Torch, Fall 2002

complete with some rock-and-roll or country music, do you accept the invitation? Philip Yancey writes, “Christ attended three-day- long wedding feasts, went to dinner at almost anybody’s invitation, and had friends ranging from rich people, Roman centurions, Pharisees and tax collectors to prostitutes and leprosy victims,” 1 and He went where they were. Can we do less? 4. A Dedication for the Long Haul The ability to persevere beyond initial rejection or even disdain is another characteristic necessary for the effective marketplace missionary. Understanding that to be “salt and light” requires that there may be some tensions when lifestyle differences are manifested, Matthew 5:11 suggests that we rejoice when that happens. Over time, friendships develop that help break down communication barriers, allowing discussion of spiritual concepts. Many missionary updates recount the months, or even years, before seeing the first fruit of their labor for the Lord, often after a long period of a “cold reception.” We must be prepared to invest—really commit to investing for the long haul. In the grand scale of things, would several months, perhaps years, be worth an eternity with Christ for our friends? Sometimes events created for evangelism may not be as effective as a lifestyle dedicated to an ongoing process. Certainly our co-workers and our neighbors are worth a long-term investment. 5. A Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit No combination of the previous four characteristics will have a chance of contributing to effective marketplace mission work unless empowered by 10 TORCH / Fall 2002 our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10). We must be able to transfer the reality of our God to others that He loves, so that they, too, can meet Him “face-to-face” and not be left wanting. 3. An Appreciation of Community Marketplace missionaries find areas of commonality. The workplace environment can be saturated with off-color comments, suggestive innuendos, questionable use of time and resources, and, occasionally, a serious lack of integrity and honesty in communication or practices. Effective marketplace missionaries find ways to build upon positive experiences and activities without compromise. Attending off-site or after-hours events with individuals, groups, or co-workers’ families is one way to develop meaningful community. Evaluate the balance of time you spend with believers or non-believers. Could spending time with your co-workers at their family barbecue on Sunday evening be more important than attending your Sunday evening service? When your neighbor has his annual Labor Day pig roast, others’ experiences, hopes, and dreams is foundational in relating to our co-workers through meaningful and comfortable interactions. We must make Christ attractive and desirable through our lifestyle. The notion that others can think differently, but not necessarily wrongly, is important to keep in mind. This notion is similar to overseas mission approaches where language can be learned, but most importantly, culture must be understood. We must get to know where the “water cooler conversations” take place and show interest in as many discussions as are possible without compromise. Others’ life motivations may be how much money they can make, how many hours they can work, or how many personal sacrifices they may make to climb the ladder of success. We need to understand their priorities and add salt and light to their life equation. We need to explain the gospel in language that is understandable to those who don’t attend church. We need to use language that is compassionate and non-condescending in delivery, “so that in every way [we] will make the teaching about God Developing A Marketplace Missionary Mentality