERS
IN THE MARKETPLACE
GOD @
WORK
VOLUME 2
DEVELOPING MINISTERS
IN THE MARKETPLACE
RICH MARSHALL
with Ken Walker
© Copyright 2005 – Rich Marshall
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Acknowledgments
To my wife, Wilma, who never ceases to pray for me.
To Ken Walker whose skills greatly enhance mine.
To the ROi team who believes in me

and in this important message.
Contents
Chapter 1 From Principles to Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 2 The Coming Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 3 The Signs of a Marketplace Minister . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter 4 Signs and Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Chapter 5 Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Chapter 6 Bondage Breakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Chapter 7 Wealth Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 8 Hearing the Voice of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Chapter 9 Biblical Entrepreneurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Chapter 10 Reaching Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Chapter 11 Marketplace Minister in Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Chapter 12 Developing Marketplace Ministers . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Chapter 13 A Word for Pastors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Appendix Reading List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
CHAPTER 1
From Principles to Practice

So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity again and
again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our under-
standing (Hebrews 6:1 NLT).
When we flew to the Caribbean island of Barbados on a balmy
September afternoon, my wife, Wilma, and I were en route to a
Labor Day weekend of rest and relaxation with our friends, Kyffin
and Roberta Simpson. Our trip included one work-related task: a
Saturday morning seminar I would conduct for local business
leaders.
On Friday afternoon Kyffin, his son, David, and I were body
surfing just off a picturesque beach. None of us were too con-
cerned about the approach of Hurricane Ivan, although we chatted
a little about it. The hurricane would soon become the third of four
to wallop the Caribbean and U.S. mainland over a six-week period.
But this day, news about Ivan maintained a low profile in Barbados,
especially since the island sits outside the annual hurricane season’s
customary path.
However, by the next morning at the seminar, a number of
audience members were discussing the possibility of Ivan striking
9
GOD @ W O R K : V O L U M E 2
Barbados three days later. Seeing the number of worried looks

slowly spreading, I decided to use this situation as a real-life exam-
ple of what I would discuss during the general session.
After opening with an explanation of God’s call to work and
the authority we have in the name of Jesus, I told the group, “Let’s
stand up and exercise our authority over this storm. Let’s pray these
three things: 1) that the wind slows down; 2) that the storm turns
before it arrives in Barbados; and 3) that there is no damaging rain
accompanying the hurricane.”
Everyone stood. As I directed them, they put their hands
toward the east and prayed this prayer of faith with me. I thought
nothing of this; I’ve led prayers of this nature many times over the
past four decades. As of 1999 and after 35 years as a pastor, I have
made my living speaking, writing, and teaching about God’s activi-
ty in the marketplace.
Usually, when I speak at conferences Christians tend to make
up 90 percent of the crowd. But this day, I learned that more than
80 percent did not claim to follow Christ, nor were most used to
praying this way, even those who expressed a Christian faith. Still,
they all cooperated. Afterward, I went on with my presentation.
When the seminar concluded, we continued tracking Ivan’s
progress on the Internet for the rest of Saturday, Sunday, and
Monday. As some feared, Barbados lay right in the center of the
storm’s path. On Labor Day the trade publication, Insurance Jour-
nal, carried a Web report headlined “Caribbean Islands Brace for
Another Hurricane; Ivan Now a Category 4 Storm.”
About 20 miles across and 40 miles long, Barbados is only
about two and a half times the size of Washington, D.C. Consider-
ing that the hurricane itself measured several times the size of the
island, there appeared to be little chance Ivan would spare us his
fury. Given the ominous signs, on Monday night, Wilma and I stood
with the Simpson family on the cliff’s edge of their property. We
prayed the same prayer we had on Saturday morning and then
went to bed.
10
By that time, the hurricane had moved within 100 miles of this
island nation. In the morning, the time forecasters projected Ivan
would reach full strength, we awoke to the relative calm of winds in
the 40 to 50 mile-per-hour range. Stiff, to be sure, but far below a
hurricane’s minimum force. Granted, there were problems, such as
widespread power outages, downed utility poles and trees, and lost
roofs. I saw a picture of one woman whose small home had to be
torn down because of damage.
Still, compared to what had been forecast, we saw a dramatic
answer to prayer. The winds had slowed, the hurricane had turned,
and the rain did not come. I realize that Ivan devastated other
Caribbean nations, particularly nearby Grenada. While I have no
explanation for that, I believe that I understand what the Lord did
in Barbados.
First of all, we had just met with a group of people who need-
ed a booster shot for their faith. As a sign of His power, God loves
to perform miracles for those who do not yet know Him. For exam-
ple, I once talked with evangelist Carlos Anacondia of Argentina
about some of the miracles that regularly occurred during his pop-
ular crusades in the 1990s. There were times when people with cav-
ities had their teeth miraculously filled during his meetings. Yet,
Anacondia’s children still had to go to the dentist.
In addition (and this is of paramount significance), we had
gathered with a group of leaders who had been convened by one of
Barbados’ most prominent business leaders. Kyffin Simpson’s rep-
utation is as well known as his business successes. A man of great
influence throughout the Caribbean, he is known as a person
whose faith in God comes first in his life.
I believe God is placing His leaders in positions of influence
for the sake of His Kingdom (which hereafter I will capitalize). The
week following that event in Barbados, residents were buzzing
about how God had turned the hurricane aside. This can happen
when a business leader has as much Christian influence as financial
and business success.
11
I believe the Simpsons’ faithful God-centered business leader-

ship set the stage for the Lord’s intervention. Wilma and I were sim-
ply there as messengers at the right time.
Influencing Nations
Do you want to develop skills as a Marketplace Minister? Do
you want to influence your city and your nation for the Lord? If so,
this book is for you. Several years ago I wrote God@Work for the pur-
pose of releasing and encouraging Christians to fulfill their destiny
and purpose in the workplace. This follow-up volume is intended
to help you function in this growing field of ministry, presenting
ideas that will help you put these principles into practice.
God@Work: Volume 2 includes the stories of a number of busi-
ness figures, all of whom I know personally. All have been impact-
ed in some fashion by the marketplace ministry message and are
making a difference in their spheres of influence. In turn, all these
people have had an impact on me by faithfully fulfilling God’s call
on their lives.
Kyffin Simpson is one of these men. He read God@Work
because of his son’s encouragement. He then attended a confer-
ence where I spoke; another of his sons had organized that seminar.
Kyffin is now a dear friend. I know that God is giving him tremen-
dous favor in his nation and throughout the Caribbean.
To give you an idea of how he is viewed at home, consider the
speech complimenting him when the University of the West Indies
recently awarded him an honorary doctor of laws degree:
Chancellor, Kyffin Donald Simpson has reached the sum-
mit of a stellar business career. Tonight, in receiving an
honorary doctorate of our beloved university, he achieves
the summit of his academic career. And as he was most
appropriately born at a house called The Summit, in the
parish of St John, he has truly come full circle!
Kyffin was educated at the Lodge School, a few hundred
yards from his home, and then in the UK. Earlier this
12
week he returned from halfway across the globe—Japan—
a trip he makes as often as those he once made, that short
distance, like Shakespeare’s schoolboy, “with his satchel
and shining morning face, creeping like a snail, unwill-
ingly, to school!”
Soon after founding the Simpson Group of companies 30
years ago, he went to Japan to seek out the franchise for
Suzuki, in response to the horrendous impact of the ener-
gy crisis on the Caribbean. He made Suzuki the number-
one selling car in Barbados and among the top three in
the Caribbean for 20 years. He helped to establish a major
presence for the brand in the Caribbean, including Puer-
to Rico, and in Brazil, as well as assisting its entry into
Europe and the USA.
He’s also responsible for bringing Skoda and Porsche into
Barbados, and bringing back Mercedes-Benz and
Chrysler. The range of Simpson Motors covers both basic
needs and the dreams on wheels, of every car obsessed
man, and quite a few women!
Kyffin Simpson is acknowledged as one of the most inno-
vative executives in the automobile industry in the
Caribbean and Latin America.
He is widely regarded as the leading international entre-
preneur in Barbados and a role model in the private sec-
tor for companies wanting to demonstrate international
competitiveness by penetrating global markets. And he
has a reputation for investing in the development of his
own company’s workers. But his international reach
includes membership of the Board of the prestigious
Americas Society and Council of the Americas.
His strong faith in God, whose blessings he acknowledges
in every aspect of his life, fuels his passion to sow something
13
back into the work of those who promote the word of

God.
But his benevolence also includes local sport and popular
culture. His sponsorships enabled the phenomenal career
advancement of two young Bajan sporting icons—Ronald
“Suki” King and Barry Forde. King’s career, from
Bridgetown working-class community to world draughts
champion, has inspired many “boys on the block,” and
revived a game long considered marginal. And Barry’s
emergence as world champion cyclist demonstrated com-
mitment and reward for that trust.
Kyffin Simpson is the epitome of service. He enjoys the
blessing of loving his work; of working with things he
loves—cars—and serving the God of love. And in the
Queen’s New Year’s Honours list of 2004 he was awarded
the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his con-
tribution to business in the Caribbean.
Chancellor, we have much to learn from this very model
of a Caribbean businessman; and I invite you to admit him
to that inner circle, by conferring on this great friend and
benefactor the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.1
Notice where this man is making an impact:
• In the business arena, where he is known as “the lead-
ing international entrepreneur in Barbados.”
• In government, where “his international reach
includes membership on the Board of the prestigious
Americas Society and Council of the Americas.”
• In the sporting culture, where his sponsorships fur-
ther the career advancement of two young Bajan
sports stars.
• I was especially impressed with the sentence: “His
strong faith in God, whose blessings he acknowledges
14
in every aspect of his life, fuels his passion to sow
something back into the work of those who promote
the word of God.”
This man is an example of a Marketplace Minister. (From here
on, I will use the term Marketplace Minister in its capitalized form
to speak of those in the marketplace who recognize that they are
called to this ministry.) Simpson has been called to serve in the
business arena, and as he answers God’s summons, his influence is
spreading. Consider the following news story:
As a result of the purchase of Shell Antilles and Guianas
Limited’s petroleum distribution and marketing business-
es throughout the Caribbean, the Sol Group will form the
first major regional oil business based in the Caribbean,
one that combines international reach with local expertise.
Sol is the petroleum affiliate of Interamericana Trading
Corp (ITC), an international conglomerate with automo-
tive, telecommunications and banking interests in over 32
countries across Latin America, Central America, the
Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe. Founded in 1974 by its
chairman, Kyffin Simpson, ITC employs over 1,700 staff
across the world from its Caribbean headquarters and dis-
tributes and markets more than 40,000 cars each year
from Porsche, Daimler-Chrysler, General Motors, Skoda
and Suzuki through a global dealer network and com-
mercial accounts.
It is the Caribbean’s leading automotive group and has
played a key role in turning Suzuki into the number one
selling brand in the region. ITC and Sol have the
resources and expertise required to invest for growth in
the regional oil sector.
The Sol Group will acquire Shell’s petroleum distribution
and marketing businesses in Barbados, St. Lucia, Nether-
lands Antilles, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, British
15
Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Grenada, St. Vincent, Guyana,

Suriname and Belize. This transaction will include the
purchase of Shell Antilles & Guianas Ltd, Shell Belize Ltd.
and the Shell Suriname Verkoopmaatschappij N.V.
As part of this, Sol will take over existing staff, commercial
contracts and associated obligations. Sol will continue to
use the Shell brand under license at its service stations,
and act as the sole distributor of Shell’s fuels and lubri-
cants in the countries which form part of the acquisition.
The Sol Group represents a new approach to the oil
industry as the first major regional oil business based in
the Caribbean.
According to chairman of the Sol Group, Kyffin Simpson,
in a media release on the company, the Sol Group will be
a regional organisation run from local offices and will
invest to grow the business as a central part of the acquisi-
tion. Sol has recruited top executive management from
the oil industry with decades of experience at senior levels
and widespread international exposure and expertise.
Sol will be a leading employer offering rewarding, long
term careers for its people with a focus on the develop-
ment of local talent and expertise. A customer-centered
organisation and an emphasis on growth and excellence
means significantly more responsibility for staff, more
focus on individuals and, ultimately, the potential to share
in the financial benefits of success, noted Simpson.
This same approach will allow Sol to be highly responsive
to the needs of customers. Significant investment in new
systems, technology and business opportunities will under-
line an innovative approach to growth for business and the
region. This will all be backed by Sol’s position as exclusive
supplier of Shell’s world class fuels and lubricants.
16
As a regional company, Sol will invest in the Caribbean…
collaborating closely with local governments and cus-
tomers. It will also offer significant additional employ-
ment and training opportunities for…nationals,
combined with an understanding of the needs of both
customers and the territories in which it operates. Sol will
manage its operations and adopt Health, Safety and Envi-
ronmental standards in line with international industry
practice, Simpson pointed out.2
Entering the Marketplace

The week after Hurricane Ivan passed through the Caribbean,
Wilma and I were talking with Kyffin and Roberta about how we
could reach whole nations for Christ. For years this had been our
desire. It represented the motivating influence in my decision to
leave a local church to start a ministry to marketplace leaders. As
our conversation continued, I could see how God had guided me
to this very place.
To set the stage for what was occurring, I had known without a
doubt that God had called me to do what I was doing: leading con-
ferences and seminars on how businesspersons could bring God’s
influence into the marketplace. After leaving the relative security of
the pastorate, I had spent six financially challenging years speaking
to Christian businesspeople about the call of God in their lives, in
the place where they spend most of their time—the office.
Since 1999, this journey had taken me to more than 100 cities
across the U.S. and 25 nations. I felt like the Lord had taught me
valuable lessons about His plan to impact cities and nations
through business. Little did I know that He would then tell me to
quit talking about it and start doing it. A few months before head-
ing to Barbados I sensed the Lord saying, “Rich, I want you to start
a business.”
Although that stunned me, this was one of the clearest mes-
sages I had ever heard. That directive continued to run through my
17
mind and I sought the Lord for the specifics of how this would
work. Now I could see this meeting as one more step in the process
that God was leading me through to impact cities and nations for
His Kingdom.
Starting a business was not on our minds when we embarked
on this journey, but looking back, we can see the hand of the Lord
each step of the way. By the time we landed in Barbados we felt the
Lord had revealed His direction. Since my gift is in speaking, and
my background is as a pastor, a business that could incorporate
those two characteristics would be ideal.
I found this in the corporate training field, where I could
speak to business leaders on the practical aspects of business—
namely, the people side as opposed to the technical aspects. In such
a business, I could speak to the ethics (or lack of) operating in the
corporate culture. I could organize a firm to address such relevant
topics as problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership skills,
communication skills, and behavior styles. We would also focus on
building purpose in business with sessions on character, ethics, and
principles.
This was all in the final planning stages when we traveled to
Barbados, but we had not yet launched the business. So on the day
that Wilma and I talked with the Simpsons about reaching nations,
I mentioned this as a strategy.
“Why not impact nations by changing the businesses one by
one?” I asked. “If we can bring principles and character and ethics
back to corporations, we can change the nations from the inside
out. We have been trying to impose change from the outside
through preaching. Let’s bring about change from the inside and
see what God will do.”
“That’s what I believe too,” Roberta Simpson responded. “Let’s
start with our company here in Barbados.”
Later I met with Debbie Simpson, the general manager. She
agreed that we should do leadership training with the corporation’s
top level managers. This company is the ideal place to start. It has
18
strong Christian leadership, a foundation of ethics and principles,
and a supportive owner. However, not all its employees are Chris-
tians. Not all of them fully understand, or agree with, the Judeo
Christian principles that guide management decisions.
We put together a dozen half-day sessions to build the leader-
ship skills of the management team. Because of scheduling chal-
lenges within the company, and travel, we scheduled six
consecutive days of training for 25 managers and then another six
days with 25 other managers. This rapid launch of our business
went well; we received enthusiastic evaluations. Even skeptics
proved receptive, responding with such comments as:
“Thank you for reinforcing what I knew in my heart to be
right and showing me how to apply this knowledge to my
work.”
“This was the only training workshop that encouraged me
to want to make a difference in the way I do my job.”
“For the first time in fifty years, I now understand myself
through your course, which will enable me to understand
coworkers and more important will improve my personal
life 100 percent.”
I share this personal story to make several points.
1. God wants us to use every means possible to impact cities and
nations for His Kingdom. Over the past 40 years, Wilma and I have
done a thorough job of church planting, church growth seminars,
and evangelism. Especially in developed nations, the Christian mes-
sage is strongly promoted. Yet, many unreached people groups
exist in developing nations. I am concerned about them, too. We
have not impacted every level of society through traditional church
expansion. This is where business ministry enters the picture; God
is presently calling forth leaders in every sphere of influence.
2. I do not believe that every Christian should start a business,
any more than I believe that every pastor should start a new church.
However, I do believe that all of us need to find the place where our
19
impact is the greatest. Then, prepare ourselves for the coming

move of God that will involve the transformation of cities and
nations. I was surprised when the Lord told me to start a new busi-
ness, but I knew that this was His plan.
3. You are never too old to embrace goals and new dreams. As
you age, you may not be able to run as fast or as far, but you can run
to the fulfillment of your dreams. In Passages, author Gail Sheehy
writes about three adulthoods. The third begins around age 60,
when you discover who you are and begin to take back your life.
This is the time for which God has prepared you. Sadly, many of
God’s greatest leaders are thinking of retirement in the very season
the Lord has prepared them for their greatest years of effective
service.
I often tell Bishop Bill Hamon of Christian International Min-
istries Network—based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida—that I want
to be like him when I grow up. He is ten years older, has been mar-
ried ten years longer, has been serving the Lord ten years longer,
and has been a Marketplace Ministry leader ten years longer. He
and his wife, Evelyn, recently celebrated 50 years of ministry ser-
vice. The celebration didn’t mark his retirement; it simply
launched him into his next phase of service.
Often when I speak, there are a number of retirees in the audi-
ence. Usually one of them will say something like this: “I wish I had
heard this message 30 years ago when I could have used it.” My
response: “You can still be used by the Lord today. Find that place
where your gifts, skills, talents, and experience can be used. Some-
times it may be as an advisor, sometimes as a leader, and sometimes
as an intercessor, but for sure there is a place for you.”
4. Get yourself ready because you may not know ahead of time
the moment that the Lord will propel you toward the fulfillment of
your dream. It is time to make preparations. Go back to school,
read more books, develop your skills, and get ready. At age 70,
Louisiana governor Mike Foster enrolled in law school. Colonel
Harlan Sanders was in his 60s when Kentucky Fried Chicken—now
20
KFC—finally rose to prominence. John Glenn rode aboard the
space shuttle, Discovery, at the age of 77.
What are you doing to get ready for the next phase of impact
in your life? I am starting a multinational company for leadership
development. In addition to training business leaders, I will be con-
sulting with affiliates scheduled to open in ten nations over the
next three years. This isn’t because I am amazing, but because God
has led me to this stage in my life and made it possible.
What new vistas await you? I am confident that as you read, the
Lord will lead you toward a more satisfying and rewarding future
for you and your family. If you doubt this possibility, turn to the
next chapter to read about a business innovator in England who is
bringing change to a suburb of London.
Endnotes
1. Henry Fraser, Barbados Daily Nation (online), Nov. 28, 2004.
Available from www.nationnews.comStoryView.cfm?Record=55624.
2. “Sol to form regional-based oil business,” The Barbados Advo-
cate (online), Nov. 8, 2004. Available from www.barbadosadvocate.
com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=19248.
21
CHAPTER 2
The Coming Army

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was
lost (Luke 19:10).
Imagine a city where 1,000 new ministers have been identified,
equipped, and released into multiple spheres of influence. Some
serve in government, while others work in retail shops or as school-
teachers. They are business leaders who see their marketplace as an
opportunity to touch people’s lives and lift them out of the hum-
drum of daily survival. This movement includes figures from the
worlds of entertainment and media. Meanwhile, local congrega-
tions are working together to identify and train these Marketplace
Ministers.
Sound like a dream? Think this only happened in the Book of
Acts? This is reality today in Guildford, England, one of the many
suburbs surrounding London, the world’s second largest city. What
may be most amazing of all is that it took a businessman to plant
the vision of this renewal and then transform it into daily life.
Julian Watts is a business leader in this bustling city. In 2002,
Watts was experiencing his own period of spiritual growth when
he felt compelled to ask a group of pastors if he could join their
23
interdenominational prayer group. After they welcomed him, this

soft-spoken company president, who gained considerable business
experience with a multinational consulting firm, assembled plans
that would impact the entire city.
Today, the activity in Guildford is likely to become a bench-
mark for other cities across the world. Julian has now spoken in
most of Guildford’s churches. Because of his leadership and
encouragement, surveys have been circulated that have helped
identify more than 1,000 Christians who affirm that their primary
ministry exists in the workplace.
Why Guildford? I mention Julian because he is the obvious
point man. However, behind the scenes, hidden away in a board-
room in a technical center, about 30 business leaders have been
meeting regularly for the past four years. They were called togeth-
er by Richard Fleming, a London-based business consultant.
My wife, Wilma, and I met Richard and Pauline Fleming sev-
eral years ago, and have been fascinated to watch them mentor
businesspeople in the art of hearing the voice of God. Richard and
Pauline, along with a group of fellow marketplace ministers, have
been seeking to hear the voice of God for their city, formulate
divinely directed strategies, and discern the Lord’s agenda for
Guildford.
Under the Flemings’ direction, they have formed what is
known as a Kingdom Advice Centre (to use the British spelling). A
practical training tool for workplace leaders, it focuses on how to
hear the voice of God in a business setting. Since most training has
come in church environments, to date, much of the “hearing” has
been interpreted in church language. For example, one might hear
a call to minister and assume that it means to pastor a church. At a
Kingdom Advice Centre, it is interpreted in the context of the
workplace. (You can read more about this in Chapter 8, “Hearing
the Voice of God.”)
Although they all are ministers, none of these participants
bears the traditional identity of a pastor wearing a clerical collar. Yet
24
The Coming Army
they are marketplace ministers, led by a Marketplace Minister
named Richard. As they hammered the heavens with their prayers,
God responded through another Marketplace Minister named
Julian.
Even though these two marketplace leaders had not seen each
other for a long time, years ago they had worked together. With
Julian as the owner of a company, and Richard as his managing
director, the Lord taught them to trust in Him, hear His voice, and
follow His leading. Years later, God brought them together again as
an answer to those earlier prayers. God used Julian as a catalyst for
the city. Now Richard is using his experience to help train and
release the 1,000 newly identified ministers for Guildford. As busi-
ness leaders use work as a ministry platform, it is drawing an entire
city toward potential transformation.
Redeeming Work
The story of Guildford emphasizes this truth: Work is not a
curse. For far too many years in Christian circles, work has gotten a
“bad rap.” This impression has developed because of a regrettable
fact. Although we have told the truth about how the redemption
Jesus offers affects the world, we have not told the whole truth.
Although not malicious in our intent, this tendency has caused
considerable confusion among masses of Christians.
A prime example is the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zaccha-
eus, which appears in Luke 19:1-10. This is the passage where Zac-
chaeus, a chief tax collector, climbs a tree to catch a glimpse of
Christ. After Jesus comes to his home, Zacchaeus is overcome with
emotion and pledges, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I will
give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false
accusation, I restore him fourfold” (v. 8 KJV). At the conclusion of
this story, Jesus says, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to
save that which was lost” (v. 10).
It may sound like hairsplitting, but notice the use of “that.”
Jesus did not say that He came to seek and save “those” who were
25
lost. Now, surely He did come to save lost people. It is appropriate

for us to proclaim this truth to everyone we can, with the intent of
bringing them into the Kingdom of God. However we have usually
stopped there.
At the risk of sounding overly simplistic, I would point out
“that” includes “those,” but “those” does not include “that.” When
Jesus said that He came to seek and to save “that” which was lost, it
represented an inclusive statement. Certainly He spoke of the souls
of men and women. However, His statement also refers to everything
else that was lost when sin entered the world. When we teach people
about the power of the blood of Jesus to bring redemption, we
need to include the reality that He also redeemed our work life.
The second chapter of Genesis introduces work as God
planned it: a wondrous, inspiring combination of God’s work and
human cooperation. God did not plan for labor to be backbreak-
ing, sweat-inducing, anxious toil. Instead, He designed it so
humans could help Him care for the earth. Meditate on that for a
moment. Almighty God, for whom nothing is impossible, created
the world with a plan for men and women to help tend His cre-
ation. Awareness of this reality will revolutionize your attitude
toward your Monday-through-Friday routine.
Work is not a result of the curse that came when humans
sinned. However, the tension-filled, heart attack-producing, high
blood pressure-inducing stress often present in offices, on assembly
lines, and in countless other workplaces originated with Adam and
Eve’s disobedience. The good news is Jesus died to release us from
this curse. When Christ spoke the words recorded in Luke 19:10,
He assured mankind that He would take care of everything stained
by humans’ wrongdoing.
When we introduce people to Jesus and convince them to
place their trust in Him, we should tell them about more than
Christ’s ability to forgive their willful mistakes. We need to tell
them about His power to introduce a stress-free approach to work
into their lives. We need to remind them of the Garden of Eden’s
26
The Coming Army
peaceful environment, which illustrates God’s desire to bless the
work of their hands.
Work is a part of God’s plan for everyone’s life, but not as typ-
ically presented. We need to start telling the whole truth regarding
God’s plan. If we fail, we leave people in bondage. That is sad,
because the Lord paid the price to remove those chains and set
people free to live the way He intended.
As I travel across the world, I proclaim this message: God wants
to bless you in your work! He cares about what you do. His desire is
that you prosper in all ways. Too often this is interpreted only in
materialistic terms. However, God also wants to bless your marriage,
family, friendships, and work relationships while giving you a sense
of deep personal fulfillment in your vocation. Apply the sacrifice
Jesus made for mankind, and you can find redemption and restora-
tion in every way.
Gambling for Wealth

Ever been in a church service? Usually, just before the sermon
comes an offering. The pastor relies on Scripture for motivation.
This process begins honestly with no gimmicks—just truth. Many
verses apply because the Bible is crammed full of teachings on giv-
ing. One of the more familiar ones comes from Luke 6:38, which
indicates that when you give, you will also receive. This verse prom-
ises that when you give, others will give to you, “pressed down, shak-
en together, and running over.” Things will literally pour into your
lap. In other words, when God gives to you, He really gives.
Because this is Scripture, we know it is the truth. It is God’s
promise so we know it will come to pass. Right? If this is true, why
are so many people, who have given after hearing one of these pas-
toral appeals, still lacking funds? After all, they heard the truth,
they responded, and then they walked out expecting a miraculous
return. However, many are still waiting for the “pressed down and
running over” portion to materialize.
27
What is the problem? Simply stated, we left them with the

expectation of a miraculous answer to God’s promises. Some peo-
ple actually believe that if they give at church, it improves their
chances of winning the lottery (which they ought to be avoiding
like the plague). Some start looking in the mail for unexpected
checks or yearn for a winning sweepstakes number. Of course, occa-
sionally you may hear of someone receiving a tidy sum in that man-
ner. However, can we agree that is not the norm for most people?
And yet, the promise of return in Scripture is for every one of God’s
children.
Now, I like miracles. I have experienced them and seen them
change many lives for the better. Still, this is not the only way God
operates. What is missing? The part we have omitted is the system
that God put in place for the transfer of wealth.
The Bible never indicates that the way of gaining wealth is
through lotteries, sweepstakes, or unexpected windfalls. The Bible
does not teach that government will care for you or that your
church will be your provider. What the Bible does teach is about
work, business, and God’s blessing on the work of our hands.
The Bible closely connects work with God’s blessings. When
Jesus saw business, He blessed it. For example, look at what hap-
pened when the disciples were out fishing and having no success
(see Jn. 21:3-6). Jesus told them what to do: “Cast the net on the
right-hand side of the boat, and you will find some” (v. 6). Jesus
knows your business, knows how to help you succeed, and—here’s
the best part—wants you to succeed. When you want the blessing of
return on your giving, ask the Lord to bless the work of your hands.
Work Is Godly
There are at least three steps to the process of receiving the
promise of God in response to your giving.
1. First comes the giving, a response to God stimulated
by faith. Note: Action without faith is not enough.
2. In addition to giving, we must add prayer.
28
The Coming Army
3. Besides giving, faith, and prayer, we must tap in to
God’s wealth producing system. Simply put, the
secret is to find a job. Then, pray for the blessing of
the Lord on that job. Ask for His creative ideas about
how to do it better, receive God’s strength, and com-
plete your work in His power.
Given work’s bad reputation in the church, millions have
failed to seek God’s blessing and presence on their work. This is a
tragedy. Not only does it breed laziness and discontent at work, it
fuels the “retire at 55” syndrome. In this scenario, life’s prized goal
becomes retiring at the very time a person has developed the expe-
rience and maturity to stabilize the workplace and mentor future
leaders. Playing golf seven days a week may seem ideal, but it rep-
resents a recipe for boredom and early death. Moses wasn’t loung-
ing in the desert at 80; he was leading Israel to freedom.
A parallel development to images of early retirement is the
idea of professional ministers, teachers, and praise teams “per-
forming” for average church members. Such a scenario is not bib-
lical. The development of marketplace ministries is challenging
this concept, bringing upheaval into Christendom—which is okay.
In fact, it is greatly needed. Times of change are seldom easy, but
often necessary. If we don’t change the status quo, we will continue
to lose the momentum, power, and critical mass needed to accom-
plish God’s mandate.
It is time to return to the plan that operated in the Old Testa-
ment and the Church in Acts. This plan is clearly spelled out in
Ephesians 4:11-12, where Paul names the five gifts God gave to
build up His Church. They include apostle, prophet, evangelist,
pastor, and teacher.
Many are entering into long and laborious arguments about
the appropriate titles for today, about which gifts are still in opera-
tion and which are not. I have been involved in those discussions
many times; however, I have come to a much more practical place
in my understanding. Rather than questioning titles and arguing
29
gifts, it seems to me that we must be about the task of finding,

encouraging, and equipping the modern-day Marketplace Minis-
ters. These are the ones who are going to bring about change, and
most of them could care less about what we call them. They want
power, training, and encouragement to get on with the task.
Unfortunately, legions still can’t accept the idea that ministry
occurs outside the four walls of the church. They define “church”
as a Sunday-morning gathering in a building. But this view ignores
the paradigm shift taking place in the Body of Christ over the past
decade.
Many have come to understand that ministry as it happened in
the Bible is being restored. Not only do they believe it, they oper-
ate in structures that honor those leaders who serve outside normal
church structures. Therefore, though it may not be common, it is
also not atypical. Those leaders who believe in and encourage this
ministry can choose whatever term they want, to refer to these min-
isters, as long as the Kingdom message is proclaimed.
Even though many have been slow to accept what others have
seen as reality, an ever-growing body of Christians recognize that
God is raising up an army of believers who are serving Him through
their workplaces. Because this is such a radical departure from tra-
ditional, church-based preaching and teaching, it has taken time to
catch fire. Yet, there is an expanding awareness that the Church is
more than meeting in a sanctuary for training and equipping. It
includes the people as they enter the community to teach others and
meet needs. This is how ministry extends past the altar on Sunday.
C. Peter Wagner uses the terms “nuclear church” and “extend-
ed church” to explain this concept in a more inclusive manner. In
his language, the nuclear church is the traditional group of people
with a pastor, membership rolls, meeting place, and programs and
activities. The extended church means members going into the
world, namely, the places where they work, attend school, shop,
and live the rest of the week. This language helps us identify the
30
Body of Christ as more than a building. It gives way to the power of
ministry taking place Monday through Friday.
I wrote about this in my first book, God@Work; as did Ed Silvoso
in Anointed for Business. An ever-growing list of titles on marketplace
ministry appear regularly. While there have been notable forerun-
ners, such as Dennis Peacock and Bishop Bill Hamon, this move-
ment has gained tremendous momentum in the late 1990s and is
coming into its own as a worldwide phenomenon. Os Hillman, the
founder of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries, has
identified more than 1,200 such ministries in the United States
alone, most which have developed in the past decade.
As profound as that number is, when I travel globally, I see that
workplace ministry in Asia has moved ahead of the U.S. Individual
leaders in Europe and Australia are also outpacing our nation.
Fivefold Ministries
Because of the growing acceptance of work as a place of min-
istry, another reality is currently taking place: recognition of the
fivefold ministry in the workplace. For years, the Church operated
without widely recognizing the gifts of prophet and apostle. Sever-
al years ago, the ministry of the prophetic and the office of the
prophet began finding more acceptance. Today within the Body of
Christ, both are widely recognized as viable ministry gifts.
In January 2004, more than 50 high-profile church leaders
gathered in Orlando, Florida, at the invitation of Stephen Strang,
publisher of Ministries Today magazine. While this summit was large-
ly aimed at exploring matters of ethics and integrity, it is worth not-
ing that in the position paper the group adopted, they affirmed the
fivefold ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4. Dubbed “The Orlando
Statement,” one of its points on these gifts noted: “We affirm that,
while all of the fivefold ministries have been active since their
bestowal by the ascended Christ, that the last 30 years has evi-
denced an increase of apostolic and prophetic ministry….”1
31
Soon after this, George Wood, general secretary of the Assem-

blies of God, also affirmed the existence of modern apostles and
prophets in a letter to Charisma magazine. Commenting about an
alleged dispute between Peter Wagner (profiled in an earlier issue)
and some Assemblies leaders, Wood wrote, “If what is meant by
modern-day apostles and prophets involves anointed persons who
penetrate non-Christian environments to establish the church
(apostles) and anointedly proclaim God’s Word (prophets) there
really is no disagreement.” 2
It is interesting to note that not only did Wood agree that apos-
tles still exist, but that such persons penetrate non-Christian envi-
ronments to establish the Church. I can’t think of a better example
of the activity in today’s marketplace.
Because of this shift in understanding, there is a growing
acceptance of the reality of these gifts in both the nuclear and
extended church. As I work with, and minister to, these workplace
leaders, I often recognize these fivefold gifts in operation. Occa-
sionally, I encounter people who use the terms in speaking of their
work-related endeavors.
For example, one man told me he starts all his businesses with
the fivefold ministry gifts in mind. He sees himself as the apostle-
visionary who starts the company. He then selects a pastor as presi-
dent, who needs to oversee all the parts and make sure they operate
cohesively. Next he brings in an evangelist to head the sales depart-
ment. He finds a teacher to head up the training division. Finally,
he identifies a prophet for each division to keep the Word of the
Lord uppermost in their minds.
You may or may not agree with these definitions; someone sug-
gested a pastor would be better suited for the human resources
department than the office of president. Still, I find it fascinating
that this business leader uses such a highly-defined biblical philos-
ophy in establishing his enterprises.
While I believe that all fivefold ministry gifts are present and
will become evident in the workplace, in this book I will focus on
32
The Coming Army
the overall ministry of marketplace leaders and will simply refer to
them as “Marketplace Ministers.” Wagner says, “I believe there are
Apostles of Finance, Technology, Medicine, Industry, Education,
the Military, and Government, Law, Communications, Business,
Transportation, Nuclear Science, Agriculture and a hundred other
segments of society. When these Marketplace Apostles begin to
move into their rightful place under the powerful anointing of
God—watch out! Revival will be right around the corner!”3
The simple reality is this: Most workplace ministers I know
don’t want to be given a title. While they don’t necessarily have a
theological problem with these labels, they function in a world
that does not favor such terms. That is fine. People aren’t effec-
tive because someone has bestowed a title on them or delivered
certain prophecies over them. People function effectively because
of the authority that rests upon them and the signs that follow
them. The final point of the aforementioned Orlando Statement
says, “We affirm the appropriation of titles by those who demon-
strate the character and giftings requisite those titles, but we also
affirm that the use of titles be submitted to the demands of ser-
vanthood and not become a distraction or hindrance to the very
offices that they claim to serve, or the gifting they have been grant-
ed to minister.” 4
Defining Terms
As this movement gains momentum, it is creating its own vocab-
ulary. Several years ago, when I started talking about ministry outside
the local church, I used the word “marketplace” to encompass this
group of ministers. My intention was to include those who weren’t
in a church-centered ministry, whether a businessperson, employ-
ee, schoolteacher, laborer, government worker, or housewife.
However, some observers told me the word “marketplace” did
not seem to include them. Then Doug Spada, founder of the San
Diego-based ministry, His Church At Work, and Os Hillman started
encouraging using “workplace” as a more inclusive word.
33
There are still arguments on both sides of the issue. While

“workplace” is more inclusive, “marketplace” has a biblical prece-
dent as well:
And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing
idle in the marketplace (Matthew 20:3, emphasis added).
They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to
one another, saying: “We played the flute for you, and you did not
dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep” (Luke 7:32,
emphasis added).
But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they
seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to
the authorities (Acts 16:19, emphasis added).
While the plumber may not see his ministry in a marketplace,
the chief executive officer (CEO) of a company often does not
identify as clearly with “workplace” as he does with “marketplace.”
For my purposes, I use both words interchangeably. Since I believe
there are Marketplace Ministers among plumbers and CEO’s, I
want to include all in this understanding.
Until now, little has been written about the specific role, qual-
ifications, and responsibilities of Marketplace Ministers. Wagner
and I recently had another conversation on this topic. Discussing
who should be writing about the definitive marks of these leaders,
we came up with two or three names of those who were suited for
the task.
A few days later in prayer, God spoke to me, and as clearly as I
can hear, He said, “Write the book.” I reminded the Lord that oth-
ers were more qualified and should be called on for this task. He
replied that I was not His first choice, but others had not yet
responded; and that if I did not do it right away, He would find
someone else.
By the next day, He had shown me seven signs of a Market-
place Minister and given me a mandate to write this book quickly.
I see the Marketplace Minister as not only a Christian who has a job
34
The Coming Army
and not just one who will occasionally tell someone about Jesus;
these are men and women who see their calling to bring transfor-
mation to the world through their influence in the marketplace—
that is, their sphere of influence.
When I speak of Marketplace Ministers, I am referring to the
anointing and authority God gives men and women He calls to do
His work. If they so choose, there are many more who can be a part
of this army. Some of you reading this book will recognize yourself
in this role. Others will think of a friend. Many of you will deter-
mine to take the step of faith to be a part of this powerful nation-
transforming team.
No matter where you fit into this picture or where you live, I
encourage you to embrace the challenge. Today is the time for you
to step forth. Your workplace needs your contributions—so does
your nation and world. God is calling you to set foot into the world
and take His Holy Spirit with you.
Endnotes
1. “The Orlando Statement,” Ministries Today magazine, Mar-
Apr 2004, 63.
2. Letter to the editor, Charisma magazine, April 2004, 11.
3. C. Peter Wagner, Apostles and Prophets (Ventura, CA: Regal
Books, 2000) 55.
4. Ministries Today, Mar-Apr 2004, 63.
35
CHAPTER 3
The Signs of a Marketplace Minister

He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now He’s
using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with
Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together
(Ephesians 2:20-21, The Message).
In the early 1980s, Bob and Bobbie Stedman joined the church
that Wilma and I then pastored in San Jose, California. Owners of
a thriving business, Bob and his wife both became deeply involved
in the life of our church. In fact, they were so excited about their
newfound faith and love of Christ they believed they should “go
into ministry.” When we offered Bob the position of business
administrator, they sold their business and embarked on a new
journey.
What started out with such passion eventually dissolved into
disaster. Bobbie grew alarmed as she watched her fun-loving hus-
band grow increasingly subdued and solemn. His problem? Trying
to fit into what he conceived as the proper image of a Christian
business administrator. In addition, serving in a position for which
37
he was ill-suited created stress that negatively affected his health.

Finally, it drove him to prescription drug use in search of relief.
As so often happens with medication, the pills didn’t cure the
problem; they masked it. Bob became increasingly dependent on
medication, and his depression deepened. After nearly committing
suicide, he spent three weeks in a psychiatric hospital. After his
release, Bob didn’t work for several months; he then picked up a
temporary job as a tool truck driver.
In 1990 a friend asked Bob to go into business with him. A few
months later, each established his own firm, although they main-
tained a close working relationship. Once again, Bob’s operational
skills blossomed. Finding his niche again, his business prospered
and provided a good living for his family.
Then, a friend from Southern California who was starting an
insurance business invited Bob and his partner to join him. Initial-
ly, it was only a part-time endeavor, with Bob devoting most of his
efforts to his established business. However, God blessed this side-
line until he and Bobbie were spending several days a week travel-
ing around Northern California. Unfortunately, though, the
church side of their lives wasn’t going so well. Having previously
attended worship services, special classes, and conferences faithful-
ly, their travel left them feeling isolated from ministry.
Then came the Sunday in 1997 when I started a year-long
series on kings and priests, emphasizing the call God places on
some people to use their work as a ministry.
That message struck a chord with the Stedmans. As Bobbie
recalls, “I was in the mothers’ room in the back of the church with
my grandbaby. I was so excited at what I was hearing I wanted to
stick my head out through the window into the auditorium and
shout, ‘Hallelujah!’ This was the answer we had been looking for.
We are kings and our work is our ministry.”
This talented couple is keenly aware of the responsibilities and
privileges God has provided them. They recognize that the Lord
owns their business and is the CEO. Wherever they travel, He creates
38
opportunities for them to minister to others. Bob has found open
doors across California, conducting business while praying for a
variety of clients’ and associates’ needs. No one has ever rejected
the offer of prayer.
“Our business has prospered and is now bringing in the
finances that were once prophesied,” Bobbie says. “We are blessed
to have learned early on God’s principles for finances and count it
as one of our greatest blessings to be able to be givers on God’s
behalf. It is so exciting to live and daily carry out God’s plan for our
lives. We don’t have to work at church to be good Christians. God
is at work wherever we are, if we are open to His leading.”
This doesn’t mean the Stedmans have turned their backs on
church. Today they are part of their congregation’s teaching min-
istry, sharing the vision God has given them and encouraging peo-
ple to serve God wherever they work. As Bobbie puts it, “Whatever
you do, we encourage you to do it with all of your heart. Each day,
ask God what He would have you do and who He would have you
to touch.”
The point of this story is that not everyone is cut out to serve
God in a church setting. And God needs His people everywhere. As
a society, we desperately need to get it right in the workplace. Busi-
nesses across the United States and around the world have been
shaken by the falls of Enron, World Com, and others who have
demonstrated a lack of integrity. As former Enron executive Aman-
da Martin put it, “In the beginning, it was brilliant, we were riding
a train, we were proselytizing. We were the apostles. We were
right.”1
Despite their innate confidence, corporate merchants of greed
represent counterfeits. Their claim to be apostles pales in compar-
ison to the truth. Today’s authentic ministers and nation trans-
formers are found both in local churches and the Church in the
marketplace. They seem to have similar gifts and functions,
whether in the traditional church, building programs and pastoral
39
teams, or the extended church, functioning in every element of

society.
Some people emphasize the need to run the church like a busi-
ness, or the reverse—running a business like a church. In fact, we
don’t need either scenario. I am not trying to convince business
leaders to run their business like a church. What I am saying is all
Christians, wherever they are, need to focus on Kingdom endeavors.
Whether you are in business, government, media, science, medi-
cine, education, homemaking, or the church, all represent King-
dom concerns. Each one is a high calling. There are visionaries in
each arena. These people are modern-day Marketplace Ministers.
Marketplace Ministers
I recently had the opportunity to do some training for a won-
derful Kingdom company in Barbados. This company is owned by
a respected Marketplace Minister, Kyffin Simpson. He owns busi-
nesses in every Caribbean nation and territory and others in the UK
and the USA. His goal in the training was not only to enhance the
abilities of his managers in such skills as team building, problem
solving, and conflict resolution, but to also plant deep in their
hearts his own principles and values that are totally biblically based.
We were able to do this in a nonthreatening way and in such lan-
guage that even those who might have normally been skeptical
were very receptive.
I know that this could happen only because of the impact that
Mr. Simpson’s life has had on his employees, and in fact, on his
nation. He was recently awarded an honorary Doctorate by the Uni-
versity in his nation and was asked to give the graduation address.
The people applauded when he said, “I am not sure that I can add
anything that would be helpful for these graduates beyond what the
fine professors have taught them, but I can tell you about Jesus.”
In God@Work, the book I wrote in 2000, I observed, “In the
coming revival we need to identify the apostolic leaders in the mar-
ketplace arena. God is going to begin to reveal the fivefold ministry
40
gifts to them as they operate in the marketplace.” 2 In 2002 Bill
Hamon, founder of the Christian International Ministries Network,
wrote The Day of the Saints. This book added immensely to the
understanding of the role of ministers in the workplace.
If you begin a basic study of the ministry of Jesus, you will find
that He started by calling men from the marketplace to work with
Him. They are commonly referred to as “the Twelve.” While they
will always hold that distinction, they are not the only apostles men-
tioned in the New Testament. An inventory of those listed in Scrip-
ture includes 11 more (of which one, Junia, was a woman) and,
beyond those, many unnamed apostles. It is obvious that the min-
istry, or gift, of the Marketplace Minister did not end with the
Twelve. Now we need to determine how this affects us in the 21st
century.
I served for 35 years as a pastor in a local congregational setting.
During many of those years, I was under the impression that God’s
ministers would be primarily found in church structures. In more
recent times, God has called me to minister to (and with) workplace
leaders whom He is bringing to the forefront. As you might suspect,
this has caused me to reexamine many of my traditional interpreta-
tions of the Bible. Now I am seeing how God has always been work-
ing in the world through people not ordinarily recognized as
“professional” ministers. Through this progression of thought, I
have come to accept the reality of ministers in the workplace.
We know that the Twelve original apostles were businessmen
before Christ told them, “Follow Me” (Mt. 4:19). Peter was a fish-
erman; Matthew, a tax collector; Luke, a doctor; and so the list
goes. However, certain assumptions have entered into most biblical
interpretations that have caused us to miss vital distinctions. Most
Bible teaching that the public receives has come from so-called
professional ministers. These are the ones teaching in Bible col-
leges and seminaries, preaching from our pulpits, and writing the
commentaries used to guide their Bible studies. By and large, this
41
group does not see the Bible through workplace eyes. Instead, they
rely on their traditional frame of reference, the nuclear church.
Not surprisingly, most of their scriptural teaching does not
focus on the workplace. Look at Matthew 4:19-20, where Jesus told
Peter and his brother, Andrew, “ ‘Follow Me, and I will make you
fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed
Him.”
When you hear a message about Peter’s call to serve the Lord,
it generally includes these assumptions:
1. Peter left fishing behind, a lowly calling of business, for
the more prestigious calling of a full-time evangelist.
2. Peter backslid when he resumed his old lifestyle and
returned to fishing after Christ’s resurrection.
3. If you doubt me, look at this quote from a commen-
tary on the passage John 21:3, which reads: “Simon
Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing’.”
Previous to the crucifixion of our Lord, the temporal necessi-
ties of himself and his disciples appear to have been supplied by the
charity of individuals: Luke 8:3. As it is probable that the scandal of
the cross had now shut up this source of support, the disciples, not
fully knowing how they were to be employed, purposed to return to
their former occupation of fishing, in order to gain a livelihood;
and therefore the seven, mentioned in John 21:2, embarked on the
sea of Tiberius, otherwise called the sea of Galilee.3
Reconsidering the Call

However, to fully understand the truth, we cannot just look at
the end of the story. Instead of focusing on John 21, we must also
look at the original call of the apostles. To glean another interpre-
tation, go back to where it started. As noted above, Matthew 4:19-
20 says they immediately left their nets to follow Christ. Does this
mean that they left their businesses, never to return for the next
three years? That they were no longer in business and that fishing
42
was a thing of the past, subservient to the higher call of evangelism?
For years this has been the most common interpretation. On clos-
er inspection, it has several flaws:
1. First of all, Jesus wants everyone to follow Him.
This is foundational to the Christian faith and fundamental to
all Bible-based teaching. The idea that responding to God’s call
means that you should automatically leave your business has caused
considerable damage. Many have shed their business or occupa-
tional role to join the staff of a church or parachurch ministry.
Because of prevailing thinking, they have thought this was the only
way to obey God. Consequently, we have seen too many people try-
ing to fulfill their calling in vocational ministry when that is not in
their sphere of anointing.
This is a problem for the individual, since being miscast in any
church role—paid or volunteer—is a prescription for burnout. It
also causes complications in the corporate church, not the least of
which is enormous labor costs to support a host of full-time staff
members. Fortunately, the development of marketplace ministry
models has reinforced the idea that some are called to serve the
Lord through their businesses.
2. The idea that Peter left his business behind him, and did not
return until after the resurrection, also poses problems.
For example, one day Jesus and Peter needed money to pay
their taxes. You may recall the story from Matthew 17:25-27. Jesus
instructed Peter to go and catch a fish, and he would find the exact
amount of money in its mouth needed to pay the tax for both of
them. Granted, this was an astonishing miracle. But no matter how
you look at it, this miracle was related to Peter’s business. This man
fished for a living. It was as natural and ordinary as breathing and eat-
ing. So Christ chose to provide for his need through his occupation.
It is the same today. The way to gain resources—in other
words, the way to get money to pay your taxes—is through work.
The Lord has so much to say about work, to the point that He led
43
Paul to write, “For even when we were with you, we commanded

you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess.
3:10). So it is consistent with Bible teaching that Jesus instructed
Peter to obtain tax money through his work. That does not negate
the power of the miracle. Instead, it enhances it.
What do I mean? If you expect that God will provide for you in
unusual miracles, that may lead you to seek provision through
extraordinary methods, such as a state lottery or a roulette wheel.
But God is not a God of blind luck. If you can discern the miracles
God performs through your work, then you can trust Him to pro-
vide you with a creative idea, a particular connection, or a master-
ful invention. You will obtain the resources you need. This is still a
miracle, but one that occurs in the context of what God has called
you to do for a living.
3. If Peter had left his occupation behind for three years, how
was he able to catch a multitude of large fish without his nets
breaking when the Lord appeared after His resurrection?
When Peter was a professional fisherman, the Lord instructed
him to cast his net on the other side of the boat. When Peter did,
he caught so many fish that the net began to break (see Lk. 5:6).
And yet, three years later, after not being involved in the fishing
business—as the commonly accepted view has been taught—he
caught a huge number of fish. The Bible says that although the mul-
titude numbered 153, the fish didn’t break the net (see Jn. 21:11).
Professionally speaking, this does not make any sense. A full-
time fisherman would make sure that his nets were in excellent
condition. He would mend them daily and keep them in tip-top
shape, always ready to head out to sea for a large catch. Yet, we have
been led to believe that in a moment of weakness, Peter made a
last-second decision to return to his old profession. And after a
three-year absence, with his nets untended and not cared for, they
were able to contain a huge catch. Pardon the pun, but does this
sound a little fishy to you?
44
I go to these lengths to make an important point. Not only
were the first apostles all businessmen, it is highly possible that
some (or all) remained in business while they fulfilled their call to
follow Christ. You may have heard it said that the Great Commis-
sion (see Mt. 28:18-20) command is to go into all the world and
make disciples. Yet it can be more accurately stated, “As you go into
all the world, make disciples.” Could it be that Christ’s call to follow
Him is of the same genre? In other words: “Follow Me as you go
about your daily tasks, which includes your work.”
Marketplace Ministers
As far as we know from Scripture, the apostle Paul never left
his tent-making business. I have heard some speak about Paul in
this way: “He could encourage the support of others, but was never
able to go into ‘full-time ministry’ himself. He had to continue his
business on the side in order to support himself.” Those who teach
this imply that the business side of life constitutes a second-class
profession, compared to the higher calling of full-time preaching.
But as I read about Paul’s ministry, his business provided an open
door for sharing the gospel. Through it, he won many to Christ.
Having said this, you can see that the first apostles were not
only called from the marketplace; they were also the first Market-
place Ministers. In truth, a minister in a workplace setting may be
more biblical than an apostle in a nuclear church setting. (Say that
too loudly in a church and you might find yourself voted out at the
next business meeting!)
I don’t want to focus too much on the nuclear church, but I
think many would agree that modern-day churches are not exact
replicas of the New Testament Church. And yet we try to fit every-
thing into familiar operating structures. Should we be surprised
that they often don’t fit?
Don’t get me wrong. I love the Church. I thank God for all of
the new structures churches are adopting today. I praise Him for the
tremendous forward strides we are taking in becoming an effective
45
voice in the communities and nations of the world. Nevertheless, I

contend that a church that recognizes that the fivefold ministry
operates in the workplace, and trains its members to minister there,
will be much more powerful and effective.
When I read about the modern marketplace ministry move-
ment, I get excited. Why? Because I know God is not finished sur-
prising us. No matter what headlines, social issues, or anti-biblical
interest groups have you tied up in knots—and granted, there is
plenty to be concerned about—I am still looking for a great and
powerful move of God. I know that He is restoring spiritual gifts
and empowering the right people to fulfill His tasks.
In his book, The Apostolic Revolution, David Cartledge gives a list
of scriptural signs that will follow a genuine apostle, such as signs
and wonders, healings, miracles, establishing local churches, suf-
fering, visitation of angels, personal revelations of Christ, authority,
sacrifices, exercising oversight and judgment, and bringing correc-
tion to churches.4
Cartledge goes on to explain that while Jesus is the complete
model of apostolic ministry, Paul fulfilled all these signs in his life
as well. This confirms that the signs of an apostle extended beyond
the original Twelve; it also shows that one active in workplace min-
istry (like Paul) can also fulfill these signs. We will see the signs and
wonders of today as the Lord uses these Marketplace Ministers to
establish His Church in the workplace.
In the following chapters I will outline what I believe are the
seven signs of a Marketplace Minister, which include:
1. Signs and wonders.
2. Authority.
3. Bondage breakers.
4. Wealth transfer.
5. Hearing the voice of God.
6. Biblical entrepreneurs.
7. Reaching nations.
46
As these signs become more apparent, they will release earth-
shattering changes and victories in God’s Kingdom. If you want a
glimpse of the future, consider the Kingdom trends now emerging
as God releases His powerful ministers in the marketplace. In his
excellent book, The God Factor, Dr. Marcus Hester reviews an exten-
sive list of trends he foresees unfolding in the future:
• Greater experience of wonders and miracles as the
Church begins ministering outside the four walls of
its buildings. People will witness increased miracles in
the workplace, schools, and political settings.
• Release of grace to handle finances for God’s King-
dom as wealth meant for Kingdom advances transfers
to the Church. The Joseph/Daniel Company will
arise to fund God’s end-time harvest of souls.
• Everyday saints will assume positions as Marketplace
Managers and Ministers (dual callings). The one-man
ministry will cease to exist. The term “full-time minis-
ters” will refer to the entire Body of Christ rather than
a select few. Body ministry will become a normal
church function.
• Financial Distribution Centers that train the Body to
handle finances for the Kingdom of God will become
mainstream in most evangelical churches. Cities will
turn back to the Church for financial guidance as
social and political needs increase.
• New positions in the Church will emerge: Ministers of
Finance and Marketplace Ministers. Marketplace
Apostles will be recognized in the Body of Christ just
as modern-day evangelists, teachers, pastors,
prophets, and territorial apostles are today. As the
Church recognizes that it is in the Second Apostolic
Age, God’s new government will form in the nuclear
church and the extended church.
47
• Kingdom Wisdom Centers will become mainstream in

most evangelical churches. Training centers to equip
marketplace leaders to minister to God’s end-time har-
vest of souls will spring up in churches worldwide.
• Fivefold ministers will assume their roles as trainers
and equippers rather than just delivering “felt need”
messages. Leaders will assume their true callings
(Marketplace Managers and Ministers). The Church
will experience a leadership shift that will shake every
fiber of its being.
• Separation of the Church and marketplace will fade
away. God and His teachings will be accepted back
into schools, workplaces, and politics.
• The terms “clergy” and “laity” will disappear as the
saints assume roles in the Body of Christ rather than
one position holding superiority. There will still be an
order of spiritual authority, but the attitude that one
person is better than another will cease to exist.
• Christians will assume new leadership roles in the
political, social, business, and military realms. The
God factor will be socially accepted as a legitimate tool
for solving problems in society and the workplace.
• City transformation will occur. Whole cities will expe-
rience revival and turn toward God. Miracles that
occurred in the Book of Acts will become common-
place again.
• The fear of the Lord will become real in many peo-
ple’s lives. While Christians will experience great per-
secution, more people will become Christians than at
any time in history.
• Prayer intercessors will emerge in the marketplace.
The need for prayer covering and strategic prayer
plans for businesses will become as normal as prayer
48
for churches and their leaders are today. Marketplace
intercessors will not only cover businesses but will
train others to pray for the release of wealth and souls
in the marketplace.
• Personal testimonies from the Body of Christ will
become a major ingredient perpetuating the market-
place ministry movement. Accounts of how God is
working in people’s lives will release great faith to the
rest of the Church to help fulfill their dual calling in
this movement.5
Are you ready to see such incredible things happen? Read on for
the seven signs of those who will help usher in this age of blessing.
Endnotes
1. Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, The Smartest Guys in the
Room (New York: The Penguin Group, 2003) 38.
2. Rich Marshall, God@Work (Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image
Publishers, 2000) 124.
3. While Adam Clarke’s Commentary was published in 1826, and
thus is in the public domain, this reference came from Bible Explor-
er, published by WORDsearch Corp., Austin, Texas, electronic data-
base, copyright 1999.
4. David Cartledge, The Apostolic Revolution (Chester Hill, NSW,
Australia: Paraclete Institute, 2000) 265-266.
5. Dr. Marcus Hester, The God Factor (Shippensburg, PA: Trea-
sure House, division of Destiny Image Publishers, 2003) 173-175.
49
CHAPTER 4
Signs and Wonders

All the signs that mark a true apostle were in evidence when I
was with you through both good times and bad: signs of por-
tent, signs of wonder, signs of power (2 Corinthians 12:12,
The Message).
Larry Ihle and Dick Hochreiter are two Marketplace Ministers
I have encountered during my worldwide travels the past six years.
They obediently go to various places as God leads them, all the
while doing the same work as Paul accomplished nearly 2,000 years
ago.
Larry runs a dental laboratory business in Farmington, Min-
nesota. Dick, who lives near Palm Springs, California, formerly ran
a company that manufactured motorcycle apparel. He now oper-
ates The Prayer Company, which produces various anointing oils
and other products to encourage prayer and witnessing in the
world. This pair of business ministers do God’s work in Albania,
Thailand, the Philippines, Argentina, and closer to home. What-
ever the location, miracles follow them. They believe in the power
of Jesus to do what He said He would do, so they pray, expecting
51
that people will be healed and that unusual signs will accompany
them.
One time we were together in Manila. Former businessman
and evangelist Ed Silvoso and I had traveled there to speak at a con-
ference on the theme of reaching cities for Christ. While we dis-
cussed this topic, Larry, Dick, and Scott Kilber—a pastor who often
travels and ministers with them—were in the hotel doing the work
of Marketplace Apostles.
One day on the elevator they met the hotel manager, also an
American. After introducing themselves and explaining why they
were there, they asked the manager if he had any prayer needs.
Shaking his head, he replied, “Just that you pray for the television
system to start working again.” Not only had it quit, but repairmen
estimated it would take two weeks to get it back in operation. As you
might suspect, many guests were irate. Larry nodded and said,
“Okay, we’ll go pray about that.”
After they went to their room, Larry said, “I honestly wouldn’t
mind if the cable system stayed down for awhile. But we asked the
manager if he had any needs, and his need is for the cable system
to come up. So we’ll pray about that.” An hour later, the manager
called their room to thank them for his request being answered;
the cable system was back on line and operating fine. He conclud-
ed, “If you need anything, just let me know.”
Larry said to Dick, “I do need something; I need to lead him
to the Lord.”
Going to his office, they knocked on the door.
“Come right in,” the manager said, smiling. “What do you
need?”
“I need to tell you how that cable TV system got fixed,” Larry
said. “We prayed to the God of the universe who fixed it. He loves
you so much that He would do that for you. Would you like to know
Him?”
“Yes, please.”
52
Signs and Wonders
So, they proceeded to explain the gospel and the sacrifice
Christ made for him. Not only did the manager accept Jesus as Sav-
ior and Lord, but before that conference concluded, Larry, Dick,
and Scott also led more than three dozen employees to Christ. I tell
folks that Ed Silvoso and I led a conference, but these men per-
formed signs and wonders. Before our stay ended, these new con-
verts decided to start a church in the hotel and selected the
restaurant manager to be their pastor, who had been a Christian
before backsliding. That week he had rededicated his life to God.
These new Christians had to get their new pastor’s girlfriend in
a right relationship with God, too, and persuade them to get mar-
ried. The couple had been living together, and the church didn’t
want their pastor in an adulterous relationship. When I share this
story, it invariably provokes protests. Christians start airing their
theological objections and say, “That guy can’t pastor the church.”
Yes, he can. To these people, he was the most spiritually mature per-
son available.
When Larry and Dick mentioned to Ed that they had asked the
people if they had ever been baptized, Silvoso said, “You don’t ask
them about baptism. you tell them what they need to do. You’re
their leaders. You’re their ministers. Tell them what they need.”
When they relayed this message to these new Christians, the people
agreed to be baptized. However, the three Americans had a flight
to catch at 7 a.m. the next morning. So the people said, “Fine, we’ll
meet you at five o’clock.”
“Okay, meet us at the pool,” Larry said.
The next morning, everyone showed up dressed for work in
their usual attire—tuxedos, restaurant finery, and the like. Nobody
had any standard baptismal gear, thus this situation demanded
immediate improvisation. Most evangelical Christians who insist on
baptism by immersion would have tossed them into the pool in
their tuxedos (great for fidelity to Scripture, but not too practical
for reporting to work as soon as the ceremony ends).
53
What happened next would likely upset many church leaders.

But if you believe that the most important concern is a person’s
heart, you may be able to appreciate it. Larry and Dick decided they
could baptize people by immersion and at the same time not get
their clothes wet. All they had to do was find a large bowl, fill it with
water, and immerse these converts’ faces in the bowl. Thank God
for creative businesspeople who can find solutions. In a workplace
setting, meeting needs comes before demanding tradition be
upheld.
God@Work
Larry has shared other stories of God’s power. He and Dick
regularly visit businesses to pray for the owners, and the owners
often invite them back to pray for their employees. Larry does this
at his own business, with a daily morning prayer session at 10
o’clock. Although optional, customarily a third of the employees
show up. (Nearly all of them came the morning after the Septem-
ber 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.) In fact, he has traced the dramat-
ic increases in profitability that his 28-year-old company has seen
recently, to the intercessors who started praying for his firm in
1994.
Once, when they were experiencing financial difficulties, a
prayer warrior called Larry to say that he had a vision of a black
hand dipping into a pot. That sparked an investigation that led to
the discovery of theft by an employee, which otherwise would prob-
ably have gone undetected.
Larry says this corporate prayer program has returned divi-
dends far beyond monetary ones. Once, en route to a meeting in
London, he sensed that he should pray for the dentists and suppli-
ers he was meeting, an action he later shared with the group. There
were 300 dentists in this association, each of them with a family and
approximately 1,500 patients. So as Larry saw it, God had given him
a potential congregation of 450,000 members. Now, when dentists
54
Signs and Wonders
send prescriptions for crowns, partial plates, or other equipment,
they often include prayer requests with the order.
This activity does not just occur in his office. During the con-
struction of Larry’s new home, he led 57 subcontractors and work-
ers to accept Christ as Savior. Four people were healed. Some of
them now attend meetings he holds there most Monday nights,
teaching others how to take God’s Word into the marketplace.
“My point has never been to get wealth,” Larry says of the
amazing developments in his business-based ministry. “You bring
the Kingdom of God into your business, and things are set free. Say
you were in the computer industry and had access to Bill Gates; he
gave you his personal cell phone number and said, ‘If you need
anything, don’t hesitate to call.’ Would you rather have that or the
One who created Bill Gates?”
I could go on, but you get the idea. Where does such power
and authority come from? From God-confirming ministry with
signs and wonders. The miracles of a workplace minister may not
be the same ones that we have seen in the local church, but they
still open the doors for the Word of God to spread and for souls to
come into His Kingdom. As with that hotel in Manila, in the days
ahead, we will see more workplace churches planted, companies
restored, and nations touched by God’s power.
This is similar to the description another Marketplace Minis-
ter, Paul, gave about the power of the Lord in his life and ministry:
“I have won them over by the miracles done through me as signs
from God—all by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully
presented the good news of Christ all the way from Jerusalem clear
over into Illyricum.” (See Romans 15:19 NLT.)
A discussion of workplace ministers starts with signs and won-
ders. This is the clearest biblical sign God gives to His children. The
one sign by which the apostle Paul wanted his ministry judged was
its ability to bring the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ to men.
This is what he said: “When I was with you, I certainly gave you
every proof that I am truly an apostle, sent to you by God Himself.
55
For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among
you” (2 Cor. 12:12 NLT).
Workplace Miracles
If we accept Christ’s words as true, the question becomes,
“What kind of miracles will Marketplace Apostles do?” The answer
is, “All kinds.” In John 14:12, Jesus made it clear that whatever He
had done, we could do even greater things. Jesus performed mira-
cles that met the needs of those He was ministering to:
• When they were sick, He healed them.
• If they were hungry, He gave them food.
• When the bridegroom needed wine at the wedding in
Cana, He provided it.
Recently, a businessman told me, “I know that I am not anoint-
ed with authority in the marketplace because I do not see miracles
like Jesus did.” Well, not all miracles of today will look exactly like
the ones that Jesus did. He didn’t say that we would do exactly what
He had done, but that we would do greater things.
Many people automatically equate miracles with healings. But
today, life expectancy is much greater than in New Testament
times, and medical knowledge is far more advanced. The potential
of healing coming through such natural means of God’s provision
is quite high. Although I still expect to see healings (in fact, many),
I have set my sights on greater things. In Romans 15:19, when Paul
confidently and boldly stated his call, he spoke of mighty signs and
wonders accomplished by the power of God’s Spirit.
A sign is that which distinguishes one person from another. A
sign in the workplace is confirmation from God that you are fol-
lowing His agenda. A sign could be a marketing idea or a prophet-
ic look into the future. It could be a word from the Lord that opens
new venues for sales. Or, it could be a warning that keeps you out
of trouble. A sign will be God’s answer to your need. So look for
signs in the areas of need.
56
Signs and Wonders
When Dick and Larry were in the Philippines, they prayed for
the cable TV system to come back on, although personally they may
have preferred that it remain off. However, this was the manager’s
need. Meeting it became the doorway to his conversion and that of
dozens of employees.
Likewise, the signs of a Marketplace Minister—indications that
God is on your side—will fit the area of whatever needs are partic-
ular to your business. It may well be that you will find yourself pray-
ing for the sick and seeing them recover. But if your signs are in
another area, it does not mean that you are not working with
mighty power and wonders.
The goal is effectiveness. In a church setting, the reality of
Christ’s gospel is not seen in the size of a local congregation, its
building, or the number of programs it offers. The evidence comes
not in the size of the offerings or the quality of its music, but
through the number of changed lives. If there are no changed lives,
the ministry is not successful. As a pastor, I know that the focus of
many churches is numbers, be it people, money, or the size of the
building. However, in reviewing the spread of the gospel in recent
decades, better measurements must be used.
For example, when I started preaching 40 years ago, a com-
monly reported statistic was that one of every two marriages in our
nation ended in divorce. Yet inside the church only one of 50 were
breaking apart. Christianity made a difference in marriage. If you
needed help with yours, going to church was a wise choice. Yet,
Promise Keepers recently produced a video that stated the divorce
rate among Christians is equal to, or possibly greater than, the rest
of the population.
Obviously, our current methods of dealing with marital situa-
tions aren’t working too well. There must be a change, which must
include the power of God. We need divine intervention and signs
and wonders to reverse this dreadful situation. The same is true in
the marketplace. We are looking for evidence of the power of God
and His stamp of approval on what we are doing.
57
One of the ways God does this is by providing ideas and meth-
ods that will produce results, such as higher sales or meeting or
exceeding profit projections. However, there must be more. Now, I
do not downplay the importance of profitability. I believe God
wants His children to prosper. He gives a level of authority in your
community that stems from this kind of success. I want that for you
as well, since I see it as one of God’s signs.
Still, there must be a spiritual dimension to business. I’m talk-
ing about the tangible presence of God—that peace that comes
from knowing His power is there and available at any moment.
Knowing that you can hear from God in the midst of a business deal
gives you a sense of power. Confidence comes from knowing He is
on your side. Peace comes from knowing that any obstacles you,
your customers, and your competitors face can be handled by the
power of God.
Expect God to be present with signs and wonders. Expect that
when you encounter sickness, it will be healed. Expect to speak to
the frustrated, the lonely, the depressed, and the discouraged.
Anticipate seeing God work in their lives. Raise your level of expec-
tation to include answers to business problems, God’s intervention
in sealing business deals, and His confirmation through tangible
goals that are a mark of success.
Confirming Signs
A clear biblical sign of an apostle, or a Marketplace Minister,
comes through signs and wonders, both the spiritual variety and in
earthly means. Let’s look first at the biblical basis.
In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so
that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully
preached the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:19).
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words
of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of
power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in
the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
58
Signs and Wonders
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righ-
teousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves
Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men
(Romans 14:17-18).
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will con-
sume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness
of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the
working of satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and
with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because
they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they
should believe the lie (2 Thessalonians 2:8-11).
Mighty deeds are those that exhibit strength, power, and abili-
ty. Ultimately, this discussion boils down to faith, which is the foun-
dation for believing in signs and wonders. Absolute trust in God
must be a constant theme in the life of a workplace minister. The
late Smith Wigglesworth (who, by the way, was a plumber) is wide-
ly known in Christian circles as “The Apostle of Faith.” Wig-
glesworth emphasized belief in the fact that God could do the
impossible. As he exercised great faith in what God could do, the
Lord did great things through him.1
In my interactions with workplace leaders around the world, I
see recurring examples of faith presenting themselves as the basis
for the miracles, signs, and remarkable “God events.” Whatever
your marketplace endeavor, I encourage you to seek God until He
provides a specific revelation for your situation. Trusting in the
Holy Spirit to guide you, allow that inward revelation to move you
to a position of steadfastness, being immovable and abounding in
God’s work. As First John 2:27 says, “But the anointing which you
have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that
anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concern-
ing all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught
you, you will abide in Him.”
59
A simple definition of anointing is the supernatural empower-

ment of God that allows you to do things through Him that you
could not do on your own.
Some might ask, “What do you mean by ‘things that you could
not do on your own’? Even Jesus said, ‘I can do nothing on My
own.’ ”
That I understand, but it is still the truth that you can do many
things through the power of the flesh or your natural abilities. You
need the anointing of God, however, to move into the supernatu-
ral. This is the arena where God’s power and ability make the dif-
ference, not yours. This is what we need in our lives today—the
power to accomplish feats through God’s anointing.
Even though anointing is most often used in church settings,
that is not its biblical context. First John 2:27 says the anointing is
for “all things.” It is God’s anointing that enables humans to move
into supernatural strength. That anointing abides, or lives, in you.
If it lives in you, then when you go to work, God’s anointing is
there.
This verse also tells us that we don’t need a teacher to allow
God to work through us. There are things that God can, and wants,
to do for you that cannot be learned in a training seminar, con-
veyed in a manual, or obtained through on-the-job training. These
are the things that only God can do and He loves doing them for
us. Think back over your own life and recall the times that God
came through at exactly the right moment. He can do this all the
time, and He wants to do it again today.
We must stir up our faith for signs and wonders in the work-
place. Some will have to do with work, some with coworkers, and
some with creative ideas for the future. While it is not necessarily
simple to sort out His direction, this much I know: If your faith gets
in line with God’s ability, you will see tangible results.
Endnote
1. Smith Wigglesworth, Smith Wigglesworth on the Holy Spirit
(New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 1998) 9.
60
CHAPTER 5
Authority
You may think I overstate the authority He gave me, but I’m not
backing off. Every bit of my commitment is for the purpose of
building you up, after all, not tearing you down (2 Corinthi-
ans 10:8, The Message).
A few years ago, a friend of mine had a business idea that he
wanted Gunner Olson to consider. He invited me to the meeting,
but the proposal soon took a backseat in my mind. Within a few sec-
onds of meeting Olson for the first time, I was left with a lasting
impression of this kindhearted Swede. When he spoke, I wanted to
shout back, “Yes, sir!” even though he was addressing someone else.
His authoritative voice and considerable presence commanded a
hearing. While I am sure that he exhibits many other signs of a
Marketplace Minister, what stands out in my mind is his authority.
The founder of the International Christian Chamber of Com-
merce (ICCC), Olson is making an impact on all continents of the
world. Perhaps the most notable examples are the Chamber’s edu-
cational outreaches in China and connections it has forged with
business leaders in Israel. These are fascinating projects.
61
Despite its official communist policies, China is experiencing

dramatic changes, including expanding Christian influence across
the nation, as chronicled recently by former Time magazine bureau
chief David Aikman in his book, Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is
Transforming China and Changing the Global Balance of Power. The
ICCC has seen reality of this, too. Several years ago, the govern-
ment invited the organization to film a ten-part series on entrepre-
neurship titled, “You Can Start a Business.” Writing the curriculum,
ICCC’s training division used biblically based principles as the
foundation of the series. Although not allowed to use direct refer-
ences to the Bible or Jesus, narrators would say, “It is written”
before introducing a chamber member who delivered a talk on
how following a certain principle aided his business.
These teaching tapes were so well received they have been
broadcast on the nation’s second largest television network (a
potential viewing audience of 40 million) and adapted for use in
165 government-owned distance education learning centers. By
mid-2003, more than 42,000 college-age students had viewed it.
The ten-part series is being expanded to 30 lessons, with a second
series, “Developing a Leading Business,” scheduled to become an
accredited, university course.
ICCC is also building bridges with Israeli businessmen, in spite
of the fact that this development doesn’t attract the kind of news
coverage that conflict and charges of anti-Semitism generate. This
operation began a few years ago with a process designed to create
new opportunities for Israeli merchants. These beleaguered busi-
ness owners were suffering from the triple plague of continuing ter-
rorism, decreased tourism, and a worldwide economic slump.
In the summer of 2002, with members in some 90 nations,
ICCC brought a delegation to meet with Israeli officials and busi-
nesspersons. This wasn’t a specifically Christian initiative. Instead, its
purpose was to fulfill God’s command to show this nation Christ’s
love. Not only did this result in 1,100 face-to-face discussions about
potential business deals, but Olson also spoke at a banquet that
62
Authority
week attended by 200 top business leaders. The audience included
such people as a software developer who had sold one of his com-
panies to AOL for $450 million, CEOs of leading corporations, and
other giants of industry. Not only did Olson’s remarks draw a stand-
ing ovation, the ICCC delegation received an invitation to return
later that year for a “solidarity conference” organized by the prime
minister.
In his autobiography, Business Unlimited, Olson tells of once
being asked to address a crowd of 3,000 in Africa. The audience
included the nation’s president, deputy secretary general of the
United Nations, ministers of finance from the Ivory Coast, and
other high-ranking officials. Unprepared to speak, on his way to the
podium he remembered a dream his first night in Benin. In the
dream, he wandered endlessly through villages in the nation’s inte-
rior. Everyone he met had no face. He interpreted the sudden
recall of this dream as a signal from the Holy Spirit to speak from
his heart. Olson writes:
“ ‘Last night I had a strange dream,’ I began. ‘I saw the faceless
people of Benin, who were born with nothing, who are nobodies.
Thousands of them. They seem to be a people without a future,
and yet some of them are carrying the future of their nation. Those
are the people we have come to serve. Those people are the future
of Benin; they are the wealth of the nation. That’s why we’re here.
We’re here to serve the faceless people of Benin. Whatever we’re
doing, if it doesn’t reach them, then what we’re doing is in vain.
They are so loved by God and they’re precious to Him.’ ”1
Later, Olson recalls, “There in Benin, I was again glimpsing
that vital principle—that as we are faithful in the small things, God
gives us bigger projects. Everything we do is to the glory of His
name to accomplish His Kingdom on earth. Whatever happens, it’s
through the love and grace of God rather than anything we do our-
selves. Without Him, I am nothing. I am like one of those faceless
people of my dream.” 2
63
Powerful Word
Authority! There is something strong about the Word. It brings
to mind power. In fact, most of the time, that is the way the original
Greek is translated in the New Testament. As the apostle Paul
understood his authority, so will the modern-day Marketplace Min-
ister. After signs and wonders, authority is the second characteristic
of such leaders.
“Authority,” as it appears in Second Corinthians 10:8, refers to
the power of choice, the liberty to do as one pleases. It also speaks
of physical and mental power, and the ability or strength with which
one is vested, possesses, or exercises. In addition, it refers to the
power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege), or the
power of rule or government. The Greek root is talking about the
power wielded by a person whose will and commands bring obedi-
ence and submission. On a personal level, it speaks of one who pos-
sesses authority, such as a ruler or magistrate. Significantly, for our
consideration, Strong’s Concordance of the Bible says it is the sign of
regal authority—a crown.
I opened this chapter with a modern paraphrase of Second
Corinthians 10:8. The New King James Version reads, “For even if I
should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord
gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be
ashamed.” In whatever version you prefer, there are three points
that stand out about Paul’s authority:
1. He obviously understood its scope.
Many thought he was overstating it, making it bigger and more
powerful than he should have. But he tells them, “I am not
ashamed,” or as Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message, “I am not
backing off.” When God’s authority resides in you, there is no back-
ing down. Divine authority brings with it a boldness that cannot be
diminished or turned aside.
2. Paul knew the source of his authority.
He simply says, “God gave it to me.” This is not the kind of
authority that stems from being born in a powerful family, elected
64
Authority
to a certain position, earning a string of educational degrees, or
some other source of man’s choosing. It is delegated by God.
3. He understood the purpose of the authority.
Unlike human authority that often seeks to glorify the power-
ful or boast about lording it over others, Paul didn’t exercise
authority for himself. Instead, it was for the good of the people.
Marketplace Ministers also know how to use authority. They under-
stand its scope, its source, and its purpose.
Many people would search for such ministers among the
CEOs and business owners of a city. While many of them may fit
this category, I believe that God is installing His influential minis-
ters wherever they are needed. Therefore, we will find them at
many levels of business, government, education, law, and other
organizations. Since this authority is God-given, it is not limited to
those we would delegate it to, based on human reasoning. One of
the most noticeable and truest signs for marketplace transforma-
tion is authority.
Authority can be delegated, such as the authority of a police-
man, security guard, or federal marshal. However, such agents’
authority is only evident when they are on the job, or in off-duty
roles while wearing a uniform. There is a difference with divinely
appointed authority, like the type referred to by Paul and present
in Marketplace Ministers. While it is also delegated authority, it is
delegated by God; and therefore, it carries a legal right to be exer-
cised whenever it is needed.
Marketplace authority also looks different from the authority
present in the nuclear church, where leaders oversee church struc-
tures and plans. It is the kind of authority that rests on a person so
powerfully it causes others to respond whenever the minister
speaks. This can happen in a union meeting, during a coffee break,
at a board meeting, or amid a seemingly casual conversation. The
authority has an innate quality of making itself known.
A unique “Kingdom authority” operates in the business arena.
Therefore, while seen in business dealings, it will also be evident in
65
God’s activity in cities and regions. Ultimately, this will lead to soci-
etal transformation. This authority will operate in the true sense of
“the elders that sit in the gates,” a position of honor that was held
by the husband of the Proverbs 31 woman (see Prov. 31:23).
To date, this has been the kind of position that has rested
exclusively in the hands of pastors and leaders in the nuclear
church. However in the new paradigm, the gatekeepers—those
voices of authority in cities and nations with regard to spiritual
insight—will largely belong to Marketplace Ministers. Of course,
the awesome woman in Proverbs also had her place in the gates
(see v. 31). So we need to be ready to expand our understanding to
include both men and women in the workplace as those who will
carry the authority to change the future.
The Kingdom authority possessed by Marketplace Ministers
carries with it an anointing for governmental-type authority. When
Proverbs 31 refers to those who sit in the gates, it is talking about
the place where decisions are made that affect the entire city. It
speaks of the place where legal transactions occur, as well as finan-
cial and other decisions affecting the local population’s direction
and destiny.
We see this in the parable that Jesus tells in Luke 19:12-27. In
this story, Jesus teaches businesspeople about gaining authority in
their city. He tells them that doing business in such a way that they
create great financial gain will also yield authority in their city and
surrounding areas. (It concludes that there is potential for author-
ity in ten cities, which may or may not be geographically connect-
ed.) The authority that Christ speaks of is the same authority that
Paul claims God has given to him. It is authority that gives jurisdic-
tion in cities.
Kingdom Cash
We need to start thinking about authority outside traditional
interpretations—and not just who can exert authority, but the tools
that go with it. For example, consider money. For years, especially
66
Authority
in the church world, it has borne the image of “filthy lucre.” Yet,
money is a tool God gives to businesspersons to gain authority in
their city—that means money to carry out tasks that will benefit
society, not just a particular church or ministry.
Viewing money in this way can adjust our perspective, making
it a powerful tool for building God’s Kingdom. But think of it as
Kingdom money, not church money. Not project money, or min-
istry money, but Kingdom money. Kingdom money carries the
potential for carrying great authority with it.
Consider what Kingdom money is and the power it includes.
The Bible has much to say about money. You may be surprised to
learn that it has more to say about money than faith or even salva-
tion. According to Earl Pitts and Craig Hill, coauthors of Wealth,
Riches and Money: “The New Testament actually contains 215 verses
pertaining to faith, 218 verses pertaining to salvation, and 2,084
verses dealing with stewardship of, and accountability for, money
and finance.”3 Through His Word, God wants to teach us to under-
stand the concepts of money and the purposes behind it.
Cash is an overpowering force in many people’s lives. Most
think a lot about money. They work for it and dream about getting
truckloads of it. Many gamble away small fortunes in the vain hope
of hitting an elusive jackpot. Money can become an all-consuming
idol when it dominates our thought life and actions. Sadly, if most
polls are accurate, the only reason the majority of people work is to
gain money. With this kind of focus, the goal of work is to get
enough money to stop working and enjoy the benefits money can
buy. But they’re never really satisfied, because no matter how much
they have, it will never be enough.
The question is: Why did Jesus talk so much about money? Was
it because He knew how important it would be to us? Or did He
have deeper motives and purposes? On one occasion He warned
sternly against craving it: “No one can serve two masters; for either
he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to
67
the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mam-
mon” (Mt. 6:24).
In some versions of the Bible, the word “mammon” is translat-
ed as “money.” But to quote Pitts and Hill: “Let’s begin by talking
about the meaning of the above-quoted passage in Matthew 6. To
what is Jesus referring when He uses ‘Mammon’? Firstly, it is impor-
tant to see that whatever mammon is, Jesus places it in a position
that is diametrically opposed to God. It is anti-God. Whatever mam-
mon is competes with God to be served.
“When He said that the two, God and mammon, could not
both be served, Jesus was not speaking about a prohibition against
such, but rather an impossibility of doing such. Jesus was not stat-
ing, ‘It would be wrong to try to serve both God and mammon,’ but
rather, ‘It is impossible to serve both God and mammon.’ God and
mammon are opposites, and thus cannot both be served at the
same time. Serving one categorically precludes serving the other.
Thus, either God or mammon can only be served exclusively. In
order to truly serve God, one must totally renounce mammon and
have nothing at all to do with it.”4
As you contemplate money and mammon, think about this
truth: If they are the same thing, then we must have nothing what-
soever to do with money. In fact, some Christians have taken this
view and consider poverty to be synonymous with holiness. But
even for those who have supposedly taken a vow to remain poor,
they still need some money to exist.
I don’t believe that money and mammon are the same thing.
Yet, getting this concept firmly planted in our minds will help us
understand the power of Kingdom authority that can be exercised
through money. Mammon is more likely a spirit. It is an evil spirit
that causes people to focus unhealthy amounts of attention on
money. When this happens, money becomes the goal. But God
wants us to have Him as our goal.
In reality, money has no power in and of itself. It is the source
of the money that has power. Jesus is telling us that the source will
68
Authority
either be God or mammon. When the true power behind your
financial provision is God, then you have the potential of achieving
Kingdom authority through your money. If you derive your money
through greed, avarice, or illegal or immoral transactions, you will
lack the power and the authority that God wants to give you.
Simply put, if you spend almost all your time thinking about
money, it is very likely that the spirit of mammon has a grip on your
life. On the other hand, when you spend most of your time think-
ing about God and His ability and desire to provide for your
needs—and wholesome purposes it can accomplish, such as feed-
ing the hungry or clothing the needy—you are ready to step into
Kingdom authority.
So for a Marketplace Minister, one avenue for gaining author-
ity is through the acquisition of money. However, it is not the
money that gives the authority; it is God. So just having a lot of
money does not guarantee the kind of authority that Jesus is refer-
ring to in Luke 19. (And, in fact, there are other avenues to gain
the authority that the Lord wants to give His followers.)
Where Does Money Go?

Still, money is a crucial issue when it comes to operating with
Kingdom authority. Where does a Marketplace Minister use his
money? To date, most spiritual leaders have called for a person of
authority to fund major building projects and mission endeavors
associated with his or her church. There may have been a challenge
to move beyond the local assembly to a regional, national, or inter-
national project; but the emphasis usually goes on retaining funds
within a nuclear church model.
However, in order to exert authority in a city, there must be
some way that the city benefits. Even before this, there must be
some way for the city to recognize the authority via the resource
that rests in the hands of the Marketplace Minister. I do not believe
that an ostentatious lifestyle is necessary to establish such authority.
69
Yet, I believe that it must be obvious to those in the city that God’s
blessing is behind this person’s provisions.
A city has needs that must be addressed by Marketplace Minis-
ters if they are to have authority there. Previously, most of God’s
ministers have operated in a sphere of authority that extends only
within a tiny area of influence. Ordinarily, this has been confined
to the church structure with which the person identifies—local
church first, followed by regional or national denomination, over-
seer, or network. Marketplace Ministers must operate outside of
conventional, nuclear church models. Therefore, they must be
ready to expend considerable resources on activities that appear to
have no Christian connection. (I will deal with this in more detail
in the next chapter on the sign of breaking bondages.)
For years we have attempted to reach cities by means of
nuclear church programs, outreaches, church planting, unity
efforts, prayer movements, and every other conceivable local
church concept. Yet, when Jesus speaks of authority in the city, He
is referring to the impact that comes from businesspeople doing
business. I am confident that when Marketplace Apostles are rec-
ognized for who they are, we will see new strategies and actions that
will result in major, beneficial changes in the cities and nations of
the world.
Before closing this chapter, I need to emphasize that money is
only one means of gaining authority for a Marketplace Apostle.
Authority in a city or a nation also comes through political means,
media, and wisdom. Sometimes God simply gives a level of author-
ity that others respond to, yet it has an identifiable source. Being
the Lord, God sometimes just does things that we cannot under-
stand. In other words, it is possible for someone who does not have
great financial resources to carry high levels of authority. Govern-
mental offices and key positions in broadcasting and print media
will open doors for many in the future.
We can start to identify these ministers to the workplace as we
see the level of city, area-wide, regional, and national authority
70
Authority
surfacing. We will see these ministers in all arenas. And no matter
what we call them, they will operate with the authority of the Lord
on their lives.
Endnotes
1. J. Gunnar Olson, Business Unlimited (Orebro, Sweden: Inter-
national Christian Chamber of Commerce, 2002) 12.
2. Ibid, 13.
3. Craig Hill and Earl Pitts, Wealth Riches and Money (Littleton,
CO: Family Foundations Publishing, 2001) 3.
4. Ibid, 13-14.
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CHAPTER 6
Bondage Breakers
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?
Certainly not! (Romans 9:14)
“Hope for the City.” While that is an appropriate name for the
ministry to needy residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minneso-
ta, it could be renamed “Hope for the World.” What started as an
effort to donate surplus equipment and goods to inner-city min-
istries has expanded into a worldwide outreach that in 2003 dis-
tributed more than $300 million worth of goods. This included
shipments of AIDS medications to Africa, hospital equipment to
North Korea, vaccinations to Indonesia, and food and clothing to
Afghanistan.
During its first year of operations in 2000, Hope for the City
distributed items valued at $2 million. That means that in four
years this ministry saw more than a hundredfold increase, like the
kind Christ described in Mark 4:20. What started as a modest effort
to make use of excess warehouse space managed by a real estate
company turned into a multinational endeavor that attracted dona-
tions from such well-known companies as The Gap, Old Navy, Wal-
Mart, Office Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Avon.
73
Hope for the City is the brainchild of Dennis and Megan

Doyle, owners of the Welsh Companies, Minnesota’s largest full-
service real estate firm. While the company manages more than 22
million square feet of real estate valued at $1.5 billion, Dennis
derives considerable delight from the ministry side of his endeav-
ors: “I get more meaning from shipping a container of blankets
into Afghanistan and saving lives than doing another real estate
deal.”
The Doyles are living examples of Marketplace Ministers.
These leaders use their authority and expertise to do more than
make money. Their impressive accomplishment with Hope for the
City didn’t come overnight; it started a decade ago with a weekly
prayer meeting in the Doyles’ suburban home. Megan says they
started praying after her husband had utilized every natural ability
and gift and failed to succeed.
“We felt our business needed prayer like everyone needs prayer,”
says Megan, noting that the company hired a staff member as a full-
time intercessor for two years, along with an administrative assistant
who filled the role of pastor. “We pray for every developer, employee,
spouse, and family. Most businesspeople don’t understand they can
apply the principles they learn on Sunday on Monday.”
As to why God is moving so mightily today in the workplace,
Dennis attributes it to a redefining of church in the 21st century.
“For many years that was commonly associated with a place you
went on Sundays, when in reality first-century believers carried the
church’s influence wherever they traveled. Christians have focused
considerable attention on their sanctuaries when the most mean-
ingful activity takes place in the outside world,” he says.
“We’ve all tried very hard to do prayer events and bring pastors
together and bring revival; and it’s not worked out very well,” Den-
nis comments. “Real authority is outside the church. We need the
whole Body of Christ working together if we’re going to see revival
in the United States. I think God is saying, ‘If it’s going to happen,
it’s going to be in the marketplace.’ ”
74
Bondage Breakers
However, the Doyles aren’t the only business-based Market-
place Ministers in the Twin Cities. Attorney Jay Bennett and his
wife, Sally, have worked individually—and in cooperation with the
Doyles—to attack the problems of poverty, hunger, drug addiction,
prostitution, and loneliness that plague their area.
Several years ago, Bennett used his background in corporate
law to create Kingdom Oil, a networking ministry that creates part-
nerships between business and faith leaders. By joining pools of
money, talent, and prayer, Kingdom Oil is striving to improve its
community and give people hope.
This isn’t some vague concept to throw money at problems.
Bennett thinks of it as a spiritual investment bank. A syndicate of
investors forms relationships with ministries and helps equip them
for their tasks. This includes showing ministries ways of developing
and refining the skills needed to manage their endeavors. Orga-
nized under rules for a Christian foundation, Kingdom Oil has
nine “portfolios” promoting compassion and justice.
“Our vision is the Twin Cities as God’s Kingdom, and our mis-
sion is to proclaim and network that vision until it becomes reality,”
Bennett says. “Jesus taught us that the Kingdom is at hand, and that
teaching has never changed. I view my law firm as a place of min-
istry. The marketplace is where we can demonstrate the gospel by
living out what we proclaim. We can use our gifts to serve our
neighbor and change our community so that it looks more like
what the Lord intends. I try to get people to view work as sacred.
When a businessperson grasps that, embraces that, and starts living
it out, everything changes. Work becomes much more fun and
compelling.
“I see a progressive, powerful awakening where leaders are
realizing they have been placed in a powerful spot for ministry. Arti-
ficial barriers like church and state don’t need to exist. Faith-based
ministries offer the opportunities that traditional welfare and gov-
ernment efforts haven’t met. But our history has been so isolated
75
and scattered. The church has to form a strategic plan that’s bigger
than any one person or business.”
To draw an analogy to the past, Bennett compares the task to
America’s network of nationwide railroads developed in the 1800s.
Central Pacific and Union Pacific had two major routes that didn’t
intersect until the government said, “You’re going to meet in
Utah.” Likewise, the Church needs to provide an intersection
between faith in Christ and the rest of society: “I think a lot of peo-
ple will come to Christ through the Second Commandment to love
our neighbor. A lot of people will understand the First Command-
ment about loving God as they learn to love their neighbor.”
Transforming Society
Why would a successful real estate executive and a highly
regarded attorney even care about social problems, much less do
anything about them? Because decay and injustice must be
resolved. I believe the leaders in this necessary effort for social
transformation will be the marketplace leaders whom God is calling
out in every city and nation around the world.
“Justice” and “righteousness” are closely connected in the
Bible and mean nearly the same thing. They are surely on God’s
heart, but when Paul discusses them in the ninth chapter of
Romans you can almost hear the cry of the apostle’s heart as well.
He talks about righteousness and moves on to God’s compassion,
reminding us that God will show compassion on whomever He
chooses. Then Paul adds a note about God’s mercy and power. Can
you see the progression, from righteousness to justice, compassion,
mercy, and power? When people come against injustice, and add
God’s compassion and mercy, they create a recipe for power.
Some may say, “We have been battling injustice for years
through our church’s programs. Why do you call this an activity for
the Marketplace Minister?” Naturally, as a former pastor, I recognize
this has been part of the church’s agenda for years. Ministries to the
poor and disenfranchised exist in almost every major metropolitan
76
Bondage Breakers
area. Still, there is a major difference when a Marketplace Minister
enters this arena. He or she possesses something most ministries do
not: money, influence, and authority.
As I have observed the phenomenal impact taking place in the
Twin Cities, I have seen something that is rare, if not unique. Most
inner-city ministries I have been acquainted with over the years
have been woefully underfunded and operate with a poverty mind-
set. Such a tragic state of affairs causes many of these ministries to
appear as impoverished as the people they seek to help.
But when an authoritative Marketplace Minister enters the bat-
tle, something interesting transpires. These people of influence
call on their friends of influence. Suddenly events accelerate. This
is a major reason for the rapid growth of Hope for the City. There
are other organizations that are larger, but not many that have
grown as quickly. As Dennis Doyle says, “My friends don’t have to be
Christians to give to me. They care for the poor. It’s not a matter
that you’ve got to be a Christian to give to this effort. The bottom
line is: Do you want to help people?”
In the future, other Marketplace Ministers will be called upon
to deal with injustice stemming from racism, poverty, discrimina-
tion, and all other forms of unfairness. I am particularly privileged
to watch and participate in a movement that is discovering and
equipping Marketplace Ministers in African-American communi-
ties, where the Church is growing faster than in any other segment
of society.
Today this community features many of the leading pastors in
America. Pastors such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long,
Bishop Keith Butler, Bishop Shelton Bady, Bishop Noel Jones, Cre-
flo Dollar, Bishop Earl Ray, and others are known outside their con-
gregations and beyond their cities. Likewise, I believe that many
emerging Marketplace Ministers will be people of color. Leaders
like Al Hollingsworth, owner of a multimillion-dollar packaging
company; and Jerome Edmondson, the first black owner of a
Denny’s and A&W franchises, are just two examples.
77
Also a speaker at marketplace ministry conferences,

Hollingsworth runs Aldelano Corporation, with 1,000 employees
spread over five states. His Michigan-based company produces such
familiar containers as Pringles’ cans and the bags holding Pop
Tarts. In a recent profile, Charisma magazine noted that 61-year-old
Hollingsworth is at the age where he could be filling his Organizer
with golf appointments and lounging at resorts: “Instead, he’s hard
at work (in addition to running his company) teaching Christian
young people and adults about the power of purpose, the benefits
of hard work and how they can, just as he has, see their dreams
change from vision to reality.” 1
Hollingsworth does this through a pair of educational pro-
grams he and his wife, Hattie, have designed. The one for youth
ages 7 to 19 is called “Building on Spiritual Substance” (BOSS),
which trains them to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, speaking
abilities, and godly business skills. A parallel effort for adults, “Ver-
tical Leap,” employs biblically based, success-training seminars. The
executive says these are part of the purpose God awakened in him
four decades ago in college: “That’s really the heartbeat of where
[he and his wife] are vested. We are kingdom entrepreneurs.”2
In his memoir, Maximizing Misfortune: Turning Life’s Failures Into
Successes, Jerome Edmondson tells of being raised by his grand-
mother. Although he grew up with six siblings in a two-bedroom
shack in southern Missouri, he never felt the impact of poverty
until he reached high school in Harmondale. There, more affluent
students drove cars, wore better clothes, and paid for their own
lunches while Edmondson ate free—an embarrassing fact and not
easily hid.
Still, as he walked dirt roads alone, amid cotton, wheat, soy-
bean, and milo fields, this future entrepreneur dreamed of living
differently than what he saw around him. Each day the young man
became more determined to become an instrument to break the
curse of bondage and his family’s poverty mentality: “I always had
this dream of being successful. It was planted and nourished deep
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Bondage Breakers
in my spirit in just the same way as the crops that grew up from the
black earth every spring….Every year the farmer with expectations
realized his dream, and I watched that farmer’s field of dreams pro-
duce a harvest for him. That gave me hope that someday I could
produce something within me that could provide an opportunity
for my grandmother and me.”3
Still, before eventually living his dream, Edmondson writes of
how he had to overcome the failure that had been programmed
into his spirit. Growing up in the country, everyone around him
farmed cotton, soybeans, and corn. African-Americans formed the
workforce, just as they had since the fields were first plowed. They
rarely owned the land on which they labored; likewise, their expec-
tations for the future were low. The author writes of how the best
thing to do in his native area was keep your head down, stay out of
trouble, and spend the weekends drinking away life’s boredom.
“In order to succeed in your life you must face the failure that’s
been programmed into your spirit,” Edmonson says. “I had to
deprogram myself. You see, my identity had been tempered with
the low expectations I had received. I needed to discover who I
really was—not in the eyes of those around me, but in the eyes of
God. Discovering my true identity was a gift—a gift that gave me the
definition necessary to achieve success. Self-discovery is the first key
to success, because if you don’t know who you are, you will never be
able to help anyone else. Identity is what opportunity demands.
“I developed faith in those fields of dreams, faith to look for
something more than what I saw all around me. I grew up dream-
ing that I could be more and have more. I looked at that star every
night and it gave me a hope that God had a vision for me. My Cre-
ator had a destiny in mind for me that offered far more than the
narrow definition I had received in Harmondale.” 4
Setting Captives Free

Much of the bondage that still holds people hostage is a result
of discriminatory thinking. Such misguided outlooks must be
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exposed and corrected. Bondage also exists because of wrong

choices people made at crucial times in their lives. Some married
the wrong person or got involved with drugs and dropped out of
school. Many are still living with the consequences of these and
other wrong choices that have led to poverty, poor job skills, and
broken relationships.
Poverty represents a universal condition in the world. Like-
wise, a poverty mind-set afflicts people at all economic levels, not
just those who grow up poor. The poverty mind-set is a stronghold
of the devil. Its emphasis includes not just keeping things from peo-
ple, but preventing them from fulfilling the call of God on their
lives. Those who possess vast sums of money, but grapple with the
fear of losing it at any moment are in this kind of bondage. Such a
mind-set prods people to hoard things, whether that be money,
time, or resources. The opposite, of course, is a spirit of generosity
that causes people to give to God’s work and help accomplish His
purposes. The latter outlook needs to be an integral element of
work. Those who have been given gifts need to release them so that
others can walk in freedom.
The Bible says that when Adam and Eve first disobeyed God,
the Lord brought a curse upon the ground. The ground was the
place of provision. The business of the day was integrally connect-
ed to the soil. So when Genesis 3:17 says that God cursed the
ground, its real-life application is that God cursed mankind’s busi-
ness and potential for provision.
However, when Jesus went to the cross, He broke the power of
this curse. Many have accepted what Jesus did with regard to their
personal relationship with God. However, this truth also needs to
be applied to work, people’s source of provision. By understanding
all that Christ did, we can break the poverty mind-set. We can
demolish the bondage to fear of lack of resources that fuels greed,
class envy, and other conflict. Marketplace Ministers are in position
to bring about this breakthrough.
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Bondage Breakers
As I mentioned in Chapter 2, through the years evangelists
have quoted Luke 19:10 as a mandate for winning the lost. This is
a fantastic verse for evangelism because we know that God does not
want anyone to perish in hell. Yet it is worth noting the dramatic
impact that being in the presence of Christ made on the wealthy
businessman, Zacchaeus.
After Zacchaeus committed to giving half of his goods to the
poor, Jesus declared that He came to offer salvation him as a child
of Abraham, and then added the phrase about coming to save that
which was lost. To appreciate the full impact of the Lord’s words,
remember all that His death on the cross accomplished. To stop
short of appreciating, and living in, God’s full redemptive purpose
is to fall short of all that God has mandated for His children to
accomplish.
When Jesus died on the cross, He became a curse for humans
in order to break the curse that originated with Adam and Eve’s dis-
obedience. People no longer need to live under its power. I believe
one of Marketplace Ministers’ roles will be to assist the Body of
Christ in coming out from under the effects of the curse. The
anointing for breaking bondages fits well in the hands of workplace
ministers. It incorporates a needed, previously missing dimension
to the full message of the gospel. (This anointing fits with, and
complements, the characteristic I will examine in Chapter 7,
“Wealth Transfer.”)
Millions of Christians understand that the cross became God’s
tool to break the curse from their lives in regard to sin—the willful
and inadvertent mistakes made in life. Yet, it has a much broader
meaning. Christ’s power applies to every area of bondage still
affecting multitudes of people. Poverty, depression, oppression, bit-
terness, anger, and other forms of bondage must bow when con-
fronted with the curse-breaking power of the cross.
Paul put it best when he wrote to the Galatians, “Christ has
redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for
us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that
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the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ

Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith”
(Gal. 3:13-14).
God has promised “the blessing of Abraham” for His children,
making this Old Testament prophet a prime example of how to live
in freedom today.
Breaking Bondages
I will conclude this chapter with a brief, biblical review of
bondage breaking, using Romans 8 as a guide. In verse 18 Paul talks
about present suffering: “For I consider that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which
shall be revealed in us.” Indeed, many today are in places of suffer-
ing or bondage. But in verse 19 (still speaking in the present tense),
Paul tells of a current expectation: “For the earnest expectation of
the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.”
There are two notable truths about this verse:
1. Creation has the expectation.
2. Creation is waiting for the children of God to receive
revelation.
What is this creation? The easy answer is: everything that has
been created. However, a closer look reveals that Paul is speaking
of something very personal. This entire chapter discusses how peo-
ple can live in the freedom of the Holy Spirit. I believe that a bet-
ter application of creation is “that which you were created for.” Paul
is speaking of destiny and purpose. And he is saying that this invis-
ible, yet very real spiritual purpose (God’s creation) over each life
is waiting with expectation for that person to step into it.
Remember, one of God’s purposes for creating mankind was
for work. The center of human existence was work—in cooperation
with God, and worshiping the Creator. When sin entered the world,
God cursed work. In the twinkling of an eye, everything changed.
Work became toil. Stress entered the picture. Labor became a bur-
den. When Jesus died on the cross, a part of what He did was to
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Bondage Breakers
return men and women to their original purpose, meaning work
that avoided strife and bondage.
With that in mind, consider what Paul is saying in Romans 8.
People’s created purpose is waiting for God’s revelation to dawn; as
verse 20 notes, it has been subjected to futility: “For the creation
was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who sub-
jected it in hope.” There are times when everyone experiences such
hopelessness, working without making headway. Sales don’t come
through, promised raises fail to appear, the computer goes haywire,
or an employee embezzles money from the business, leading it to
the edge of bankruptcy.
This is what makes verse 20 so interesting, because it says that
God subjected creation to futility. In other words, don’t blame the
devil. Yet, it also says that God had something in mind: hope. What
hope? Hope that His children would figure out the power that is
available to break the curse. Paul goes on to say in verse 21 that the
creation (your purpose, destiny, provision/business) will be deliv-
ered from bondage into the same freedom that people walk in—
“because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage
of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” In
other words, the freedom received at the time of accepting Christ
can be experienced at work. If someone has been delivered from
an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or another habit that has
held them captive for years, they can also expect God to lift
bondages from their occupational life.
Someone reading this may ask, “But didn’t that happen when
I got saved?” I would respond that the potential and the power are
there. Still, just as a person needs to personally accept Jesus (no
one else can make that decision), the same principle applies. No
one else can do it; people need to claim it for themselves. You can
set your destiny free by declaring over your work, business, or other
source of provision, “I apply the power of the blood of Jesus to you
today, and break all forms of demonic bondage. I declare that you
83
are free to provide all that God wants me to have. I shall fulfill my
calling, my purpose, and my destiny.”
Finally, consider verse 22, where Paul talks about the birth
pangs associated with creation: “For we know that the whole cre-
ation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” I
believe that the apostle was referring to the pain that accompanies
giving birth to eternal purpose. Many Christian business leaders
have been serving God in their work, hoping one day to quit their
job so they can “go into ministry full-time.” I believe an overarching
reason for today’s marketplace ministry movement is so God can
trumpet the message, “I called you to serve Me in your work setting.
This is your purpose; this is why I gave you the gifts I did. This is
what I want from you. Now step into the fullness of your destiny.”
Some of you may be feeling those birth pangs as you read these
words. Praise God. Today is the day for the awareness of your des-
tiny to come forth, like a newborn babe. You can move from simply
doing a job to fulfilling an eternal purpose, transformed from mere
existence to godly destiny. When Dennis and Megan Doyle set out
to help the poor in Minneapolis and St. Paul, they could have shut
down their real estate firm and tried to do this through their
church. Countless numbers of people around the world are over-
joyed that they remained in their business.
Endnotes
1. “The Boss With a Big Heart,” Charisma, February 2004, 61.
2. Ibid.
3. Jerome Edmondson, Maximizing Fortune: Turning Life’s Fail-
ures Into Success (Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers,
2003) 21.
4. Ibid, 45.
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CHAPTER 7
Wealth Transfer
Always remember it is the Lord your God who gives you power
to become rich, and He does it to fulfill the covenant He made
with your ancestors (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT).
Linda Rios Brook was on a fast track in the glamorous, influ-
ential, and lucrative profession of television management. However,
en route to corporate stardom she came to a professional cross-
roads she had not anticipated. A simple choice transferred her
from the status and recognition as the most influential woman in
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota to the unemployment line.
Her choice? The CEO of the company she worked for ordered
her to stop discussing her personal faith in any public setting and
to stop teaching a Bible study class at her church.1 I’ve heard Linda
relate this story at marketplace ministry conferences; when she tells
it, she makes sure that no one sees her as a martyr. She says the real
choice was not the one her CEO presented, but the one the Lord
Jesus gave her. She made her stand: continue publicly acknowledg-
ing Christ, which meant she had to resign from her position with a
Fortune 500 company.
85
So how does this story fit here? Shortly after leaving her com-
pany, she and her husband, Larry, were offered an opportunity to
buy a bankrupt TV station in the Twin Cities for $2.5 million.
Assembling a group of 40 investors, they eventually purchased the
outlet. After six years of building the station, they sold it for a prof-
it of $50 million. That translates to a return on their investment of
approximately 2,000 percent.
Thus, over a seven-year period after leaving her corporate posi-
tion, Linda and her husband were led by God into a tremendous
transfer of wealth that benefited His Kingdom. Many of the Chris-
tians who invested in this deal became wealthy. In the week after
the sale, they signed over stock valued at approximately $2 million
to Christian ministries and colleges in the Twin Cities. One local
congregation received almost $800,000.2
In her book, Wake Me When It’s Over, Linda tells about the les-
sons she learned in this venture. She tells of trying to build a tele-
vision station like a church, instead of building the station as the
Lord directed her to do. One interesting anecdote involved keep-
ing her investors happy by airing well-known commentator Rush
Limbaugh’s TV talk show. In order to gain access to it, though, she
had to air “The Jerry Springer Show”—not exactly fitting their goal
to air family-friendly Christian programming. But that was the deal:
To get Rush, she had to take Jerry. Linda tells how they tried to
pigeonhole Springer by airing his show at 11 p.m., but still it
became the station’s highest rated program. 3
Linda tells how this was used by the Lord:
Then the Lord spoke. He asked what I thought the people
were like who stayed up late at night to watch programs
like “The Jerry Springer Show.” I thought to myself that
they must be people who couldn’t sleep and had nowhere
to go. Maybe they were people who were looking for lives
that were more desperate than their own. Maybe they
were people who didn’t have any friends. Then it came to
me. Clear as a sterling spoon on Waterford crystal. “Need
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Wealth Transfer
a friend? Call this number.” I saw it plainly. Crawling
across the bottom of the screen on “The Jerry Springer
Show” at ten-minute intervals were those words.
Two of our prayer partners and faithful friends were Dan
and Diane Morstad who ran a crises counseling phone
center called “Love Lines.” I asked Dan what he thought
about putting the Love Lines phone number on the
screen during The Jerry Springer Show with the “Need a
friend?” message and seeing what would happen. He
agreed to try it. None of us could have predicted what did
happen.
From the very first night, callers overwhelmed the crises
counselors….They were lost, alone, depressed, and des-
perate to talk to someone who might pretend to care
about them. Many of them, literally thousands were led to
the saving grace of Jesus Christ over the phone and sent
for follow-up to local churches.4
Such an unusual outreach would likely generate bitter criti-
cism in conventional church circles, but God is in the people-saving
business no matter how strange the approach seems on the surface.
Likewise, God wants to use your business to help build His King-
dom. As shown by Linda Rios Brook’s story, He also wants to bless
you financially as you serve Him in this kind of ministry.
As amazing as this story is, I have seen or heard of similar sce-
narios in Germany, Israel, England, the Philippines, Canada,
throughout the Caribbean, and across the United States. About the
time I began writing this book, I spoke at a large church in north-
ern California. I had been there a year earlier. The first morning
two couples came up to me with the same message: “You prayed for
us a year ago and we started our own business.” One couple was
running a popular ice cream franchise. The other had started an
investment firm.
Both got involved in these endeavors after several people
prayed for them and they responded to God’s direction. Acting on
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the ideas He gave them, they are living out the reality of His lead-
ing and reaping the rewards—not just financially, but of rich rela-
tionships and doing their part to make their communities better,
more prosperous places to live.
Creating Wealth
God has no plan for the transfer of wealth except business.
Sound radical? Anti-scriptural? Unrealistic? If you accept the tradi-
tional interpretations of the Bible that have been preached for cen-
turies, this statement may even upset you. However, that is because
too many Christians have failed to look at the Bible through the
eyes of a businessperson. This topic is so crucial that it deserves
some additional, biblically based instruction.
God works in mysterious ways. For instance, one evening
Wilma and I were having dinner with our good friends, Paul and
Donna Cox, when Paul told me that God had given him a message
to deliver. Over the years, I have received a number of these types
of prophetic words. Some have lasted for 15 or 20 minutes. I have
often typed up these lengthy messages and studied them to com-
prehend their full dimension and application to my life. Others
have been much shorter, such as a paragraph or just a sentence.
This particular one was even more brief.
“The Lord has told me that this word is the third important
piece, or phase, or element, of your ministry,” Paul said. “Number
one being that ministry is to happen in the workplace, out in the
marketplace, not just in the church. Number two, that revival will
come out there (meaning at work), not necessarily in here (the
church). It could happen just as easily at the job as here. The third
phase will come out of this word.”
By now, I was all ears.
“Here’s the word: ‘Midian.’ ”
“Can you tell me a little bit more, please?” I asked.
“No, that’s it. Just Midian.”
“Well, what’s it mean?”
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Wealth Transfer
“It’s your word, not mine. Go figure it out.”
Although I knew who Midian was, I had forgotten about the
significance of this Old Testament character. So, though a bit per-
plexed, I started studying Midian in the Bible and discovered some
interesting truths.
As a refresher course for those who aren’t up on Bible trivia,
Midian was one of the sons of Abraham. Most people never get
beyond Abraham and Sarah’s two famous sons: Ishmael and Isaac.
However, soon after Isaac married Rebekah, Sarah died. Abraham
married for a second time. His next wife, Keturah, bore him six
more sons, including Midian. This son became the head of the
tribe that would be known as the Midianites. They show up period-
ically throughout the Old Testament.
Continuing my study, I saw that Midian’s ancestors became
traders and merchants. They were businesspeople involved in the
multinational industries of their time. Ironically, it was a band of
Midianites who purchased Joseph from his brothers and then sold
him in Egypt (see Gen. 37:28). Midianites also seduced the chil-
dren of Israel (see Num. 25) and fought against Gideon (see Judg.
6). This may lead some to say, “So why are you excited about them?
They’re on the wrong side of God.”
Usually, they were. Still, consider the first instance listed above.
Because of them, Joseph reached Egypt, which represented his des-
tiny. God used the battle Gideon faced to teach this prophet how to
trust in Him instead of his large army. Then there was the key les-
son that Moses learned from Jethro, his father-in-law, while leading
the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Jethro was a busi-
nessman. Pastors like to mention that he was the priest of Midian,
but they overlook the fact that prior to this, Moses was out tending
Jethro’s flock of sheep. As a businessman, Jethro hired someone to
care for his assets.
To paraphrase the story from Exodus 18, after Moses took
Israel out of Egypt, he was preparing to lead the nation into their
freedom when Jethro asked, “Are you going to organize them?”
89
“I don’t know how,” Moses replied.

Since Jethro understood management, administration, and
other details needed to manage a large corporation, he spelled out
a plan: select capable leaders from among the people, divided into
rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Then let these lead-
ers judge disputes and other matters among the people. If there is
something too weighty or complex, they can bring it to Moses, but
otherwise let these leaders oversee the tribes’ business.
“So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with
you,” Jethro promised. “If you do this thing, and God so commands
you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go
to their place in peace” (Ex. 18:22b-23).
So, not only were the Midianites used of God in more than one
way, but as I researched this topic further, I saw that they were
involved in the wealth transfer that the Lord had promised would
come to His children.
A key passage to understanding this truth appears in Isaiah
60:5-6: “Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart
shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be
turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The
multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Mid-
ian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring
gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.”
Did you catch the significance? It says the wealth of the Gentiles
(unbelievers) is coming to God’s children on the camels of Midian.
This is a clue to what God wants to do. For years, people have oper-
ated on the promise of “give and it shall be given unto you.” While
that is true, it leaves out a necessary piece of the puzzle: business.
This is what we see through Midian—namely, the reality that God
wants to bless your business. He wants to bless your work.
Miracle Mentality
Many Christians have heard some kind of teaching about the
coming transfers of wealth. Church members love the promises of
God with regard to this, such as:
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Wealth Transfer
• Proverbs 13:22b, which says, “The wealth of the sin-
ner is stored up for the righteous.”
• We love to claim our part in the inheritance that will
come through Abraham: “And in you all the families
of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3b).
• The one I discovered in my study of Midian: “The
wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you,” found in Isa-
iah 60:5b. This promise is repeated in verse 11b: “That
men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles….”
These verses can excite any crowd. Indeed, I have heard others
use them to stir people up before taking an offering. The speaker
will build the momentum and come to the conclusion that when
you give to this offering, you can get ready for the wealth transfer
that God has promised. A number of other verses are frequently
used to emphasize this point. These include Scriptures about giving
so that God can give back to you, sowing and reaping, or a mention
of a thirty, sixty, or hundredfold return.
Now all these verses are true; they are Bible promises. How-
ever, most of us have yet to see the wealth transfer. It is still a future
dream. So we hold onto those promises with the expectation that
any day God might fulfill His Word. When that happens, our bank
accounts will be miraculously and supernaturally filled (or at least
we cling to a faint hope that it will happen).
The problem is that this outlook leads to what I referred to in
Chapter 2—adopting a miracle-based mentality. I believe in mira-
cles and thank God for them. The church I grew up in taught they
no longer existed. However, my outlook changed after our daugh-
ter, and then our son, were healed supernaturally. Although we
didn’t believe in miracles, our children’s healings showed us that
God still does.
As much as I love miracles, there is something better—namely,
not needing a miracle. If you have cancer, you need a miraculous
healing, but better not to have cancer in the first place. If you’re a
91
million dollars in debt, you will need a miracle to claw your way to
solvency. Even better is to have a million dollars in the bank. All of
us should want to reach the place where we don’t have to rely on
miracles. Far better to operate in the superabundant flow of God’s
resources—and that process is business.
Granted, it may not be quite as exciting as walking out to your
mailbox, finding the latest Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes entry, and
exclaiming, “Oh, praise God. I know this is my winning number
because I put a check in the offering yesterday and God promised
a return. I know this time I’m going to win.” Or rationalizing play-
ing the lottery with the statement, “Okay, I gave $1,000 to the
church, now I’ll go buy 100 tickets.” But God’s plan to supply your
needs isn’t the lottery, the Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes, or Publish-
er’s Clearinghouse; neither is the church or government. God’s sys-
tem for wealth transfer is business.
After Isaiah 60:5-6 talks about Midian’s camels carrying gold to
God’s children, verse 9 adds, “Surely the coastlands shall wait for
Me; and the ships of Tarshish will come first, to bring your sons
from afar, their silver and their gold with them.” I have studied the
ships of Tarshish. They were the modern-day equivalent of a multi-
national corporation. Whether the delivery comes by Federal
Express, UPS, email, wire transfer, job, or business, God says He will
bring gold to His children. But it is integrally connected to Midian
and the ships of Tarshish, which had business at their core.
God Blesses Work

If you doubt this thesis, look at Deuteronomy 14:28-29, which
is part of a lengthy discourse by Moses to the children of Israel.
Over several chapters, he spells out various laws and practices God
has told them to follow. In this particular verse, Moses tells the
Israelites that they are to bring a tithe (ten percent) of their pro-
duce every third year to help supply the needs of the Levites—their
priests. The clincher appears at the end of verse 29: “That the Lord
your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.”
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Wealth Transfer
When you give, you open the door to blessings, but usually not
through an immediate miracle. Instead, it is the Lord’s blessing on
the work of your hands. This message is reiterated in the next chap-
ter, where Moses talks about giving to the poor and needy.
Deuteronomy 15:10 says, “You shall surely give to him, and your
heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this
thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to
which you put your hand” (emphasis added).
A similar message appears in Deuteronomy 16:15, “Seven days
you shall keep a sacred feast to the Lord your God in the place
which the Lord chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in
all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely
rejoice” (emphasis added).
Although long ignored, the point of these Scriptures is that
God wants us to connect the dots. Instead of praying for a miracu-
lous windfall when you give, give and connect your work with pro-
vision. When you give, God opens blessings on your labors. Instead
of despising your job, griping about how hard you’re working with-
out getting anywhere, moaning about the lack of recognition
you’re receiving, or hatching a scheme to quit; try following the
Lord’s plan. God is literally telling you, “Follow My principles and
let Me add My blessing to your work.”
Now, giving is not the only connector. Another is to pray in
faith, believing that God will give you work to do with your hands
that will return to you the blessing that God has promised. When
that comes, it can represent a steady flow of provision. Instead of
hoping an unexpected check shows up in the mail, you can expect
God to deliver week after week, month after month, year after year.
Because you are faithful in prayer, apply your ability to hear God’s
voice, and translate His guidance into the workplace; you can look
for new ideas and blessings. This may not happen tomorrow, but
you can trust that it will occur in God’s timing.
After all, what happens if you get excited about a miracle tak-
ing place tomorrow, but it doesn’t come? You may easily lose your
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joy, not to mention your faith. The goal is to reach the place where
you can trust God to provide every single day because your life is
attuned to Him. This goes back to Isaiah 60:11, where it says, “There-
fore your gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day
or night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles.”
I have seen this truth operate. At one meeting where I spoke,
a man talked about a number of family members accepting
Christ, as well as a friend who is a scientist. He also talked about
having an abundance of money. When I asked where it came from,
he replied, “It comes through the normal flow of work. And, since
I have an abundance of money, I’m counseling others on how to
use it.”
The Marketplace Minister’s Role

Marketplace Ministers were made for such a time as this. The
God-given plan for wealth production and transfer is business. The
government cannot produce wealth. Its primary function is to take
it. Certainly the church is not a wealth-producing machine; it has
other responsibilities. Knowing that God has promised wealth
transfers, promised to bless the work of our hands, and called some
to serve Him in the workplace, we can understand how God plans
for wealth to come into His Kingdom. He is training a group of
workplace ministers to create great wealth. It is one of the seven pri-
mary signs of such leaders.
I believe that the Lord has a specific plan for Marketplace Min-
isters in the business arena. There are untapped resources, creative
ideas, and new business ventures that are just waiting to be
launched. It is up to workplace ministers to learn how to hear the
voice of God, tap into His stream of information, and operate with
the power of the Holy Spirit. For some, this will come via current
ventures, such as more efficient processes, God-directed manage-
ment, and marketing and sales innovations. For others, there are
new discoveries, inventions, and business plans that have remained
hidden—until now.
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Wealth Transfer
I am confident that some of these ideas are in Scripture and
that diligent study will bring them forth. As an example, a friend in
England is nearing a breakthrough as he seeks to reveal informa-
tion about uncovering ancient trade routes. He is looking for and
finding answers in the Books of Jeremiah and Proverbs. Others will
come through divine revelation, but whatever the means, God is
the source.
For years Christians have heard prophetic messages about the
transfer of wealth. The Bible speaks of this, as I referenced earlier,
but now we are beginning to see this occur. In January 2004, news
broke about the largest bequest ever given to a Christian organiza-
tion. In her will, the late Joan Kroc—wife of the founder of the
McDonald’s hamburger chain—included a $1.5 billion-dollar gift
to the Salvation Army to help them establish community centers.
Thus, money generated from business endeavors will move into
God’s work.
Soon after that, Peter Wagner told me about a gift from the
Geneva Fund in Switzerland to help rebuild the African nation of
Ivory Coast. This grant, equivalent to $1 billion in U.S. dollars, is
earmarked for building six hospitals, a university, a seminary,
20,000 houses, orphanages, teaching bases, and agricultural cen-
ters. Significantly, pastor Dion Robert, leader of one of the nation’s
largest churches, will oversee the administration of these funds.
Hopefully, such astonishing developments will help build
Christians’ faith and belief that God will provide additional
resources. I am not talking about building your faith to receive a
gift so you can spend it on yourself (see Jas. 4:3). Instead, I pray that
you develop the faith that you can become the kind of wise leader
who builds a business prosperous enough to make such generous
donations.
Endnotes
1. Linda Rios Brook, Wake Me When It’s Over (Baltimore, MD:
America House Book Publishers, 2001) 34.
2. Ibid, 166.
95
3. Ibid, 140.
4. Ibid, 148-149.
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CHAPTER 8
Hearing the Voice of God

Today you must listen to His voice. Don’t harden your hearts
against Him (Hebrews 3:7-8 NLT).
A few months ago, Julian Watts—the English businessman I
mentioned in Chapter 2—called me to arrange a meeting during a
visit to the United States. Sensing God leading him to line up
prayer intercessors across the U.S. before introducing his product
here, he wanted to present his new Internet-based business venture
to me. We arranged to meet at a hotel in Southern California. I
came expecting to have a cup of coffee and casually discuss his ven-
ture. However, to my surprise, when I arrived, Julian led me into a
conference room with two projectors set up and a full table of mate-
rials on display. When I asked who else would be at the meeting, he
said, “Just the three of us.” That meant Julian, who is the chief
executive officer; his firm’s president, and me.
Next, Julian unrolled an impressive, professionally-prepared
presentation, with a finely-tuned script displayed in printed handouts
and on PowerPoint slides. Unfortunately, the material quickly left me
feeling like I was foraging through a strange jungle with no compass.
Since the technology rose above my level of comprehension, I was
97
feeling uncertain of how to respond afterward. In the middle of his

presentation, I said quietly, “Lord, speak to me. I know these men
want my input, but I am not sure what to say.”
As soon as I prayed, the Lord showed me a picture. When I
receive pictures from the Lord, they can move rapidly from scene
to scene without much seeming connection.
In the first picture I saw the CEO driving a race car. Though
traveling at lightning speed, he zoomed around the track in the
wrong direction. Next, he stopped, stepped out of his car, and
walked up the stadium steps to the press box, where a 747 airplane
waited for him. When I saw the airplane, the Lord showed me it was
like coal barges leaving Newcastle, Australia—a place I had visited.
(Newcastle is the world’s second largest coal producing region.)
These barges were carrying the cargo at supersonic speeds. Finally,
I saw the airplane landing in a desert-like place as three people
approached. I sensed that the Lord would use this shipment of
goods to bring peace there.
At the end of the presentation, Julian asked me for my input.
I replied, “First, let me tell about a picture that the Lord gave me
during the presentation.” As soon as I added, “I saw you driving a
race car, but you were going the wrong direction around the track,”
Julian broke into tears. As I went on and related how God had
shown me the 747 jet representing the coal barges from Newcastle,
the president also started to weep. Here were two men from Lon-
don whom I had never met in person, yet the Lord had something
to say to them.
Julian told me that at one time he had been a professional race
car driver. One of the tests for licensing was to navigate the track at
a certain speed, but in the wrong direction. When I told him what
I had seen, he could hear the Holy Spirit whispering, “Julian, you
have passed the test.” Much to my surprise, the president of the
London-based company was from Newcastle, Australia. My vision of
coal barges there was a sign from the Lord that he was in the right
place. And, the 747 airplane landing in the desert confirmed a
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vision God had given these men earlier about using their business
as a means to bring peace and transformation in the Middle East.
Going into the meeting, I knew none of that—just what God
showed me.
These men did not need my input about a presentation I didn’t
fully comprehend, but they did need to hear from God. The Lord
put us together in that hotel conference room so that He could
speak a word to them about their future business direction. God
is like that. After we have planned, sweated, dreamed, outlined,
polished our presentations, and given that legendary “110 per-
cent,” then He steps in with an authoritative word that makes the
difference.
A Slight Edge
I once heard a business consultant deliver a prescription for
success. His presentation featured the idea that those who succeed
in business work slightly harder than anyone else. Spending a little
more time at the office, making one more phone call, or getting up
a few minutes earlier in the morning—those little things symbolize
their small measure of extra effort. The consultant termed this the
“Principle of the Slight Edge.” Despite a well-crafted message, he
missed the point. The idea of fashioning a principle on hard work
is a popular idea, particularly in America where busting one’s gut is
esteemed as part of the necessary drive to amass wealth. However,
this is not a God idea. God wants to give us the edge without turn-
ing us into workaholics.
As we study the Bible and discover more about God’s inten-
tions, we learn that He created us for work. It is an inherent part of
our nature and part of the Genesis purpose of creation. But the
kind of grueling, stress-inducing toil that afflict many in modern
times is a result of human disobedience to God and the resulting
curse that He placed on work. This means hard work is not the
“slight edge” for which so many are searching.
By contrast, the authentic “Principle of the Slight Edge” is
found in spiritual realms. It is the ability to hear the voice of God
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for your business. Businesspersons around the globe are searching

for a competitive edge—a crucial idea that moves them ahead of
the pack, a perfectly timed product launch, the right connection,
or just plain luck. Occasionally, it appears as if one of them has
found the secret formula. However, most of these seekers are look-
ing in all the wrong places.
God wants to give His children an edge, not so they can whip
the competition, but in order to bless the community and move His
Kingdom forward. The Lord is speaking today more clearly than
most of us have ever experienced. Businessmen and women
attuned to God’s Spirit are listening for, and hearing, God’s voice.
They are finding that He is not only interested in their work, but
He wants to bless and prosper it. The Lord wants their business to
become the factor that makes a vital difference in their communi-
ties, nations, and the world.
I base this claim on personal observation. I have seen the word
of the Lord come at the right moment to save businesses from dis-
aster or ultimate ruin. I have watched as God snatched a company
from the brink of bankruptcy with a clear word and direction for
the future. I have seen the frustrated become the anointed and dis-
couraged leaders revitalized into successful CEOs. If you want to
get the edge at work, you must develop your skills in hearing from
God. He is speaking today and has directions to give if you will
learn to listen.
The Lord will give you keen insights that allow you to look into
the future of business and see what is coming and what is needed.
This kind of hearing is not available to the natural ear, but it is
there for the workplace minister who will learn to tune his or her
ear to the Lord’s ever-present voice. God’s Kingdom is advancing as
never before. I pray that you will be a part of the great army that
the Lord is raising up—the army with the slight edge!
Business Interpretations
As I mentioned in Chapter 2, Richard and Pauline Fleming,
Marketplace Ministers in England, have developed what they call
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Kingdom Advice Centres. These are training outposts designed to
help business leaders and employees hear God’s voice in the mar-
ketplace. In recent years, as I have worked alongside businessmen
and women, I have found that most workplace ministries are lack-
ing the key ingredient that has the potential to thrust them over the
top—namely, teaching (and the resulting practice) about hearing
the voice of God.
It helps to realize that:
• God is concerned about your daily life;
• He cares about your work; and
• He will speak with you about it.
When you discover these truths, it will transform your work
life. Those in the marketplace need to learn the practice of hearing
God’s voice. Hearing from God is one of the foundations for serv-
ing Him in a marketplace setting. One of God’s mandates for us is
equipping others for the work of ministry. Therefore, it is essential
that those who have learned how to hear from God teach and train
others in this art.
Although I served for years as a pastor, businessman Richard
Fleming has been one of my role models in learning more about
this skill, particularly in the context of the workplace. Thanks to his
influence, a couple years ago we started a Kingdom Advice Center
(American spelling) in San Jose, California, with others being
implemented in various cities across the U.S.
As I mentioned earlier, in the past, conventional interpreta-
tions typically directed everyone who was called into God’s service
into a church-type role. Rarely did anyone relate a calling to min-
istry with fulfilling that call in business. At Kingdom Advice Cen-
ters, our guidelines dictate not prophesying anybody away from
their workplace and into a church setting. (Not that this can never
happen, but we want participants oriented to fulfilling God’s call-
ing in their vocation.) Our focus is on work settings; we need to
hear from God about work. When it comes to your occupation,
101
God will never run out of good ideas. As you give to Him, in return
He will speak to you and give you ideas about your work.
Lately, I have been studying Jeremiah 6:16, where it says, “Thus
says the Lord: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths,
where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your
souls….’ ” I have read every commentary I can put my hands on
about this passage. Most scholars say it means that you’re walking
down a road; there will be a fork in it; and you have to make sure
whether to turn right or left.
However, I think this also can refer to an ancient business path.
Literally, I think this refers to a trade route that will lead to pros-
perity. This is the message I have been hearing through my Bible
studies and prayer. I believe that if you can get on that silk road that
runs from China and find out what God is blessing, it will yield rich-
es untold. The least of these is money. More important are influ-
ence, peace, and stability.
One day as I was praying about this and other prophetic
words I have heard, I sensed the Holy Spirit whispering, “Queen
Esther’s beauty products.” I chuckled, “Lord, that can’t be for me.
I don’t know anything about beauty products. If I did, I wouldn’t
know what to do with them.” However, since that is what God told
me, I believe those products lie somewhere on that ancient path.
Someone reading this book will probably figure it out and become
a millionaire.
Hearing, Not Prophecy

I know a number of people who operate in the gift of prophe-
cy. This is a wonderful gift, one that greatly benefits the Body of
Christ. I have personally received direction for my life and ministry
through prophetic messages. I thank God for the prophets who are
active in the world, including those who operate in the market-
place. We need them and long for their input. However, my empha-
sis in this chapter is not on prophecy, but the ability to hear God’s
voice.
102
The apostle Paul is a perfect example of a Marketplace Minis-
ter who heard from God. A builder, a tent maker, and a man who
earned a living working with his hands, Paul wrote nearly half the
New Testament. He is viewed as the greatest example of an apostle
in the Church age. Paul was also a strategic thinker; it is obvious
that he received his strategies through close communication with
the Lord. As you read his writings, you cannot help but realize that
everything he did helped promote the gospel of Jesus.
When Paul defended his apostleship in First Corinthians 9, he
made it known that God’s plan includes financial support for min-
isters who preach the gospel: “…For our sakes, no doubt, this is
written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who thresh-
es in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritu-
al things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material
things?…Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach
the gospel should live from the gospel” (verses 10-11,14).
However, Paul also made it clear that he would not be among
the paid clergy. In verse 15 he writes, “But I have used none of these
things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to
me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should
make my boasting void.” In other words, Paul established his apos-
tleship as a worker in the marketplace.
As I read about Paul’s life, it appears that he worked a full
Monday-through-Friday shift. Then, on the weekend he went to the
synagogue to preach. Did he minister during the week? Undoubt-
edly, he did on the job. But that which the church has focused on—
his preaching and missionary service—represented more of a
weekend endeavor. This is spelled out in Acts 18:3-4, “So, because
he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by
occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the syna-
gogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.”
Paul had a plan, which went far beyond his ability to produce
more tents than his cohorts (not that he didn’t use his business).
Acts 18 also contains an account of Paul meeting Aquila. The Bible
103
says that Paul moved into the home of Aquila and his wife, Priscil-
la, because they worked in the same occupation. Yet it includes the
note that Paul “found him.” I believe this was part of the apostle’s
strategy. He used his skill in business to gain contacts, both for busi-
ness and ministry.
The workplace minister will have a strategy for both arenas.
And the truth is we need the kind of strategic thinking used by Mar-
ketplace Ministers. Many pastors today have their roots in work-
place settings and operate much like CEOs of major corporations.
Still, most pastors are shepherds, who do not naturally think in
strategic terms. This isn’t a negative, because we also need people
who think in shepherding terms. We need pastors who care for
their flocks by feeding and protecting them.
As much as I thank God for pastors, though, I am thankful for
strategic thinkers in the workplace. Those who are able to think
strategically can hear from God, look into the future, and deter-
mine what God plans for the future.
God Speaks
For some practical examples, consider the lesson illustrated in
Numbers chapter 12. Aaron and Miriam, the brother and sister of
Moses, were mumbling and complaining. In addition to complain-
ing about Moses’ wife, they were grumbling about the fact that it
seemed as if no one knew that they, too, could hear from God. As
they talked about it, God heard them (see v. 2). Talk about a shock!
The Bible says not only did God hear, He summoned them to
a meeting. After the Lord had reminded them of the humility of
Moses, He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among
you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to
him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all
My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in
dark sayings; and he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you
not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” (vs. 6-8)
104
In this passage, God relates four ways that He can—and does—
speak to His children:
1. Visions.
2. Dreams.
3. Face-to-face.
4. Dark sayings.
We can expect the Lord to speak to us in these same ways
today. I will narrow them down to three general ways that the Lord
may speak to us: pictures, words, or spontaneous thoughts.
Pictures
The difference between dreams and visions is whether you are
awake or asleep. While you are sleeping God can give dreams (pic-
tures), and while you are awake He can take you into a vision (pic-
tures). In both cases the Lord is giving a message in the form of a
picture. I have experienced both of these in powerful ways. There
have been times that I have asked for a dream, and the Lord has
provided a clear answer and direction for my situation.
However, you do not need to go to sleep in order for the Lord
to speak to you. You can enter into a time of prayer right at your
desk and ask the Lord for a word, a picture, or a thought from Him.
I have discovered that many people “see” the pictures more quick-
ly than they “hear” the words. The picture at first may not make a
lot of sense, but as you seek the Lord for its meaning, it usually
becomes clear.
Words
Like Moses, some hear more directly at times as if the Lord is
speaking to them face-to-face. Some will even testify to hearing the
audible voice of God. However, I have found this to be less com-
mon. Usually when someone says that he hears the voice of God, he
is referring to words that form in his mind. Often, the message is as
distinct as audible words; people are even able to carry on a con-
versation with the Lord. Rather than being actual spoken words,
105
though, these are thoughts that come into the mind in a time of
worship and prayer, or while seeking to hear from the Lord. There
have been times in my life that I knew the Lord was speaking to me,
which is consistent with the teaching in John 10 about His sheep
knowing His voice.
Spontaneous Thoughts
Another way the Lord speaks to us is through what are termed
“dark sayings.” These are more like riddles, or words and thoughts
that at first we do not fully understand. Initially, they may not make
sense. Often someone cannot quite verbalize what the Lord is
telling him or her, so they simply say, “It feels right” or “It doesn’t
feel right.” However, as we continue through our circumstances
and continue to pray, we come to understand the meaning of the
Lord’s words.
When businesspersons and pastors gather together at King-
dom Advice Centers, we ask the Lord to speak to us in these three
ways: pictures, words, and thoughts (or senses). In these settings we
pray more in line with the way one would do at work. In a church
setting, there may be a worship leader, a praise band, and a time of
worship, with specific songs on the agenda. In the workplace, we
cannot call in the worship leader and the band; we must learn to
worship without those aids.
I love to worship with a group when both the leader and the
band are anointed; those can be special times. However, in a work-
place setting, the worship is much different. In the Kingdom
Advice Center, when we worship, some will pray out loud and oth-
ers will pray silently. Some will sing and others will walk the floor.
Some might kneel in prayer while others lean on the wall; some
might even beat on the wall.
In such times of spontaneous worship, we ask the Lord to
speak to us.
And He does.
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We will then record what we have heard, seen, or sensed from
the Lord. Since I like to record these words and pictures, we will
often use a large erasable board or poster-sized Post-it Notes.
At a recent gathering, some saw pictures of tall buildings. Oth-
ers had visions of green pastures or flowing waters, all with bright
light shining on them. All these pictures were related to real estate
and were consistent with the terrain around the city. As people
related what they were seeing, we heard words about building and
tools. Some felt the meeting would have significant impact in their
area. Along that line, the previous night I had a dream about a real
estate firm named “Diamond Real Estate.” It was so specific I
thought someone at the meeting would work for that company or
be thinking of starting a business with that name. But no one
responded when I described my dream.
Near the end of the meeting, though, a man had an interpre-
tation of the dream. He said it was not a company; but that the
dream represented the entire group and that God wanted His peo-
ple to take the area (real estate) for Him. He saw the diamond as
the reflector of light that God was shining that night as He called
His children to take possession of the land for His Kingdom.
So, in that setting, we experienced dreams, visions, words, and
thoughts from the Lord that formed a basis for transformation of
the area. I’m looking forward to seeing what develops in the
months and years ahead. Need a similar divine vision for your life?
This is what God wants to do for you, not only for your business, but
for your future. He will speak, but only if you will listen.
107
CHAPTER 9
Biblical Entrepreneurs
So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and
said to them, “Do business till I come” (Luke 19:13).
Riverview Community Bank in the Elk River, Minnesota, area
opened its doors in March 2003, backed by $5.5 million of invest-
ment capital. Prior to opening, the founders met with federal bank
officials and projected reaching $16 million in deposits by their
first anniversary, a healthy growth rate. They also forecasted writing
15 to 20 loans a month from their mortgage division, which in atyp-
ical fashion started operations two weeks prior to the opening of
the bank.
A year later, bank examiners’ eyes popped when deposits
reached $50 million, with 85 percent of those funds lent in the
community. New mortgages have ranged from 30 to 50 per month,
depending on prevailing interest rates and other conditions. Not
only did that rank Riverview (located in a small community—Elk
River has fewer than 20,000 people) alongside larger banks in
wealthy suburban areas, but this growth came amid competition
from two locally-owned, century-old banks and a host of nationally
networked banks and mortgage lenders.
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Equally impressive is the spiritual activity occurring at

Riverview. In its first 52 weeks of business, senior vice president
Chuck Ripka recorded 53 people praying to receive Jesus Christ as
Savior and Lord, including a Hindu. More than 40 people were
healed, including one out-of-town visitor who came by with a pastor
one evening so Ripka could pray for him. Soon after, the man
learned his prostate cancer had vanished. Chuck commonly prays
with people (including non-customers) in the conference room,
his office, or over the phone.
When the bank started, Chuck told the head teller, Gloria,
“The Lord has shown me you are going to be praying with cus-
tomers at the drive-thru. I take the authority that I have as the sen-
ior vice president and give you permission and release you to do
that which the Lord leads you to do.” About six months later, Glo-
ria noticed that a customer was struggling, and offered to pray for
her. The following week the woman returned and came inside the
bank to thank Gloria for praying for her that day.
A few days after Gloria first prayed for that woman, she noticed
another customer struggling and asked if she could pray for him.
When he agreed, she asked if he wanted to come in or remain at
the drive-thru. “The drive-thru is fine,” replied the man, who
responded positively to the offer. Gloria continues to watch for
other opportunities.
Although Ripka had been in charge of the mortgage division,
early in 2004 his partner, Duane Kropuenske, shifted Chuck to
business development. Duane told Chuck his ministry and evan-
gelism were as valuable as his innate business expertise. So, Duane
recreated Chuck’s position to relieve him of some of his superviso-
ry duties. He wanted to give Chuck more flexibility that would pro-
vide additional time to continue his ministry activities.
Now involved in commercial lending, Ripka says he doesn’t
have to do much prospecting for customers: “I have so many peo-
ple wanting to do business with me that I just have to answer the
phone and run through information with them. Then I sit down
110
with our commercial lender and make sure these loans line up with
what we need them to do.”
Chuck’s mortgage banking experience goes back to 1990, but
his spiritual walk started in 1980 when he decided to follow Christ.
Two years later God directed him and his wife, Kathi, to pray for his
mother, a chronic alcoholic. She was lying in a hospital, uncon-
scious. Ripka replied, “Okay, Lord, but it’s one o’clock in the morn-
ing. If this is You, I need to see her come out of her coma and say
yes to You.” When he got to her room, he asked her to wake up. She
opened her eyes and nodded in agreement to his prayer acknowl-
edging Christ as Savior and Lord. A few days later, she died.
After he left her room, the Lord spoke to him and said,
“Because of your obedience I will give you the rest of your family.”
Eventually, his father, brothers, sisters, and all five of his children
made the same decision to follow Christ. Another major event
occurred during a 40-day fast prior to his 40th birthday in 1999.
During that six-week period he saw God’s hand coming down out
of Heaven, holding three gold keys. When Chuck asked what this
meant, the Lord said, “They represent the marketplace, govern-
ment, and church. I’m going to give you favor in all three arenas.”
Prayer in the Marketplace

Since then, Chuck has led prayer walks through the schools in
his community (located 35 miles north of Minneapolis) and in the
state capitol. A participant in a weekly prayer meeting of pastors
and businesspersons, he once invited the mayor, police chief, sher-
iff, superintendent of schools, and other local and state officials to
the meeting. All agreed to come and share prayer needs with the
group.
Among them was a request from the police chief concerning a
raging problem with methamphetamine labs. In addition, he want-
ed prayer concerning four juvenile delinquents who were wreaking
havoc in the city. Within two weeks of the group’s prayers came the
largest drug bust in Elk River’s history. A month later, the four
111
teenagers were arrested in a neighboring county and sent to a juve-

nile detention center.
In September 2000, the year after receiving his vision, Chuck
told the audience at a mayor’s prayer breakfast that a $108 million
school referendum would pass. Earmarked for construction of a
new building and additional personnel and instructional supplies,
this measure had already been twice rejected by voters in two con-
secutive years. Despite a prediction by the city’s newspaper that it
would fail again, the referendum passed by an overwhelming mar-
gin. Recently, when a new superintendent needed additional fund-
ing for expansion in the fast-growing area, he called Ripka to ask
him to pray for that referendum.
Not surprisingly, employees get considerable spiritual guid-
ance from the bank officer, who each day prays with two or three
employees, customers, or other visitors. Ripka feels comfortable in
that role, since a few days before the bank opened he sensed God
bringing him a message.
“ ‘I want you to pastor the bank,’ ” Chuck says the Lord told
him. “ ‘Everything I’ve taught you, I want you to teach them.’ So
I’ve been teaching the staff how to pray with customers, watch for
opportunities to bless people, and get them out of their comfort
zone. I tell them to watch for opportunities to reach out to people.
Some of our employees put Christian artwork in their offices. One
said, ‘We’re not as bold as you, but if anyone says anything about
our art we take it as a sign we can talk about God.’ ”
Do you see a difference between the way Chuck Ripka does
business and the way your employer operates? Or, if you are the
owner, in the way you conduct your business? In the days ahead, I
believe we will be able to point to more stories such as this one. The
excitement in that community has even generated a book: The Elk
River Story: Transforming the Spiritual Climate of a City, which was
compiled by Rick Heeren, an associate of evangelist Ed Silvoso. It
mentions how this effort to break down denominational barriers
112
and extend a witness into the marketplace has spread to two other
areas of Minnesota and two cities in Wisconsin.
True biblical entrepreneurs will always have two stories to tell.
One will be about seeing the blessing of God on the business—
knowing the peace of His presence and the energizing of His
power. The second story will relate the blessing of God in terms of
financial increase. When only one of these realms is emphasized,
business owners get into trouble. I have known people who have
used their business as a platform for ministry activities, such as out-
reach, evangelism, and mercy. Yet in that process, they lost most of
their profit base. One reason is they tried to imitate the nuclear
church to the point that they lost sight of their business’s profit-
making purpose. On the other hand, I have seen others so focused
on money they never found time for mercy, prayer, or practical
expressions of their Christianity.
Considering Riverview Community Bank’s success, biblical
entrepreneurs must recognize this truth: Profit is not a dirty word.
They must remember there are two reasons for their business: 1) to
provide secure employment and promote peace and stability; 2) to
offer customers, suppliers, and competitors a way to discover eter-
nal truth. If in the midst of spiritual activity, your business isn’t
showing a profit, something is wrong. Certainly, any business must
generate profits to survive, expand, and withstand the downturns in
natural economic cycles. The fact that God wants to use businesses
to bless the community does not negate the call to establish a profit-
based business.
Parable of the Talents

Not everyone is going to run a business, whether for reasons of
time, financial resources, inclinations, or personality. Besides, once
entrepreneurs start a business, they will eventually need vice presi-
dents, managers, clerks, and assorted aides to help carry out their
plans. So, it is worth discussing the other side of the coin when it
comes to living as a follower of Christ in the marketplace.
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To gain some perspective in a world where class envy and con-

flict have made success and prosperity synonymous with exploitation,
look at Christ’s teaching. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of
the conversion of Zacchaeus, whose practices had made him
wealthy. Jesus was addressing Zacchaeus when He said, “Today sal-
vation has come to this house…for the Son of Man has come to
seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:9-10).
In Chapter 2, I pointed out that we have misinterpreted that
verse to refer only to lost people, when Jesus wanted to point His
children to the broader aspect of all that was lost when Adam and
Eve disobeyed God. That which was lost includes the proper treat-
ment of our work life as well. In this context Jesus tells the follow-
ing parable:
Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country
to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of
his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, “Do
business till I come.” But his citizens hated him, and sent a dele-
gation after him, saying, “We will not have this man to reign over
us.” And so it was that when he returned, having received the
kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had
given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how
much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, say-
ing, “Master, your mina has earned ten minas.” And he said to
him, “Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very
little, have authority over ten cities.” And the second came, say-
ing, “Master, your mina has earned five minas.” Likewise he said
to him, “You also be over five cities.” Then another came, saying,
“Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a
handkerchief. For I feared you, because you are an austere man.
You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not
sow.”
And he said to him, “Out of your own mouth I will judge you,
you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, col-
lecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
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Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my com-
ing I might have collected it with interest?” And he said to those
who stood by, “Take the mina from him, and give it to him who
has ten minas.” (But they said to him, “Master, he has ten
minas.”) “For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given;
and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken
away from him. But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not
want me to reign over them, and slay them before me” (Luke
19:12-27).
To translate this parable into a modern-day, corporate sce-
nario, imagine a CEO of a multinational corporation based in the
United States. This executive faces an opportunity to expand his
business by using his influence and net worth to take over a suc-
cessful competitor. To do so, he will need to spend several months
in Europe, performing due diligence and taking the necessary
steps to complete the acquisition. Before leaving, he calls in the
presidents of his ten companies and tells them he is leaving each of
them the necessary capital to operate their divisions profitably dur-
ing his absence.
As is often the case, some of his management team harbors a
strong dislike for the CEO and constantly searches for ways to
undermine his leadership. This, they think, may be the perfect
opportunity. When the boss returns, having successfully completed
the acquisition, he calls the presidents into his office to get a report
on each of the divisions within the corporation. He is particularly
interested to find out how much revenue each leader has generat-
ed. The first one reports a significant gain, ten times as much as the
amount left for operations.
“Wow!” the CEO says, “you are good! You have handled the
small things so well that I am going to give you a reward by setting
you up with power and authority in ten major cities.”
The next one also reports a handsome gain of five times his
seed capital.
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“All right!” the CEO says. “I will give you power and authority
in five major cities.”
Then a third president, a noted malcontent whose company
perennially ranks on the bottom rungs of performance, speaks up,
“I brought back only the original capital that you left. I didn’t lose
any, but I didn’t gain any either. I was afraid of you. I know you are
a hard man to deal with. I know you take what isn’t yours and you
harvest what you did not plant.”
“You say I’m a hard man?” the CEO roars. “I’ll show you how
hard I am. You’re fired! Now, take his money and give it to the one
who earned the most.”
“But sir,” one of the other officers gasps, “that’s not fair. He’s
already got more than anyone else.”
To which the wise CEO replies, “Let me give you a business
principle: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of.
Play it safe and end up holding the bag. And for those enemies of
mine who used this as an opportunity to rebel against me, get them
out of here. I don’t want to see their faces around here anymore.”
Three Principles
Remember, this parable came from Jesus Himself. In this
teaching on business principles, He addressed three points:
• The peril of rebellion.
• The honoring of faithfulness.
• The increase in authority when you are faithful in the
little things.
Let’s further explore each point.
Rebellion
Luke 19:14 exposes an issue that must be confronted: “But his
citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will
not have this man to rule over us.’ ”
I constantly run into Christians wanting to gripe about their
boss. Typically, the refrain goes like this: “He’s a liar, a cheat, a slave
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driver, and on top of that, he can’t be trusted.” And yet they remain
on the job, building bitterness within their hearts while sowing
seeds of discontent among other employees.
Yet the Bible commands submission to bosses, even the bad
ones: “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only
to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is com-
mendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief,
suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for
your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer,
if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this
you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:18-21).
Your purpose for being on the job that God has you in right
now is to bring the atmosphere of Christ to the place. You can do
that much more effectively through obedient submission than
rebellious actions. Peter makes it clear that, in our heavenly
Father’s eyes, you earn more credit for submission to a bad boss
than for patiently enduring correction when you are at fault.
Honoring of Faithfulness
In this parable Jesus speaks about the honor of faithfulness.
There is something admirable about a trustworthy employee—the
person who always shows up on time, who does the job, and who
never complains in the midst of carrying out the task. God is call-
ing for faithfulness in our work life as well as our nuclear church
life.
Increase in Authority
There is a large segment of our world that will never be won to
Christ through nuclear church initiatives. It will not matter how
well we run our churches, how efficiently we plan our programs, or
how attractive we make our buildings. There are some who will lis-
ten only to those whom they consider to be their peers.
Let me remind you of something that you likely know, but that
you may not like; however, even if you don’t like it, it is still the
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truth. Here it is: There is a level of authority that comes from being
rich. For some reason, when you are rich, others want to know what
you think and how you will respond to things. In addition to that,
some affluent people will not listen to those whom they consider to
be poor or of less social standing. That, of course, is the wrong atti-
tude, but still someone needs to reach them with the gospel, and
the only one who can do so will need to be considered as a peer.
One of the ways that Christians can reach them is through their
success in business. Jesus makes it very clear in the parable in Luke
19 that He honors success. He lifted up the one who had wisely
invested the capital and registered a 1,000 percent return on the
boss’s money.
So may I say to those of you who have achieved a level of suc-
cess that enables you to do so (without incurring great debt, of
course): Buy the new car, move into that gated community in the
most posh section of town, or join the country club—not for pur-
poses of show, but to use your influence and authority to reach out
to that segment of society that has remained largely untouched by
the Body of Christ.
Jesus uses a very interesting word in this story. He says that the
one who is faithful with little—in this case, money—gains authori-
ty. The authority that He speaks of is governmental authority. I
don’t believe this necessarily means that you will run for office and
hold an elected position. Instead, it may mean that you will have so
much authority that those in government will seek your advice and
counsel. They will want to make sure that they don’t make decisions
without your input.
When you think about it, this is the greater authority. When
elected officials at various levels in your city, state, or nation seek
you out—as they have Chuck Ripka—you have influence. This
kind of authority comes through business. Biblical entrepreneurs,
I conclude this chapter by issuing a strong call: “Come forth. We
need you!”
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CHAPTER 1 0
Reaching Nations
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…
(Matthew 28:19).
Berthold and Barbara Becker live in Germany, where he is an
astute businessman. Highly respected, over the years he advanced
up the ladder of the European division of General Motors. Early in
1986, Jack Smith, who later became president of GM, offered
Berthold a top position with the newly established GM Europe cen-
tral office in Zurich, Switzerland.
However, by 1986 the national prayer movement “Interces-
sors for Germany” that God had called Berthold and Barbara to
pioneer was just taking off. And so it was not totally surprising
when shortly after receiving the new offer by GM, the Lord told
him to leave GM and go a new way with Him.
In Berthold’s words, “The board of GM was shocked about my
potential leaving because I was one of their hopeful future top
executives. So they offered me one year leave of absence with cer-
tain financial benefits and a guarantee to return to a high-level
position. The board hoped that I would ‘get back to normal’ after
some time. Six months later, on one day, I received two calls by
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board members asking how I was and said I could choose the posi-
tion if I returned.
“The next day the Lord challenged me with Hebrews 10:34-38.
Immediately I cut the cord to GM and gave up the benefits of high
income, car, house, and other incentives.”
Becker accounts for his success at GM Europe because of four
things:
1. “My love and dedication to the job and to the product—
automobile.”
2. “My desire to serve the Lord in my job, like Daniel
and other biblical model figures served in their job;
and my understanding that my job was God´s life call
for me and that I was in that corporation as a King-
dom representative.”
3. “Barbara’s support as intercessor for me and the com-
pany as well as prophetic advisor.”
4. “The favor of the Lord and inspiration by the Holy
Spirit with regard to management decisions, leading
people, and especially with regard to creativity in cost
and investment reduction as well as product ideas. In
fact, the Lord told me what kind of products were
needed in the future, and I was able to influence the
design of products in a way that multimillions were
saved annually. The effectiveness that comes into an
organization when the Holy Spirit is at work is amaz-
ing. And in those years, I literally became the
‘prophet of the company’ and was respected as such.”
Even though he did not know at the time where the Lord
would lead him, he started a consulting business that within a few
years led him to the Ukraine. In going to the Ukraine, it was again
the Lord leading him to help ex-Communist nations.
You can imagine a conversation like this between leaders at
GM with one of their top prospects.
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Reaching Nations
“If you don’t stay with us, what will you do?”
“The Lord is leading me to the Ukraine.”
“Are you going to be a missionary? Are you going to plant
churches?”
“No, the Lord is leading me as a businessman to the Ukraine
to start new businesses.”
Although Berthold had no idea what he was going to do there,
he began regularly visiting the Ukraine. As he traveled there, he
kept asking, “God, what do You want me to do? I know You called
me here. What should I do?”
One day, he ate a piece of bread and nearly spit it out on the
floor.
“Man, this stuff is awful!” he exclaimed.
In case you weren’t aware of it, Germans know how to make
good bread. Sensing a need might exist, Berthold investigated the
situation and discovered all the bakeries in the Ukraine were run
by the government. Now, God instituted government. Without it,
we would have anarchy and chaos. Government plays a valuable
role in promoting order, peace, and stability. But making bread
isn’t among its shining functions. So Berthold declared, “I think I’ll
start some bakeries.”
While he didn’t know how to bake, Berthold did know how to
run a business. So he hired the best baker that he could find and
bought some mobile bakeries from the Swiss Army. Although used,
this equipment was nearly new. Think about it. The Swiss have
never invaded another country in their history, so why did they
need mobile bakeries? They didn’t, which is why they sold them.
Built with the precision of a Swiss watch, they were available for
nickels on the dollar.
As time went on, Berthold outfitted ten mobile bakeries and
dispatched them throughout the Ukraine as a business model, and
used 20 more for humanitarian purposes. This man is a Christian
witness, but not while leading a church. Instead, God has led him
to start a Kingdom business. Today Berthold and his team regularly
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lead ex-Communist rulers to Christ when they visit his office to dis-
cuss the company’s operations.
This Marketplace Minister’s business acumen, coupled with his
ability to hear from God, has put himself in a blessed position. Not
only is his business prospering, but it blesses Ukrainians with a
good product and provides jobs to people who, in the long after-
math of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, desperately need them.
Strength in Unity
Years ago, my friend Paul Tan related a story that still sticks out
in my mind. His partner asked him, “Who is the richest man in the
world?” As soon as Paul gave his answer, his partner followed up
with, “Is he a Christian? Because the Lord has promised that the
wealth of the Gentiles is stored up for us.”
Paul said no, but proceeded to discuss other kinds of wealth.
He realized later that his words sounded hollow. Dissatisfied with
his own response, he prayed, “Lord, why isn’t the richest man in the
world a Christian? How are You going to reach the nations if we
don’t even have the wealth of the wicked in our hands?”
After struggling with this issue for several months, one day
Paul sensed the Lord’s Spirit saying, “Paul, the richest man in the
world is a Christian. But it is not a man as you might think. It is My
Body. The Body of Christ has more wealth than anyone else. The
problem is that My Body is so fragmented that it loses its impact.”
When God’s people work together, there is tremendous syner-
gy. I have watched for years as the nuclear church has struggled
mightily to achieve unity, only to see tepid results. In most cities,
the unity of local congregations is confined to small pastoral prayer
meetings in quiet places, or an occasional joint venture, expressed
by a citywide evangelistic campaign that features a well-known
speaker. However, in these last days, the Body of Christ must come
together—and business just might be the tool to do it. Peace in the
Middle East hasn’t come through political agendas. Religious
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Reaching Nations
zealotry drives an even deeper wedge between people. But business
is a place where we recognize how much we need each other.
In Chapter 4, I noted that a discussion of workplace ministry
starts with signs and wonders because it is the clearest biblical sign
God gives to His children. The one sign by which the apostle Paul
wanted his apostleship judged was its ability to bring the life-
changing grace of Jesus Christ to men: “When I was with you, I cer-
tainly gave you every proof that I am truly an apostle, sent to you by
God Himself. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and mir-
acles among you” (2 Cor. 12:12 NLT).
If a discussion of workplace ministers begins with signs and
wonders, then it must end with the goal of reaching whole nations.
In Christ’s command known as the Great Commission, He called
His followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations…” (Mt. 28:19). Beginning in Genesis, God refers to nations
17 times, including such references as:
Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance,
and the ends of the earth for Your possession (Psalm 2:8).
Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be
assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former
things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justi-
fied; or let them hear and say, “It is truth” (Isaiah 43:9).
In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the
tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit
every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations (Revelation 22:2).
Granted, there are times when the Lord speaks judgment
upon nations because of their disobedience, but a detailed inspec-
tion of the Bible shows how the heart of God is for the nations of
the world—not a particular country, region, or continent, but all
the nations. This is best demonstrated through John’s vision of
Heaven, where he wrote, “After these things I looked, and behold,
a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes,
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peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the
Lamb…” (Rev. 7:9).
Lifting Our Sights

We need to lift our sights to a much higher level in workplace
settings and begin to see nations. I will admit that we are still a lit-
tle weak in this area, but thank God that we are making some head-
way. I know of many who have this desire firmly planted in their
hearts.
I have already spoken about Gunner Olson and the Interna-
tional Christian Chamber of Commerce; what a great work these
business operators are doing for the Kingdom of God in many
nations.
I just told you about Berthold Becker of Germany. Besides his
work in the Ukraine, God is using his business expertise to expand
His Kingdom in Mongolia, several African nations, and Israel.
I have spoken of Julian Watts and Richard Fleming in England;
and in the U.S., Dennis and Megan Doyle and Jay and Sally Bennett
in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Kyffin Simpson who lives in Barbados is bringing Kingdom
Impact throughout the entire region of the Caribbean as well as in
the UK and the USA.
All these business leaders, and many others I haven’t listed,
are operating Kingdom-oriented businesses and are being used by
God to bring His presence to nations. In recent years, I have trav-
eled to Kazakhstan and visited with skilled entrepreneurs who
have easy access to China. I have worked with a team of relief work-
ers in Afghanistan who have touched several dozens nations to
date.
In addition, I recently received an update from my friend, Ed
Silvoso, concerning recent advances in his native land of Argenti-
na. Today he is leading a team who is working with every province
in the nation. They are distributing goods to the needy, calling
together persons of influence, and working with the International
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Reaching Nations
Christian Chamber of Commerce. Their aim is to network Christ-
ian businesspeople and inspire, equip, and deploy Marketplace
Ministers.
This is personally encouraging because of a meeting we had in
the spring of 2002. Over lunch, Ed and I talked about Argentina,
which was experiencing considerable turbulence. Four presidents
had come and gone in a little over a month. The nation’s economy
lay in shambles, and despite a revival atmosphere sweeping
through its churches, Argentina was in trouble. I remember telling
Ed, “You are such a strategist for the Kingdom. Your ideas are being
implemented in churches around the world. Ask the Lord for a
strategy for your nation. I am sure He will give it to you.”
Today, that is happening, not only in Argentina, but in other
countries around the world. For the last several years, Mel and
Heather Mullin have hosted a conference in Red Deer, Alberta,
Canada, known as “Impacting Cities, Influencing Nations.” God is
using this couple to raise up an army of spiritual leaders in business
across Canada. Drawing several thousand people a year to this city
of 60,000, several hundred miles north of the Montana border, it
recently expanded to Montreal and Ottawa. Plans are being made
to eventually penetrate all the provinces in the nation.
While Mel is a pastor, he recognizes the need for leadership
outside traditional church boundaries. For example, he has been
mentoring Mike Furst, a young businessman in his congregation.
Recently he named Furst a “Marketplace Minister” for the church
and publicly recognized him as a minister to the business world in
their city and for their nation.
Early in 2004, I came in contact with Rick and Sue Seeburger, a
couple whom the Lord is using to reach businesspersons in
Paraguay, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. Their
heart is for changing the nations, but their tools are not traditional
evangelism and church planting. Instead, their focus is on teaching
character and equipping people to walk in integrity, where their
word remains reliable and truthful regardless of circumstances.
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After spending time trying to work within traditional nuclear

church structures, Rick took his ministry (business) to the business
community and discovered a receptive audience for these teach-
ings. I see these examples as a signal that the nations of our world
are being prepared right now to receive a Kingdom message.
And yet, while I am encouraged, I am not satisfied. While I
know we are on track, in this particular area I believe we need to
greatly increase our faith, energy level, and passion to push forward
and reach the world for Christ.
Standing for the Kingdom

In America, we have watched for years (with some fear and
trepidation) as militant Muslims from the Middle East have emi-
grated to the U.S. Obviously, they did not come as “missionaries”
with an evangelistic agenda; we have known what was in their
hearts. They came as businesspeople with a purpose to establish
their presence in our land, with a desire to penetrate and ultimately
take control. They are strongly militant in support of their cause,
but their platform has been business.
Likewise, it is time for Kingdom-minded businesspeople to
stand up for Christ, not only in the workplace, but in developing
strategies that have the power to impact entire nations. Do you
work for a multinational corporation? What I mean by that is one
that has offices in several countries or that conducts trade in mul-
tiple nations. If so, start to exert your spiritual authority in prayer
over the nations represented by your company.
Do you feel a call from God to be a missionary? Carefully con-
sider the modern trend toward “business as mission.” There are still
numerous places today where you cannot go as a missionary,
church planter, or evangelist, but that will welcome you as a busi-
ness leader. God gave you an entrepreneurial spirit; now is the time
for it to come forth to bless your nation and others around the
globe.
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Reaching Nations
During one visit to the Middle East, no one knew that I was a
Christian, much less a former pastor. Yet, they welcomed my teach-
ing as a business consultant. Although circumstances dictated
avoiding conventional biblical terminology, during a seminar sev-
eral other Christian businesspersons and I were able to teach bibli-
cal principles. The result was souls entering God’s Kingdom—not
because of preaching, but through serving as living examples. At
the end of our short visit, several Middle Easterners decided to fol-
low Christ. They made such comments as, “If you guys are Chris-
tians, I would like to be one also.” In rebuilding the Middle East,
God is calling for us to come in less traditional, yet practical and
anointed ways, to touch those nations for His Kingdom.
Every sign demonstrated by workplace ministers needs to be
harnessed for the reaching of whole nations. When Jesus told us
that we would do the works that He did, but that we would also do
even greater works (see Jn. 14:12), could it be that He was referring
to miracles that could impact entire nations? Do you have enough
faith for that kind of miracle? Use your God-given authority to
bring about changes in nations.
Biblical entrepreneurs need to start thinking in broader terms,
including how they can establish multinational businesses that can
impact the nations for God. As you are praying for the coming
transfers of wealth, realize that much of this is for the nations, not
for personal gain. For those who listen closely to what God is saying
today, I am confident that He is speaking to you about nations.
When thinking of transforming societies, we cannot be content
with touching only America’s inner cities. Instead, we must begin to
think in terms of whole nations. Christ’s call is not just to reach
people or cities, but to disciple whole nations. We cannot be con-
tent until that goal is on the heart of every Marketplace Minister.
The signs of a workplace minister are many and varied, but
when considering them as a whole we can envision the God-given
mandate to reach entire nations. This will not happen by “stand
alone” leaders working in obscurity or from atop a pedestal of
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pride. This will happen when we see the Body of Christ coming
together in harmony and purpose. It will happen when we lay down
individual agendas for the greater work of the gospel.
As I mentioned, I don’t have that perfect illustration of nation-
reaching Marketplace Ministers to discuss as of this writing. Still, I
trust that some of you reading these words are writing it in your
own life experience today. I know this is the heart of God, and I
know that many of you are following hard after Him in this way. I
speak to such obedient followers of Christ in a prophetic sense: You
will be used by God in these coming days to bring about changes in
whole nations. Expect the strategies to come. When they do, join
with your brothers and sisters to see that they are implemented.
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CHAPTER 1 1
Marketplace Minister in Action

And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they
will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they
will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will
by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and
they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).
In this Scripture passage, Jesus refers to God giving power to
His followers. This supernatural power enables them to perform
miraculous deeds. I am confident that such signs will become evi-
dent in the lives of thousands of Marketplace Ministers. I have out-
lined seven of these signs; there are undoubtedly more. However,
these are the ones the Lord indicated and prompted me to write
about. Over the next several years, we will see increasing numbers
of workplace ministers. As they emerge, these signs will accompany
them.
About three years ago, when I first started meditating on—and
considering the reality of—these anointed Marketplace Ministers, I
knew of only a few. But as my travels expanded from city to city and
nation to nation, I started encountering increasing numbers of this
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new breed of minister. Not only did I locate them, but they already
knew who they were because God had been speaking to them. I
remember a conversation with Ken Beaudry, a business leader in
Elk River, Minnesota, the city I wrote about in Chapter 9. After
observing the developments in this city and his life, I remarked,
“Ken, I believe you are a marketplace apostle.”
“I know it,” he replied. “The Lord told me that some time back.”
It shouldn’t amaze any of God’s followers that the Lord had
been speaking to many individuals about His call on their life long
before anyone else recognized it.
Practical Helps
I want to conclude this book with some practical guidance. Not
only do we need to know the signs of Marketplace Ministers, we
need to have ways to recognize these leaders. I talked to the Lord
about this and asked Him how I could best explain this to readers.
In response, God revealed that there were four primary ways to rec-
ognize workplace ministers:
1. They carry an unusual authority in their sphere of influence.
If we look only within the nuclear church, we will miss these
members of God’s powerful workforce. In Christendom, we have
typically found our leaders in the nuclear church, but workplace
ministers will carry authority in the place where their influence will
be most keenly felt. Most sociological thinkers now identify eight
major spheres of influence in the world:
• Religion.
• Family.
• Government/law.
• Health.
• Education.
• Business.
• Entertainment/media.
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• Science and technology (The latter was added recent-
ly because of major advances in this field.)
This means we will find God’s Marketplace Ministers in educa-
tion, who will command authority in the educational system. The
same will be true in the church, family, government, medicine, busi-
ness, media, and science. God is giving His children the authority to
operate in each of these spheres of influence. As Christians, we will
not find ourselves making an impact on the world until we have
identified, equipped, and released leaders in each of these disci-
plines. For too long, we have tried to accomplish the task of winning
(and discipling) converts within the structure of the local church.
With some obvious exceptions, this has not worked too well.
Now think of your city. Likely the leaders in the local church
arena are becoming identified and acknowledged. In recent years
we have made small strides toward identifying the leaders in the
business community, which I believe is foundational to moving for-
ward with our task. However, after identifying them, we must train
and release the God-ordained leaders in each sphere of influence
and each city and region. The good news is: God is already speak-
ing to them, calling them, and preparing them for the next wave of
transformation.
To find and identify them, look for the authority. Actor Mel
Gibson is a prime example. He received a vision from the Lord, and
despite tremendous persecution and second-guessing that he was
throwing away his career, he filmed The Passion of the Christ. Within
less than two months of its premiere, it had passed $350 million in
box office receipts, ranking it among history’s most popular
movies. Gibson was able to carry this off because of the high level
of authority God gave him. Now that he has succeeded, his author-
ity level is even higher.
You will find the same to be true in your life. Walk in the
authority that the Lord has given you, and you will succeed in ful-
filling His purpose for your life. As you move into the success arena,
your authority level will increase. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said that
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all authority had been given to Him, both in Heaven and on earth.
He has chosen to pass it on to today’s workplace ministers.
2. They are involved in mentoring and equipping others.
A study of the five ministry gifts in Ephesians 4:11 shows that
God gave them to us as foundational gifts, used to train and equip
others. When you examine this verse, you will note that these five
ministry gifts were given to the Church to equip saints for:
• The work of the ministry.
• The edifying (uplifting and encouraging) of the Body
of Christ.
Workplace ministers must also see their responsibility in train-
ing up others to follow them, assist them, and take the Kingdom of
God into the sphere of influence where they carry authority. Since
the workplace is the place of ministry for these leaders, their task is
to equip other saints to carry out ministry there. When that is done,
it is edifying and encouraging. When a person steps into his or her
call and purpose, it is of great personal benefit and a boost for the
larger Body of Christ. Hopefully, you can see that it is inadequate
to confine ministerial training to nuclear church settings. If we con-
tinue to operate in that fashion, we will continue to train only one
kind of minister.
I call upon Marketplace Ministers to mentor and equip the
believers who are following you. I purposely use the word “mentor”
for reasons spelled out by Rick Seeburger, the leader I mentioned
in Chapter 10. He heads an organization called BFCI (Business for
Change International), and in a training manual titled, Dynamics of
the Marketplace Church, Rick says:
As a Master Trainer, there are five dimensions of relationship
impact:
Dimension One – Teaching (imparting knowledge).
The difference between a good teacher and a bad teacher
is that a bad teacher teaches a subject; however a good
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teacher teaches the student. It is what is “caught” that is
more important than what is “taught.”
Dimension Two – Counseling.
A counselor is given the opportunity (a window) into
another person’s life at the request of the person being
counseled. Marriage and financial counseling are exam-
ples. The counselor oftentimes is afforded limited access
to the person’s “whole life.” A good counselor helps a per-
son improve their capacity for change.
Dimension Three – Coaching.
A coach is called upon to help a person improve specific
skills and even to improve other aspects of life. A coach is
dedicated to seeing individuals grow and to develop their
life potential. As a form of Coaching, the next two dimen-
sions relate to the type of disciplines or programs a person
is developing toward.
Dimension Four – Discipling.
A person who is Discipling another person is normally
teaching and overseeing a person in the fundamental
character, knowledge and skills needed to function within
a specific program. For example, Jesus called twelve men
and discipled them into His “program” of life and min-
istry. Today, many churches have discipleship programs to
teach people what it is to be a follower of Christ. The chal-
lenge is that discipleship often focuses people into a
church mindset rather than on life purpose. Consequent-
ly, the vast majority of Christians see their ministry inside
the church, instead of in the outreach of the church. At
some point, people need to be sent out to prove their
capacity to reproduce.
Dimension Five – Mentoring.
Mentoring can involve all the prior dimensions and has a
primary focus on reproducing the essential ingredients of
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character, knowledge, and skills. In addition, a commit-

ment inherent to mentoring is the dedication to releasing
the person after they are mentored. Effective mentoring
focuses the mentor on reproducing the capacity he/she
has into the life of the one being mentored. A person
requesting a mentor is asking the mentor to equip them
with the necessary ingredients needed to achieve the goals
they’ve set for themselves. Examples would be a master
carpenter equipping an apprentice; a medical doctor
mentoring an intern; Paul and Timothy. Mentoring focus-
es on equipping and releasing. The disciples went on to
become apostles (foundation layers) without Jesus physi-
cally continuing to oversee their activities.1
This kind of training will come from Marketplace Ministers as
they reproduce themselves and release these “mentees” into all
spheres of influence. If there is a failing in the modern church, it
has been its tendency to withdraw from society. When Christian
influence diminishes in the world, the world gets progressively
worse. It is time that Christians make their presence known and felt
in societies from Boston to Beijing.
3. They are causing, or are already involved in, city or nation-
wide transformation.
I spoke about this at length in the last chapter, but it merits
repeating because I believe this is so high on God’s agenda. If you
are not involved in some form of initiative to transform cities or
nations, you are missing the point of your calling and destiny in
Christ. To put it bluntly: If you are not involved in such an effort,
you are not a Marketplace Minister. The first step in the right direc-
tion is a change of mind-set. You know that you are called by God
to serve Him in your sphere of influence. Now, begin to ask Him to
give you favor in a wider range, as far as the borders of your nation.
I have discovered that many Marketplace Ministers know they
are in the ministry, but have not been affirmed in this task by their
local congregation. As a result of this lack of recognition, many
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have either done nothing with regard to their call or have worked
in isolation and ineffectiveness. Now that you are being affirmed in
your true calling, take it to the level that God wants to give to you.
This change of mind-set includes the acceptance of your call,
embracing its mandate, and fulfilling God’s purpose.
One example of societal transformation has occurred in the
South American country of Paraguay. This nation is being trans-
formed by God’s Kingdom through a marketplace initiative formed
by Business for Change International. According to Rick Seeburg-
er, this is what they are seeing:
In July of 1997, we began a Strategic Training Initiative in
the nation of Paraguay to establish a Marketplace church
effort. In March 1999, we formed a Champions of Change
Team (mostly of non-Christians, but individuals who want-
ed to see a meaningful change in their country) and the
next month we formed the first Leadership Institute in
the nation.
Today, members of Champions of Change Team are in the
process of Nation Building (transforming the nation) and
six of them are in strategic positions politically. One is the
new president of the nation, another is the mayor of the
capital city, two are senior advisors to the president, and
others hold influential positions in the nation.
This approach has afforded us the opportunity to train
and equip leaders within government departments, busi-
nesses of all sizes, and other organizations from the pub-
lic and private sectors. The impact from these efforts now
as the potential to reach millions. 2
4. They are forming “church” in the workplace.
As many look beyond the sanctuary walls to take a broader view
of “church,” we will see new expressions of Christianity in the work-
place. In the past, these have been mostly copies of the nuclear
church. Typically, a few followers of Christ banded together for a
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prayer group or Bible study over lunch, meeting behind closed

doors so they could “get away from all the sinners” and “have some
good fellowship.” I have no doubt that these groups have served a
valuable service to participants. I am grateful to the Lord for allow-
ing this sort of activity to take place. However, if we are to impact
the workplace, there must be new congregational forms to encom-
pass wider corporate settings.
The one thing that seems to be missing in most workplace min-
istries is the “prophetic,” meaning both the ability to hear God’s
voice and the attention given to that aspect of supernatural gifting.
Without hearing from the Lord, we move on in our strength and
power, continuing to design fleshly programs that lack supernatu-
ral power. With it, we are able to move into the spheres that God
intends for us.
Church in the workplace may have the same feel as the nuclear
church, but the form will be different. I encourage you to pray with
the door—and your eyes—open. Learn to talk to God as if you were
talking to your best friend. Let “church” be a part of who you are
on a daily basis, not just at a special meeting or a specific meeting
place. Recognize the presence of God in the workplace. Access His
presence and power in the normal, daily flow of work life.
If you can recognize the daily presence of God, you will know
that you are clothed with the Spirit of God. That means that our
human weakness is covered and that everything contrary to the
mind of God is destroyed. It means that we are filled with the Spir-
it of God, so that we never need to go anywhere but to Him and His
Word for answers, whatever the circumstances. When we start to act
like we are the Church in daily life, we will recognize that Christ is
in us. That means that any of His promises can be appropriated in
your office, plant, or sales venue. God has put within us such power
and revelation that the possibilities of what can be done are end-
less. There isn’t anything that you can imagine that is greater than
what man can accomplish through Him.
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In Pat Gilsinger’s book, Balancing Your Family, Faith and Work,
Intel’s chief technology officer talks candidly about living for Christ at
work: “I have taken every major chip, project, organization, business
or technology that I’ve worked on for over twenty years at Intel before
the throne of God. I suggest you do so with your work as well.” 3
Gilsinger also talks about opportunities to share God at work:
• Your first witness in the workplace is being a great
employee. If you don’t do that, you will diminish any
level of witness that you might have.
• Your second witness is your lifestyle and ethics. Do you
conduct your life with the highest of morals and ethics,
or do you casually participate in corrupt or question-
able behavior? Do you participate in crude discussions
or joking? Do people see you having your personal
devotions during your breaks and lunch hours?
• Third, you will get opportunities to express concern
for others in a godly and genuine way. If a coworker
is ill or has lost a family member, an “I’ll be thinking
of you and praying for you,” a gift of flowers, or a gen-
uine, “I’ll come over and help you during your time
of need” will speak volumes.
• Finally, you may be afforded the occasional opportu-
nity to witness verbally to others. This needs to be
done with great prudence, lest you ever gain the rep-
utation of using work time to proselytize. This is also
why I put such emphasis on being a “great employee”
and putting your professional character above
reproach. You must be even more cautious not to
allow your position as a supervisor to place pressure
on a subordinate in this regard. You should never wit-
ness during work time, only during breaks or off time.4
There is great joy in being at the place where we can count on
being in the presence of His power. Knowing the presence and
137
power of God at your workplace will lead you to the place where vic-
tory is assured. As I read my Bible, I find that Jesus always blessed
the work of His disciples. God has given us a clear mandate to know
that our work is our ministry. Now it is up to us to appropriate that
power and purpose and know that God can do anything with us.
Any problem that might be faced in the workplace has a solution in
God. This is church in the workplace—not a closed-door prayer
meeting, but an open-door invitation to the power of God to move
in every situation.
So now, Marketplace Ministers, it is up to you. The signs are
clear, and they are available to you:
1. Signs and wonders.
2. Authority.
3. Bondage breakers.
4, Wealth transfer.
5. Hearing the voice of God.
6. Biblical entrepreneurs.
7. Reaching nations.
This is your mandate—to use a business term, your job descrip-
tion. Still, don’t get hung up on titles; others will recognize you
because of your character. I recently heard a businessman say, “Gifts
are common, and free. Character is rare, and costly.” In short, char-
acter is:
• That rare quality that causes people to trust you even
when they don’t know you well.
• A sign of integrity that causes even your enemies to
know that you are true to your word.
• That inner peace that rests on you at night because
you know that you have walked in God’s ways
throughout the day.
• Who you are when no one else is watching.
138
Let God develop authentic, godly character in you so that you
are ready to be used in transforming the nations of the world.
Endnotes
1. Rick Seeburger, Dynamics of a Marketplace Church (El Paso,
TX.: BFCI Learning Systems, Ltd., 2003) 3-4, used by permission.
2. Ibid, 8.
3. Pat Gelsinger, Balancing Your Family, Faith & Work (Colorado
Springs, CO: Life Journey, an imprint of Cook Communications
Ministries, 2003) 126.
4. Ibid, 138-139.
139
CHAPTER 1 2
Developing Marketplace Ministers

“Give me wisdom and knowledge to rule them properly, for who
is able to govern this great nation of Yours?” God said to
Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people,
and you did not ask for personal wealth and honor or the death
of your enemies or even a long life, but rather you asked for
wisdom and knowledge to properly govern My people, I will cer-
tainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested.
And I will also give you riches, wealth, and honor such as no
other king has ever had before you or will ever have again!”
(2 Chronicles 1:10-12 NLT)
When the state of Virginia joined the 1861 revolt against the
United States, Robert E. Lee sided with the South. Despite fighting
on the losing side in the Civil War, this general’s fame has long out-
lived him. Lee is still lauded for his valiant leadership of an out-
manned, out-equipped, and out-spent Confederacy. Ironically, U.S.
President Abraham Lincoln offered Lee command of all Union
forces after the battle at Fort Sumter that sparked the Civil War. But
141
the skilled military leader declared that he would follow his native
state “with my sword and if need be, my life.”
Far less known to the casual observer of history is fellow Vir-
ginian George Thomas, like Lee, a graduate of West Point Military
Academy. Soon after Fort Sumter erupted, Virginia’s governor
offered Thomas the command of all state artillery forces. Most Vir-
ginians, particularly his family, assumed he would side with the
South. But in the spring of 1861 he announced he would remain
loyal to the Union. Declared Thomas “I took an oath at West Point
to defend the Constitution and to serve my country. I do not break
my oaths.”
Thomas went on to become a great general, rising to the rank
of Union army commander in Tennessee and Georgia. He directed
a brilliant defensive stand at the battle of Chickamauga in 1863 and
fought with General William Sherman in Atlanta. Historians rank
him among the top Union generals. At the end of the war, Con-
gress passed a resolution in his honor. Promoted to major general
in the army, Thomas received the command of his choice—the
Department of the Pacific, headquartered in San Francisco.
However, he paid a high price for his decision. Loyalty to his
country earned him scorn at home. Not only did he sever ties with
his native state, but with his own flesh and blood. When Thomas
died from a massive stroke in 1870, nearly 10,000 people attended
his funeral in New York. But not a single member of his family
attended. Asked later why they did not come, one of his sisters
replied, “As far as we’re concerned, our brother died in 1861.” 1
What would drive a man to risk deeply rooted family ties to
uphold his nation’s honor? I believe it lies in West Point’s Cadet
Honor Code, simply defined as: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or
tolerate those who do.” On a behavioral level, the Code represents
a simple standard for all cadets. On a developmental plane, West
Point expects that all cadets will strive to live above the minimum
standard of behavior. As leaders, they are to develop the kind of
commitment to ethical principles that guides their moral actions.
142
West Point’s core mission is to develop leaders of character for
the United States Army. A leader of character knows what is right
and possesses the moral courage to act on that knowledge. Princi-
ples of truthfulness, fairness, respect for others, and a personal
commitment to maintaining values constitute that fundamental
ideal known as the Spirit of the Code. A leader of character will
apply the Spirit of the Code when facing sticky ethical dilemmas.
The conduct expected of military cadets ranks far above that
demonstrated in recent years in businesses, corporations, and gov-
ernment agencies. In certain business sectors, discussing honesty,
integrity, or ethics prompts laughter. Worse, I have discovered that
even in Christian circles simply keeping your word is not a given. I
long ago stopped trying to keep track of broken promises made to
me in churches.
Given this reality, it is no wonder that Christ’s simple com-
mand, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’ ” (Mt. 5:37a),
is seldom applied in the business world. By the way, if you have
become so enamored of relativism that you think I am being “legal-
istic” or “pushy” about the need to honor your word, look at how
Jesus finished verse 37: “For whatever is more than these is from the
evil one.”
Code of Values
The question is: What can be done about this sad state of
affairs? As followers of Christ in business, I believe we all need to
adopt a code that we will operate by, regardless of circumstances.
As I compiled a list of admirable values, it became quite lengthy. I
suppose you could shorten it by designing some subcategories, but
I recommend not editing it and thereby not permitting some ques-
tionable actions to slip through the cracks.
The military code of honor includes four traits:
1. No lying.
2. No cheating.
3. No stealing.
4. No toleration of those who do.
143
Recently we had a strategic planning session for our consulting

organization. From a list of 16 we chose four as the ones we would
emphasize as our core values. They include integrity, reliability, joy,
and servanthood.
Integrity: We want to integrate truth into everything we do.

Well-known management experts James Kouzes and Barry Pos-
ner are the authors of The Leadership Challenge. Often quoted is a
worldwide survey they conducted of several thousand people, seek-
ing to identify the most desirable traits of a good leader. Honesty
ranked at the top, far ahead of the runner-up, competence.
Ask almost anyone on the street about the highly publicized
falls of Enron, WorldCom, or Martha Stewart, and you are likely to
hear responses about how people in these enterprises lacked
integrity. Interestingly, three of the Ten Commandments (see Ex.
20:15-17) are directly associated with integrity:
Number 8: “You shall not steal” (verse 15).
Number 9: “You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor (verse 16).
Number 10: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house;
you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male ser-
vant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey,
nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (verse 17).
When I speak of integrity, I am referring to both the popular
and classical meanings of the word. The popular usage is to con-
sider integrity and honesty as synonyms, so truthfulness becomes the
primary way in which most view this word. Certainly there is no
excuse for a lack of truthfulness in our lives at home or at work.
However, the classical definition of integrity is derived from the
Latin and speaks of wholeness or completeness. From this Latin
root we get words like integer (whole numbers) and integration. It
speaks of cohesiveness and oneness, of a bringing together.
144
I like to think of integrity as the quality of living on the outside,
like you think and really are on the inside. Integrity is the integra-
tion of all the aspects of your life into one cohesive lifestyle. When
integrity is present, we act the same way at work as we do at a wor-
ship service, or the same way at home as we do on vacation.
A glaring problem in many societies is the establishment of dif-
ferent rules for work and home. The woman who would never allow
her children to lie has developed a lifestyle of lying in order to
make sales at work. The man who would never cheat on his wife
regularly cheats on his income tax returns. The church member
who professes to believe in Christ thinks nothing of violating copy-
right laws by burning CDs or copying MP3 files to pass along soft-
ware and music to friends.
Integrity requires a company to communicate the same mes-
sage to the general public that it does to its employees. It also
requires that a company does for its employees what it promised
them at the time of their hiring. Ever felt disillusioned because a
raise or other promised perk somehow never materialized? And the
explanation of why included the reasonable sounding excuse of an
economic downturn or company restructuring?
The lack of integrity (wholeness) also promotes a compart-
mentalization of our lives. In other words, we separate our behav-
ior into secular and spiritual realms. If you adopt different rules for
your spiritual life than for your secular existence, it demonstrates a
lack of integrity. Why? Because a person of integrity has integrated
his or her values into a pattern of wholeness.
When you think of integrity, do you think of a person who lives
up to that standard? I do. And I want others to think of me in that
way. Without a doubt, truthfulness is part of integrity, but so is liv-
ing up to one’s commitments.
Reliability: You can count on us.

This quality is closely associated with integrity. A reliable person
is trustworthy. This person will protect confidential information,
145
can always be depended upon, and provides others the confidence

that he will finish the job, no matter how long it takes or how much
work it requires.
I remember a game we used to play as a child. Dad would stand
behind me and say, “Fall back and I will catch you.” And he always
did. He was teaching me two things: 1) to trust him and 2) reliabil-
ity. I could count on him to keep his word. I knew my father as a
man who always kept his word, whether at home, in business, or
other aspects of his life. I once saw an evil derivative of this game in
which a cruel father let his child fall to the ground. His sneering
comment: “Never trust anyone.”
While it is true that some people cannot be trusted, I prefer to
believe the best about others. I strive to develop relationships with
those who can be trusted. I have often heard the philosophy that
since you cannot trust others, make sure you protect yourself with
extensive legal documents. However, what I have discovered is that
if you cannot trust someone, a $500-an-hour attorney cannot alter
the outcome.
My belief is that change must come from the inside and be evi-
denced in outward actions. A myriad of rules, laws, and restrictions
do little to change behavior. After all, if the Ten Commandments
would have persuaded everyone to obey God’s law, there wouldn’t
have been a need for Jesus to come to earth.
Those who boast about keeping all the rules are usually break-
ing a few behind everyone’s back. Better to be a quiet person of
reliability who can be counted on at all times. Reliability should be
an assumed quality for Christian business leaders. Showing our-
selves to be reliable people can change the future. If you have stum-
bled in this area, today is not too late to establish a new habit.
Joy: Let’s have fun at work.

We chose joy as one of the core values for our company because
we believe that work should be enjoyable. Since numerous polls reveal
considerable employee dissatisfaction with work environments, we
146
want to change the atmosphere by helping restore joy in the work-
place. Nehemiah 8:10b teaches that “the joy of the Lord is your
strength.” In fact, there are more than 180 references to joy or joy-
ful in the Bible.
Can you imagine a workplace filled with joy? Everyone is hav-
ing fun, which lowers stress, increases productivity, and sends
laughter echoing down the halls. In my mind, joy represents more
than the pleasure of making money. It is a place where purpose,
direction, and destiny are a part of work. One of our newest associ-
ates told me that working with us was fun “because I sense this is a
part of who I am and what I was created for.”
When you are able to use your talents in the way that the Lord
intended and fulfill the purposes for which He created you, you will
find joy. If you carry the joy of the Lord in your life, I believe that
you can make a much greater Kingdom impact. This includes
coworkers, supervisors, suppliers, customers, and other associates.
Imagine a Christian walking into work who is mad at the world.
He might fling open the door, kick the tires on his car, and respond
to a coworker’s “Good morning” with a belligerent, “What’s good
about it?” After striding into his office and sitting down, Mr.
Grouch says, “Now Lord, use me today.” It is not likely he will make
an impact—at least, not for God’s Kingdom.
Now imagine another worker, full of the joy of the Lord.
Happy with life, she has been listening to praise music en route to
work. She walks into the office with a spring in her step and sings
out, “Good morning, everybody. What a beautiful day. I am so
happy. What a great day to be alive. I am so excited about what is
going to happen.” When she sits down at her desk and prays, “Now
Lord, use me,” something is bound to occur.
BrainyDictionary.com defines joy as: “The passion or emotion
excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; pleasurable feel -
ings or emotions caused by success, good fortune, and the like, or
by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness;
exhilaration of spirits; delight.” Can you think of a joyful person?
147
Why not be one yourself and see the strength that the Lord will add
to you.
Servanthood: We emphasize being servant leaders.

I first heard the term “servant leader” from a businessman in
our congregation in 1979. I liked the term then and I like it even
more today. Of course, the idea is not new. Nearly 2,000 years ago
Jesus advised that “whoever desires to become great among you
shall be your servant” (Mk. 10:43).
More recently a number of management and leadership books
on the topic of servant leadership have appeared. One notable title
is Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and
Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf. First published in 1977 and reis-
sued 25 years later, in these prophetic essays Greenleaf defines ser-
vant leadership as a practical philosophy. In his eyes, it should
replace traditional, autocratic decision-making with a holistic, ethi-
cal approach.
This highly influential book has been embraced by cutting-
edge management teams across the world. Yet in this modern-day
ethical quagmire, which has prompted VISA CEO Dee Hock to
label our “era of massive institutional failure,” Greenleaf’s seminal
work is needed in mainstream business circles more than ever. Ser-
vant Leadership helps leaders find their true power and moral
authority.
Building on the principles that Greenleaf introduced, consult-
ant Ken Blanchard wrote Servant Leader. The best-selling coauthor
of The One-Minute Manager, Blanchard and coauthor Phil Hodges
reveal the meaning of servant leadership modeled after Jesus
Christ. As Blanchard says at his popular “Lead Like Jesus” seminars,
“We serve. That’s what Jesus mandates. It’s clear. The secret of great
leaders is they serve.”2
Such teaching helps business leaders realize that teams are
more powerful than the sum of the individuals and to recognize
people as appreciating assets. Blanchard demonstrated this ethic
148
when his company faced staggering losses in the aftermath of the
9-11 terrorist attacks. Instead of the knee-jerk method of slashing
staff, he opened the books to everyone and asked for ideas on cut-
ting costs. Not only did they recover, but in the middle of October
2004 they had met their fiscal goals for the entire year. The firm
rewarded employees with a mid-winter trip to Hawaii.
“Some of these people have never flown,” Blanchard told a
seminar audience in Louisville, Kentucky. “They’re pumped up.”3
A servant leader is someone who wants to help others succeed.
Picture someone who puts others first, who does not spend inordi-
nate amounts of time talking about or promoting him or herself.
According to principles outlined in Scripture, this is the sign of
authentic leadership. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar has popular-
ized the phrase, “See you at the top.” We would tweak that to say,
“Serve your way to the top.”
Other Key Values

While our company chose integrity, reliability, joy, and ser-
vanthood for our guiding principles, there is a long list of other val-
ues that you may choose to set a vision for your business. Among
them are:
Righteousness
This word is often associated with Christianity since it has to do
with God and our response to Him. Although that is true, right-
eousness simply means to do what is right. When a person exhibits
righteousness, he or she is always thinking of doing the right thing.
Sometimes this will fall outside expected performance standards
established by the company. When I say “outside standards,” I do
not mean to imply breaking any rules. Rather, I mean going beyond
the minimum—walking the extra mile, as Jesus advised in Matthew
5:41.
I once had an employee who had been with our organization
longer than anyone else. While an excellent employee, her health
had steadily deteriorated, forcing her to take increasing amounts of
149
sick leave. When she had exhausted all of her leave time, including
vacation, personal time, and anything else I could think of to
excuse her, I told her, “Just take the time you need to get well. Your
job will be here when you are ready.”
Ironically, she did not need the money. She needed the job. It
gave her hope and a reason to live. As she struggled to recover, I
told her she could set her own hours and design her tasks. In this
case, it was just the right thing to do. A boss who embraces righ-
teousness will not hunt for rules in an effort to make someone con-
form. Likewise, employees who do right will not be content with
simply fulfilling their own job description. Instead, they will find
the target as they strive for righteousness.
Sharing
Just as my father taught me to trust him when I was a young
boy, parents endeavor to teach the trait of sharing to their toddlers.
We encourage and reward them for sharing, be that toys or candy.
While we may now be responsible adults, building lives that impact
for the Kingdom of God, sharing is still a commendable activity.
The Bible speaks of sharing in many ways; sharing resources is
one. There is also a need to share credit for a job that involves mul-
tiple team members, profits that many helped create, and the work-
load, especially the part that is fun and brings satisfaction.
Justice or fairness
In his new book, Joy at Work, Dennis Bakke tells that one of the
shared values of the company he founded was fairness. He writes,
When it comes to “fairness” I think we chose the right
value but the wrong word. In my lectures, I often ask peo-
ple to complete the sentence: Fairness means treating
everyone _______________. Ninety-five percent of the
people I ask respond, “the same.” I usually respond, “I
mean just the opposite.” The word “justice” better
describes the standard that we set for ourselves at AES
150
[the multinational energy company from which he has
since retired].
I like the traditional Jewish definition of justice: “To
each person what he deserves, to each one what is
appropriate.” If I combine this definition with an assump-
tion that each person is unique, I logically complete the
question this way: “Fairness or justice means treating
everyone differently.”4
Everyone has heard the statement: “Nobody gets special treat-
ment around here.” I suggest changing that to: “Everyone gets spe-
cial treatment around here.”
Other desirable values might include:
Self-control
There must be restraint in all areas of potential self-indulgence.
For example, when we do not take care of our bodies through
proper eating and exercise, we open the door for the devil to hin-
der our productivity in business and spiritual matters. This can
extend to other areas, such as fighting the temptation to take the
easy way out, or refusing to cut corners even if the customer will
never notice or doesn’t appreciate our efforts.
Patience
Many people I know expect instant results; if something bene-
ficial doesn’t happen immediately, they quit. I have seen this with
prophetic words that stirred great excitement. A week or month
later, when nothing had changed, the person forgot about the mes-
sage and started seeking other answers. I have seen sparkling busi-
ness ideas tossed aside because they didn’t result in overnight
success. Remember that patience is one of the manifestations of the
fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23).
Humility
As with servanthood, this is the biblical way to greatness. First
Peter 5:5b says that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the
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humble.” Just think of how you responded in the past to the boss
who acted as if he knew everything and looked down on you as a
peon—compared to one who asked for your feedback, valued your
opinion, and complimented your contributions to the organization.
Faithfulness
In a business setting, this speaks to our confidence in God to
fulfill what He has promised, as well as faithfulness to the tasks the
Lord has called us to complete. It refers to our constant alle-
giance to the people we are connected to by ties of love, gratitude,
or honor. Like a husband is faithful to his wife, or a wife to a hus-
band, so we all must be faithful to the call of God on our lives in
the marketplace.
Efficiency
Early in my ministry to business leaders, I saw little outward
response when I prayed for them. Based on my years of experience
as a pastor, I was accustomed to getting some kind of response,
whether tears, laughter, a smile, or just a slight shrug of the shoul-
ders. But now I was getting nothing; it felt like trying to carve a stat-
ue of stone with a plastic butter knife.
Finally, I asked the Lord about it. He replied, “This is My busi-
ness-efficient anointing.” I interpreted that to mean I should stop
measuring my effectiveness by the traditional, emotional response.
Businesspersons are practical; they are geared for action and find-
ing solutions. As they respond to God’s direction, He helps them
implement His answers. I believe that the Lord will help us to be
more efficient, helping us work smarter instead of harder. Because
of God’s grace, I believe the day will come that we will accomplish
twice the work in half the time.
Goodness
Another manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, this is the sim-
ple quality of being good in all of its various senses: kindness, virtue,
excellence, character, giving, caring, and conduct. Goodness is
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visible in the community, just as selfish, tight-fisted business opera-
tors don’t go unnoticed.
I once heard a story about a deacon in a Baptist church.
Although his social standing and wealth earned him a seat of honor
in the church, he was known around town as a conniving thief who
would leave no stone unturned if he thought it would bring him a
fast buck. Remarking on his status in the church, one non-member
said, “If that’s the kind of people you allow to serve as leaders, I
have no interest in coming there.”
Responsibility
This is another way of discussing reliability and trust. The
responsible person is the kind of individual who is likely to
respond, who will answer when called, or will return calls even if he
is busy at the time. He will demonstrate responsibility in all areas,
including finances, conduct, time, and other aspects of business.
Responsibility involves a degree of accountability on the part of the
person concerned, such as the person who answers to stockholders,
a board of directors, or employees.
Stewardship
This value almost made our top four list. We are to be good
stewards of all that God has entrusted to our care. As Jesus said after
He told His disciples the parable of the unjust steward, “He who is
faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust
in what is least is unjust also in much” (Lk. 16:10).
Perseverance
Several years ago, I heard a story about two large dogs that reg-
ularly passed the house where a much smaller bulldog lived. Each
day they went by the house, the bulldog emerged to challenge
them. They were larger and outnumbered him two to one, so they
always won the fight. Still, the little bulldog always came back for
more. Finally, the bigger dogs would no longer walk by the house.
Whenever they drew near the other dog, they would whimper and
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cry, and run back home. The perseverance of the smaller bulldog
won. Likewise, there will be times when the task seems too big, but
if we tackle it with a bulldog’s tenacity, we will win.
In Conclusion
I have devoted a considerable amount of space to my discus-
sion of the core values, ethics, and character we as business leaders
must exhibit. I do so for a purpose. Think of the plethora of com-
panies that have fallen into bankruptcy or disgrace in recent years
because of a lack of ethics.
The one trait that all these business leaders had in common:
They were brilliant. Many emulated their business practices. They
had money, far more than most people on this planet will ever
dream of seeing. They possessed tremendous expertise and highly
trained and qualified staffs. And yet Enron and a long list of others
have fallen from their lofty perch.
Why? They didn’t have the core values to motivate them, keep
them on track, and check their indulgence for more, more, and
more. They lost sight of the overriding core value of love, which
seeks to serve others instead of self. As the apostle Paul wrote,
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have
not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal”
(1 Cor. 13:1).
South Dakota’s Tom Daschle retired from the Senate at the
end of 2004 after losing his bid for reelection. Just before depart-
ing, he talked about the moving experience of an unnamed col-
league bidding him farewell and saying, “I love you.” While that
remark generated scorn from the conservative political commenta-
tors who cheered his defeat, their views blinded them to the truth
of the heartfelt sentiment Daschle expressed. The marketplace
needs more love. It is up to God’s people to deliver it.
Endnotes
1. This account is adapted from “Civil War Split: Generals
Made Hard Choices,” by Charles F. Bryan, Jr., president, Virginia
154
Historical Society. Available at www. vahistorical.org/news/generals.
htm. Used with permission.
2. From notes taken by coauthor Ken Walker at the “Lead Like
Jesus” seminar at Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky,
Nov. 18, 2004.
3. Ibid.
4. Dennis Bakke, Joy at Work (Seattle, WA: Pearson Venture
Group, 2005) 28.
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CHAPTER 1 3
A Word for Pastors

And He Himself gave some to be…pastors…for the equipping
of the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12a).
A business executive from the Midwest—I’ll call him Dwight—
came into the conference room where my seminar on Marketplace
Ministry was about to start. He looked like a kid on Christmas
morning.
“You’ll never guess what happened!” he said, smiling. “I’ve
never seen anything like it. It was so awesome.”
“What is it?” several people chimed in unison. “What happened?”
Turns out, the previous Sunday morning, Dwight’s pastor
called a couple to the front of the church for prayer. Although this
is a regular occurrence, it generally involves someone who is leav-
ing the country to become a missionary overseas, or a young stu-
dent planning to enroll in seminary before going into the
pastorate.
“But this was different,” Dwight said. “They weren’t going any-
where; in fact, they weren’t leaving their profession to join a church
staff. This was exactly the opposite. They’re starting a new business,
157
and our pastor wanted to pray for them and ask the Lord to bless
this ministry opportunity.
“This is the first time this has ever happened in our church,”
he continued, straining to contain his enthusiasm. “But I’m sure it
won’t be the last. All my business friends are riding high. Market-
place Ministry has made it into the Sunday morning service. They
can hardly believe it. At last, a pastor has recognized that what they
do is as valuable to God as what goes on inside a church building.”
Grins spread across the faces of many in the audience. A few
whistled or broke into spontaneous applause. Suddenly, Dwight
broke into laughter and said, “Just kidding. But wouldn’t it be won-
derful if that were to happen?” Later, he confided to me, “That
would never happen in our church. It’s just a dream of mine.”
Pastor, the question you need to ask yourself is: How many
other business leaders embrace the same dream? Could the ficti-
tious scene Dwight described unfold in your church? If not, you
need to ponder what steps you can take to make it a reality. Some-
thing needs to happen to stem the tide of a legion of unhappy
businesspersons departing from the traditional church. Many busi-
ness leaders who know they are called by God to serve Him at work
increasingly feel alienated from local congregations.
I offer my comments from a unique position at this stage of my
life. I have served as a pastor for more than 40 years, the first 35 in
a nuclear church setting. Now that I routinely visit 40 different con-
gregations a year, I meet with dozens of pastors. And, through the
seminars and conferences where I speak, I also have the opportu-
nity to meet with numerous Christian business leaders.
This mixed audience provides me a broad perspective. Pastors
in the traditional church perceive me as more of a Marketplace
Minister than a pastor. Business leaders usually see me as a pastor,
yet one who understands where they are coming from concerning
the day-to-day business world. Because they trust me, members of
both arenas feel free to candidly share their feelings about the
church-business divide.
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A Word for Pastors
What I hear from pastors is the nearly unanimous lament that
business leaders in their congregations are not that involved in
ongoing ministry opportunities within the local church. Mean-
while, business leaders I talk to vent frustrations over not being
understood or encouraged by their pastor in the ongoing ministry
opportunities that exist in the workplace.
There is a crying need for more bridge building among both
sides. Pastors feel threatened by the increasing “buzz” over ministry
occurring outside the province of the local congregation. They
harbor other fears, such as businesspersons’ tithes going elsewhere
or high-powered executives using the knowledge that they “are in
ministry” to take over the church. Meanwhile, those in business are
longing for practical training and encouragement as they pursue
God’s call in the marketplace.
No doubt there are control issues lurking in the background
in both camps, as well as various insecurities. And so the gap con-
tinues to widen. As someone who cares deeply about both the
nuclear and extended church, this breach affects me. There should
not be two groups, only one Body of Christ with all its different
facets, operating in harmony. Beyond that, pastors have much to
offer business leaders, just as business leaders have much to offer
pastors. The acrimonious relationship is crippling the Church at
the very time it needs to take forward strides in reaching the world.
Thank goodness there are some exceptions to this scenario. I
am fortunate to be a member of one of those churches who are
reaching out to those in business. My pastor, Dick Bernal (of
Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California) has released and
trained business leaders for Marketplace Ministry. He also holds
regular equipping sessions for those under his pastoral care.
Recently when we spoke, he told me that he is writing a book to
instruct other pastors in the care and shepherding of kings.
“Praise God,” I replied. “We need it.”
The Exodus
Unfortunately, outside the few exceptions utilizing busi-
nesspersons’ gifts, the traditional, nuclear church is seeing a mass
159
exodus. Rarely a week goes by that I don’t meet, or hear about,

another business leader who has “had it” and is leaving his or her
congregation. The good news is they are not walking away from
their faith in Christ, their determination to be involved in ministry,
or even the Church at large. However, they no longer attend a local
church and aren’t searching for alternatives.
Pastors must grasp this fact: When someone says, “If you don’t
change, I will leave,” it is not meant as a threat. Rather, it is both a
warning and a plea. Businesspersons are asking that you educate
yourself so that you can equip and train a powerful ministry tool
that the Lord has placed within your grasp.
If you are asking yourself, “What steps can I take?” I hope my
suggestions will be useful. When God first “downloaded” His word
to me about the necessity of both kings (businesspeople) and
priests (pastors) in carrying out His work in the ,marketplace, He
also identified Marketplace Ministers who were touching their
spheres of influence. When I started this journey in 1999, I knew
next to nothing. I hope you will recognize that you are just as capa-
ble as me in learning and transforming your ideas and concepts
about this field.
I see a three-step process in adopting a new outlook:
1. Embrace a view for societal transformation.
As a former pastor, I am intimately aware of the fact that pas-
tors trained in traditional methods emphasize nuclear church
growth instead of city and nationwide transformation. As long as
your primary goal and ministry emphasis is on building your local
congregation, you will never focus on training Marketplace Minis-
ters. Step one in leaving the status quo behind is shifting your view
from church growth to city transformation. What good is a thriving
church if the society around it decays at an alarming rate?
2. Educate and train yourself.
I started by studying the Bible with a different mind-set, read-
ing with a different set of lenses. When I started looking for mar-
ketplace messages, I found them everywhere. I was seeing things
160
A Word for Pastors
that I had not seen for the previous 35 years. Now they were there,
on nearly every page and in every text.
For example, the story of the rich young ruler that appears in
three of the Gospels is familiar to numerous church members. I
had often preached on that passage and heard other pastors
expound on it. To recap, the man asks Jesus how he can be assured
of obtaining eternal life. After Christ lists a series of command-
ments, the rich ruler essentially replies, “Been there, done that.”
At that point, Jesus adds the clincher, “You still lack one thing.
Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have
treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Lk. 18:22). The com-
mentary most preachers add goes like this: “It is clear that this
man’s money was keeping him out of Heaven. He needed to give it
all away, but since it meant so much to him, he couldn’t and went
away full of sorrow.” Once I heard a pastor say, “This man needed
to leave the business that was keeping him away from God and go
into the ministry.”
The problem with such interpretations is they aren’t consistent
with the text. As you read this passage, notice that Jesus did tell the
rich young ruler to sell all that he had. But He did not tell him to
give it all to the poor. Think about it. If he sold everything and gave
it all away, he would be poor, too. Next week someone else would
need to sell everything so they could give to him.
What we have missed is the point of Christ’s directive. The man
was to sell everything and give some to the poor. What about the
rest? He was to take care of his family, then invest in more products
that he could sell, using those profits to again help the poor. His
problem was not his love of money, but a lack of compassion.
This realization should motivate salespersons. Jesus wants you
to sell all your products. When you make a profit, though, remem-
ber to give to the poor. This encourages an ongoing business cycle:
• Invest in a product;
• Sell it for a profit so that you can invest in more product;
161
• As you do, take care of your family and those who are
less fortunate.
In addition to taking a new perspective on Scripture, the
growth of Marketplace Ministry has stimulated the writing of
numerous books and other resources. I encourage you to pick up
my first book God@Work; and then add The God Factor by Marcus
Hester; The Day of the Saints by Bill Hamon; and Anointed for Business
by Ed Silvoso. Sample some titles by powerful Marketplace Minis-
ters, such as:
Frontline Christians in a Bottom-Line World by Linda Rios
Brook.
Business Unlimited by Gunner Olsen.
Balancing Family, Faith and Work by Pat Gilsinger.
(A more complete listing appears in the Appendix.)
These materials will enhance your ability to pastor this new
breed of Marketplace Minister. This will call for adjustments in your
habits. Put aside some of your beloved theological texts and browse
the lengthy list of Christian Marketplace books. Stretch yourself by
reading a few business magazines and some popular business
books. Further your education by staying in touch with the business
community.
Also, sign up for some Marketplace conferences, both local
and national. Because I speak several times a month at these meet-
ings, I am well aware that in most cases pastors are conspicuously
absent.
Often pastors will greet me, welcome me to the city, and then
excuse themselves, saying they are much too busy that weekend to
attend. They commonly add a comment like this: “But I know this
isn’t for me; this is for the marketplace folks. I have invited them
and encouraged them to be here. Feel free to teach everything you
want.” Then they leave, blissfully unaware of the message they are
sending to Marketplace Ministers.
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A Word for Pastors
Those in business quickly see that this conference is not a
priority on the pastor’s schedule, nor is it significant enough for
the pastor to move into the #1 position. Yet, they also know how
desperately the pastor needs to attend. They have been aching to
hear a message about their impact in the workplace. They want to
be effective and have come to this conference with high expecta-
tions. When the pastor leaves early, or doesn’t even show up, it
increases the divide between traditional church and marketplace.
3. Understand that you cannot become a leader overnight to those who
are far advanced in experience, practice, and knowledge.
Years ago I heard a quote attributed to legendary Indian paci-
fist Mahatma Gandhi: “There go my people, and I must catch them,
for I am their leader.” This could be said of many pastors today.
God has called you to lead—and you will—but there are some areas
in which you must humble yourself. Become teachable.
There are areas where those you are called to equip have
moved ahead, out of necessity. They now may be better equipped
than you are. However, you don’t have to remain that way. Prepare
and educate yourself, asking your people such questions as:
• What do you want and need from me?
• What do I need to know in order to better equip you?
• What issues are you facing that I can address?
When I started teaching about the marketplace in the late
1990s, a large segment of our congregation quickly grabbed hold
of the message. To them, this looked like manna from Heaven.
Their excitement and anticipation greatly encouraged me. Any pas-
tor can relate to the feeling I had, that I was hitting on all eight
cylinders.
However, some of the most powerful business leaders in the
congregation were the most resistant—not because they disagreed
with the message, nor were they verbally or practically opposed. Yet
they were obviously hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. These few
influential people—the ones I had counted on to help move this
163
train down the track—seemed the least interested. I expected them

to be the leaders, but instead they were almost invisible. It took me
awhile to grasp what was happening.
The Need for Equipping

I came to understand the reluctance of these businesspersons
through a conversation with Linda Rios Brook. A former television
executive, she teaches on Marketplace Ministry and has written
several books about this field. The latest warns church leaders that
they must quickly learn how to employ the talents of businessper-
sons in their congregations if they expect to keep them around.
Linda and I, along with spiritual leader C. Peter Wagner, pas-
tor Chuck Pierce, and such business types as Os Hillman (director
of the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries) and Kent
Humphreys (president of the Fellowship of Companies for Christ
International), had been speaking for a conference called Life-
Works, a division of The Wagner Leadership Institute. Over a two-
year period we had conducted half a dozen LifeWorks seminars,
and while those who attended gave good evaluations, we were not
attracting the crowds we expected.
Although we didn’t realize it, the problem stemmed from our
marketing approach. We were using the same kind of advertising
Wagner and Pierce employed for their numerous conferences.
That meant we were focusing on the nuclear church for our target
audience, when we should have been going after the business
world.
One afternoon Linda said, “You know, Rich, we have to change
the way we advertise LifeWorks. We’re asking pastors to invite their
businesspeople to a conference. But when a business executive
hears a pastor say, ‘This is a great conference for the business
leader,’ he already knows the pastor doesn’t have a clue about his
life or ministry in business. So if the pastor thinks the conference is
worthwhile, the businessperson says, ‘I am not going.’ ”
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A Word for Pastors
Bingo! I suddenly realized why the most powerful Marketplace
Ministers had not warmed to my messages. It wasn’t because they
disagreed with them. Rather, they had little confidence in my abili-
ty to bring them what they needed. Since they were better
equipped than me, they were sitting back, watching and waiting.
Subconsciously, they were saying to themselves, I wonder how long
this phase will last? How long will it be before he moves on to the next hot
topic?
Now that I have been studying, researching, and teaching on
this subject for more than eight years, these same business leaders
are rallying to the cause. They now want to know what is happen-
ing and are much more receptive to what I have to share with them.
I now appreciate that before I could equip them, I needed to
become prepared. I also needed to prove to them that I was in this
for the long haul.
On a practical level, pastor, there are subtle ways to gain the
confidence of Marketplace Ministers that is so necessary if you
expect to lead them. Were I to become the pastor of a nuclear
church again, here are some things I would do differently:
1. I would go to the workplace for appointments with
businesspeople instead of always having these busy
leaders come to my office. This would not only let
them know how valuable they are, but it would enable
me to see them in their everyday environment. It
would allow me to pray with more insight and teach
them on a more practical level.
2. I would make arrangements to pray at the various
workplaces where my members serve. I wouldn’t
restrict these visits to a solo presence, either. I would
ask intercessors and prophetic people to come with
me and encourage them to seek God’s guidance as
they pray for these businesses’ future impacts on the
marketplace.
165
3. I would change the terminology that is common in

the nuclear church.
4. I would teach on the key differences between the
nuclear church and the extended church. I would
shed the cliché of “full-time ministry” as applying
solely to pastors, church staff members, and mission-
aries. Instead, I would emphasize that everyone is a
full-time minister. Instead of calling it a “worship ser-
vice” or “church service,” I would call the weekly gath-
ering an “equipping service.” This would be more
accurate and in line with the Lord’s expectations.
This new term would help emphasize that such gath-
erings are not the only form of worship or the sole
expression of church.
5. During the weekly equipping service, I would insti-
tute a regular time of prayer for businesses. Depend-
ing on the size of the congregation and the city’s
makeup, I would either pray for a leading company
or for several companies who employ members of the
congregation. This would put a focus on ministry in
the daily lives of the people. It would also send a mes-
sage to the congregation and the city that we are con-
cerned about their business.
Shepherding Horses
Training this special breed of minister will be unlike the nor-
mal work you are called to, and accustomed to, in your role as a pas-
tor. Linda Rios Brook calls them “reds.” Like the clothes in a
laundry basket that will bleed all over the other colors, the “reds”
may need to be separated for special treatment. This group is dif-
ferent and cannot be treated like everyone else. They are a very
independent, self-confident, and energetic assembly. They will have
opinions about everything. Based on those assumptions, they will
act. Hesitate and they will run over you.
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A Word for Pastors
Kent Humphreys, who spent decades in business before join-
ing FCCI, refers to the task of leading Marketplace Ministers as
“shepherding horses.” This is a much different process than shep-
herding “sheep”—the average church member/wage earner. Bibli-
cally, horses represent self-sufficiency (see Deut. 17:16) and
fearlessness in battle (see Job 39:19-25). Horses also symbolize
humans’ best effort at obtaining what they want and need. Horses
don’t want to be shepherded and don’t like to follow.
Yet, horses need training. And when they receive it, they can
accomplish far more than sheep. It is these “reds” that pastors are
called to lead. This challenging task requires building personal
relationships of trust and understanding. Make them your friends
and be a friend to them. Affirm their calling to the marketplace.
Let them know that you respect them, are interested in their work,
and are praying for them.
As with any paradigm shift, changes must take place in pastors’
thinking, speaking, and actions:
1. With regard to thinking, be open to adopting new mind-sets.
Only by seeing issues in a new light can we make progress. For
me, that meant evolving through several steps:
• moving from a philosophy of church growth to min-
istry in the marketplace,
• from simply ministering in the marketplace to having
church in the marketplace,
• from church in the marketplace to ministry in all
spheres of influence,
• from ministry in all spheres of influence to ministry
to non-Christians in order to build relationships and
make an impact for God’s Kingdom.
Through this phase of thinking in a new way, God led me to
develop model businesses that exemplify Kingdom practices. Thus,
I received the idea to take biblically based and character-centered
training into the marketplace. However, I saw the need to use non-
religious terminology to develop these key relationships. (Imagine
167
trying to do that in a traditional church setting.) As my outlook

continues to shift towards Kingdom building, I realize that we can
train leaders in the Christian community and the marketplace with
the objective of transforming cities and nations.
2. Our speaking must line up with our new thought processes.
We must talk about transformation in every sphere of society.
As we speak it, it will come to pass—that is, if we follow it up with
action. Here are some things I encourage every pastor to do:
• Go to businesses for the purpose of prayer and
learning.
• Listen and learn as you go. Marketplace Ministers
have much to teach you.
• Humble yourself. Admit that you have not done a
good job of equipping and assure your people you
will improve.
• Repent and change.
• Begin a deliberate process for equipping your mem-
bers to be ministers at work.
Because I know pastors so well, I recognize that some of you
are ready to run out and start today. You are planning a sermon
series on this topic and somehow believe you will complete this
project in the next few weeks. Wrong! You are entering a lifestyle
shift that demands a new style of ministry. This is not a quick fix. A
few sermons, no matter how astute or inspiring, will not complete
the task.
You cannot accomplish the equipping God wants you to do
with preaching alone. As the apostle Paul told the church at Philip-
pi, “The things which you have learned and received and heard and
saw in me, these do…” (Phil. 4:9). The pattern Paul followed:
• First he taught the people.
• Then he made sure they received it—that they under-
stood the heart of his message, not just sat and listened
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A Word for Pastors
while letting his words pass in one ear and out the
other.
• In addition, he wanted to make sure they had heard
him—namely, that they not only heard what he said,
but had internalized it and intended to act on his
words.
• Paul also made sure they observed him in action. His
teaching included demonstration, not just lecturing.
He modeled a lifestyle, which needs to be part of the
equipping process.
Setting an example is vital. A wise pastor will remember the
lifestyle of Zadok, the priest King David called on to anoint his son
as king. Zadok led a line of priests known for their holiness. In the
forty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel, the prophet tells of a group of
priests who strayed far from God and committed iniquity. Although
the Lord would still allow them to continue in temple services, per-
form sacrifices, and stand before the people, their disobedience
carried a high price.
As Ezekiel explains: “And they shall not come near Me to min-
ister to Me as priest, nor come near any of My holy things, nor into
the Most Holy Place; but they shall bear their shame and their
abominations which they have committed” (Ezek. 44:13).
Later in the same chapter, Ezekiel reveals that only the sons of
Zadok would stand before the Lord:
“But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of
My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me,
they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand
before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood,” says the Lord God.
“They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My
table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge. And it
shall be, whenever they enter the gates of the inner court, that they
shall put on linen garments; no wool shall come upon them while
they minister within the gates of the inner court or within the
house” (Ekekiel 44:15-17).
169
The number one trait required of those who would minister

before the Lord is holiness. And the number one need in equip-
ping Marketplace Ministers is to model a life of holiness. So, pas-
tors, before you preach a sermon series or attempt to implement
any plans of action—in fact, before you do anything—get on your
knees before God and seek His direction. Ask Him to forgive you
for failing to equip Marketplace Ministers. Commit to Him that you
will follow a new way of ministry.
Pastors, I know that God can use you for great things. Just
because earth-shattering change is coming to the Church does not
mean He has forgotten the Church or is turning His back on you.
I am confident that transformation will come to your city as you
equip laypersons for ministry. The fear spreading through the
world because of moral decay, terrorism, and fragmented families
is simply another sign that the stage is set for the next Great Awak-
ening. Get ready by joining God in the marketplace, where His
work is exploding.
170
AP P E N D I X
Reading List
The Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, published by
J. Countryman.
Thank God It’s Monday by Mark Greene, published by Scripture
Union.
Thank God It’s Monday by Rick Heeren, published by Transforma-
tional Publications (a division of Harvest Evangelism).
Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace by Harold Eberle and
John Garfield, published by Worldcast Publishing.
On Kingdom Business by Tetsunao Yamamori and Ken Eldred, pub-
lished by Crossway Books.
The Elk River Story, edited by Rick Heeren, published by Transfor-
mational Publications.
The Church Beyond the Congregation by James Thwaites, published by
Paternoster Publishing.
Renegotiating the Church Contract by James Thwaites, published by
Paternoster Publishing.
Church That Works by James Thwaites and David Oliver, published by
Authentic Media.
171
Work: Prison or Place of Destiny by David Oliver, published by Authen-

tic Media.
Changing Church by C. Peter Wagner, published by Regal Books.
Spheres of Authority by C. Peter Wagner, published by Wagner Publi-
cations.
Frontline Christians in a Bottom-Line World by Linda Rios Brook, pub-
lished by Destiny Image.
Faith@Work by Os Hillman, published by Aslan Publishing.
God Is My CEO by Larry Julian, published by Adams Media Group.
Marketplace Ministers by Paul Gazelka, published by Creation House
Press.
The God Factor by Marcus Hester, published by Destiny Image.
Lasting Investments by Kent Humphreys, published by NavPress Pub-
lishing.
Church on Sunday—Work on Monday by Laura Nash and Scotty
McLennon, published by Jossey-Bass.
Christianity 9 to 5: Living Your Faith at Work by Michael Zigarelli, pub-
lished by Beacon Hill Press.
Marketplace Christianity by Bob Fraser, published by ____________.
Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul by
John Beckett, published by InterVarsity Press.
Great Commission Companies by Steven L. Rundle, published by Inter-
Varsity Press.
Business by the Book by Larry Burkett, published by Nelson Reference.
Doing Business God’s Way by Dennis Peacock, published by Success-
ful Christian Living.
True Wealth…By the Book by John Beehner, published by By the Book
Publishing.
God’s Ticker Tape by Ed Silvoso, published by Transformational
Publications.
172
Reading List
Anointed for Business by Ed Silvoso, published by Regal Books.
Business Unlimited by Gunner Olsen, published by International
Christian Chamber of Commerce.
Balancing Family, Faith and Work by Pat Gelsinger, published by Life
Journey.
How to Bring the Super to the Natural in the Marketplace by Dick
Hochreiter, booklet available from www.faithandwork
resources.com.
173
Author Contact Information

Rich Marshall
441 Camille Circle, Suite 11
San Jose, CA 95134
Office: 408-230-3148
Cell: 408-432-8149
ROi
PO Box 640816
San Jose, CA 95164-0816
www.Godisworking.com
[email protected]
Ken Walker
1355 Bardstown Rd., #217
Louisville, KY 40204
Phone: 502-584-1367
Fax: 502-585-1447
Cell: 502-930-1081
174
ALSO BY RICH MARSHALL
GOD@WORK: VOLUME ONE
God is showing up in places we
have never imagined. We thought
He was just for Sunday church or
mid-week study. But God is show-
ing up in small businesses and on
construction sites, in schools and
in politics. He is in factories and
at checkout counters, at nurses’
stations and the stock exchange.
God is showing up everywhere
outside of where we expect Him
to be.
So what does it mean?
We serve a God who is not acting
like we thought He should act.
This book is an awesome tool of
discovery to learn not only what
God wants, but how we can cooperate with His plan for the nations,
not just the Church.
Discover how He wants you to step into a realm of ministry and ful-
fillment you have never dreamed possible. Learn how your work is
the powerful dynamic of God’s purposes for your life.
This book is the beginning of new possibilities for those who are
willing to see that God is bigger than they thought He was.
ISBN 0-7684-2101-2
Additional copies of this book and other
book titles from DESTINY IMAGE are
available at your local bookstore.
For a complete list of our titles,

visit us at www.destinyimage.com
Send a request for a catalog to:
Destiny Image® Publishers, Inc.

P.O. Box 310
Shippensburg, PA 17257-0310
“Speaking to the Purposes of God for This

Generation and for the Generations to Come”

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GOD @

To Ken Walker whose skills greatly enhance mine.

To the ROi team who believes in me

From Principles to Practice

Barbados three days later. Seeing the number of worried looks

I believe the Simpsons’ faithful God-centered business leader-

back into the work of those who promote the word of

Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Grenada, St. Vincent, Guyana,

Entering the Marketplace

impact is the greatest. Then, prepare ourselves for the coming

The Coming Army

interdenominational prayer group. After they welcomed him, this

lost. Now, surely He did come to save lost people. It is appropriate

Gambling for Wealth

What is the problem? Simply stated, we left them with the

gifts, it seems to me that we must be about the task of finding,

Soon after this, George Wood, general secretary of the Assem-

There are still arguments on both sides of the issue. While

The Signs of a Marketplace Minister

he was ill-suited created stress that negatively affected his health.

teams, or the extended church, functioning in every element of

Reconsidering the Call

Paul to write, “For even when we were with you, we commanded

voice in the communities and nations of the world. Nevertheless, I

• Kingdom Wisdom Centers will become mainstream in

Signs and Wonders

What happened next would likely upset many church leaders.

A simple definition of anointing is the supernatural empower-

Despite its official communist policies, China is experiencing

Where Does Money Go?

Hope for the City is the brainchild of Dennis and Megan

Also a speaker at marketplace ministry conferences,

Setting Captives Free

exposed and corrected. Bondage also exists because of wrong

the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ

“I don’t know how,” Moses replied.

God Blesses Work

The Marketplace Minister’s Role

Hearing the Voice of God

feeling uncertain of how to respond afterward. In the middle of his

for your business. Businesspersons around the globe are searching

Hearing, Not Prophecy

Equally impressive is the spiritual activity occurring at

Prayer in the Marketplace

teenagers were arrested in a neighboring county and sent to a juve-

Parable of the Talents

To gain some perspective in a world where class envy and con-

Lifting Our Sights

After spending time trying to work within traditional nuclear

Standing for the Kingdom

Marketplace Minister in Action

character, knowledge, and skills. In addition, a commit-

prayer group or Bible study over lunch, meeting behind closed

Developing Marketplace Ministers

Recently we had a strategic planning session for our consulting

Integrity: We want to integrate truth into everything we do.

Reliability: You can count on us.

can always be depended upon, and provides others the confidence

Joy: Let’s have fun at work.

Servanthood: We emphasize being servant leaders.