Life on Life Discipleship in the Marketplace: Becoming Men Who Make an Eternal Difference

Life on Life Discipleship in the Marketplace: Becoming Men Who Make an Eternal Difference

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..."  Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

In the original Greek, the phrase "go and make disciples" carries the idea of "as you go." It's not just a mandate to travel the world for Jesus—though some are called to that—but rather, a call to bring the truth and love of Christ into every part of our daily lives. For Christian men in the marketplace, this means that our job sites, team meetings, lunch appointments, coffee talks and more are all opportunities to engage in intentional discipleship.

Discipleship isn't confined to a program or a Sunday morning class. It’s a lifestyle—life on life, over time, with truth. It’s the consistent and authentic investment into others while walking humbly with God and those around us. In a culture like Orange County, where performance, image, and success often take center stage, the call to disciple men becomes even more vital and urgent.

1. Discipleship Starts with the Call to Follow

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

Jesus called ordinary working men to an extraordinary mission. He didn’t ask for their credentials—He asked for their hearts. As men of business, we can be tempted to focus only on achievement, but Jesus reminds us that influence begins with intimacy—with Him.

When we answer the call to follow Jesus, He begins to shape us into leaders who can impact others. In business, that means our success is not only measured by profits but by the people we help grow. Each conversation, every act of kindness or integrity, can be a step toward helping someone else follow Jesus. This call is to shift our perspective from we are inviting God into our work to we are bringing our work into God’s mission.

2. Build People, Not Just Profits

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19a (NIV)

The Great Commission isn't just for pastors and missionaries—it’s for every believer. In the marketplace, we have a unique opportunity to live it out. While building companies and careers, we must not forget to build people. Discipleship is about seeing others not just as colleagues or clients, but as eternal souls.

Creating time for conversations that go beyond the transactional—talks about faith, family, and purpose—helps create a culture of growth. When we prioritize developing others, we live out a leadership model that Jesus Himself demonstrated.

Building people means we will see them as they are and that includes the messiness of their lives. The messiness is often about money, health, relationships, which are all really spiritual opportunities. When we connect with people in their pain, we create fertile ground for their growth which offers great possibilities in our work world.

3. Discipleship Requires Margin

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 (NIV)

We live in a world that glorifies busyness, but discipleship requires margin. Jesus, though busy with ministry, always made time for solitude and for His disciples. Our schedules reflect our priorities. If we’re too busy to walk with others, we’re missing the heart of our calling.

Creating space for intentional conversations, prayer, and mentorship allows discipleship to thrive. This might mean protecting an hour a week for someone God’s put on your heart or saying no to good things so you can say yes to God’s best. Are you open to the idea that your spiritual relationships are the most important work available to you each and every day?

4. Multiply, Don’t Just Add

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

Discipleship is about multiplication. Paul didn’t just pour into Timothy for Timothy’s sake—he expected him to pass it on. The men you invest in today could go on to disciple dozens of others. That’s how movements start.

In business, we understand the power of scalability. What if we applied that mindset spiritually? Instead of merely sharing truths, we equipped others to teach, lead, and disciple. This shift from addition to multiplication can transform companies, communities, and even cities.

5. Let Integrity Be the Bridge

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good...” — Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)

Before we can disciple with our words, we must disciple with our lives. Our character—especially under pressure—can either validate or contradict the message of Jesus. In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the marketplace, integrity stands out.

When others see that we are consistent, trustworthy, and humble, they become curious. That curiosity opens the door for deeper conversations. Integrity becomes the bridge to introduce them to Jesus.

Life on Life, Over Time, With Truth

God calls us to a better way of living. A life marked by humility, service, and intentionality. As we serve others—not to gain influence, but to reflect Christ—we create bridges to share the deeper truths of the Kingdom.

Discipleship is not a checkbox or a program. It’s a journey. A slow, sacred walk alongside others. Sometimes it’s a coffee on a tough day, a text that reminds someone of truth, or a moment of prayer before a big decision. Sometimes it shows up when life falls apart. God uses all of it—the good, the bad, and the ugly—to shape us into His image.

The Christian man in the marketplace has an extraordinary calling: to be a disciple of Jesus and to make disciples as he goes. If you want to grow in your faith, impact lives, and live a life that truly matters, start with the people right in front of you. Be available. Be real. Be prayerful. Be faithful.

In the end, it’s not just about becoming successful businessmen—it’s about becoming spiritual fathers, mentors, and brothers. Men who walk together, grow together, and leave a legacy of faith that lasts far beyond their careers.

Because the marketplace isn’t just where we make a living, it’s where we make disciples and impact eternity for the glory of God.