The Opportunity and Responsibility for Christian Businessmen to Share Their Faith in the Marketplace
As Christian businessmen, we have a profound opportunity and responsibility to share our faith in the marketplace. The world of business, with its shared experiences, challenges, and relationships, presents a unique platform for demonstrating the love of Christ. Whether it is through relationships with employees, vendors, customers, friends, or family, our daily interactions become avenues for faith-sharing. Our spiritual journey is not separate from our work; it is interwoven into our conversations, decisions, and integrity.
The Opportunity in Relationships
The marketplace offers an unparalleled environment for relational evangelism. We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds who face the real-life struggles of health concerns, financial instability, relational conflicts, and personal crises. These challenges open doors for spiritual conversations and the sharing of God’s love.
Our common language in business—the lexicon of our industries—creates an automatic bridge for connection. Through shared challenges, problem-solving, and victories, relationships are forged. It is within these relationships that we can naturally and authentically share our faith.
Jim Petersen, in his book Living Proof, states, "We are the first account of the Gospel that most people will ever read. Either they will desire more, having read us, or they will decide that there is nothing there for them." This means that our lives should reflect Christ in such a way that others become intrigued by the joy, peace, and wisdom we exhibit.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that "we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." Every business interaction is an opportunity to be a beacon of light, displaying Christ’s love and grace through our conduct, words, and attitudes.
Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Faith
Despite knowing the opportunity we have, many of us hesitate to share our faith due to fear—fear of rejection, fear of awkwardness, or fear of professional repercussions. However, evangelism is not about delivering a perfectly rehearsed sermon at work; rather, it is about embodying the love of Jesus in our daily lives and conversations.
Matthew 28:19-20 commands us: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This is both a privilege and a responsibility.
To overcome fear and grow in confidence, we can:
Shift Our Mindset: Instead of viewing faith-sharing as a chore, we should see it as a privilege and a natural extension of who we are.
Pray for Opportunities: By asking God to open doors for conversations, we prepare our hearts and minds for when those moments arise.
Lead with Love: People are drawn to authenticity. When they see us living out our faith in a genuine way—being kind, ethical, forgiving, and servant-hearted—they will be more inclined to ask questions.
Be a Good Listener: Understanding people’s struggles allows us to speak into their lives with truth and love at the right time.
The Responsibility to Respond
Our faith is not meant to be hidden. Ephesians 3:9-11 speaks of the profound mystery of God’s plan being revealed to the world through the Church. As members of the body of Christ, we are part of that divine revelation.
Responsibility rests upon us not to shrink back but to boldly and lovingly share our faith. Many times, faith-sharing happens not through a single moment but over time—life-on-life relationship. It is through ongoing relationships that we have the greatest impact. We are called to be the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-16), an aroma that draws people in rather than repels them.
As we interact with others in our business circles—clients, partners, colleagues—we should continually pray for them, seek to serve them well, and, when the time is right, share the hope we have in Christ. Being intentional in building relationships allows us to have deeper conversations when life’s inevitable trials arise.
Practical Ways to Share Faith in the Marketplace
Model Integrity and Excellence: Living out our faith in our work ethic, honesty, and leadership speaks volumes. When others see consistency in our character, they become curious about the source of our strength.
Pray for Those in Your Workplace: Lift up your colleagues, employees, and business partners in prayer, asking for opportunities to encourage and speak truth into their lives.
Be Open About Your Faith Journey: When asked about how you handle stress, conflict, or decision-making, be transparent about how God is guiding you. Your and my transparency is the best doorway into a faith conversation.
Offer Encouragement and Wisdom: Share Bible verses or faith-based insights naturally in conversations where applicable.
Create a Culture of Service: Demonstrating generosity and a servant’s heart in your business can inspire curiosity and deeper conversations about faith.
Invite Others to Faith-Based Gatherings: Whether it’s a small group, a men’s breakfast, or a business devotional, extending an invitation is a simple yet powerful way to introduce others to Christ.
Conclusion: A Life of Purpose in the Marketplace
God has given each of us a personal mission field, uniquely designed with relationships and opportunities that no one else has. Our colleagues, business associates, and friends watch how we live, how we respond to challenges, and where we place our hope.
We have been given both the opportunity and the responsibility of being Christ’s ambassadors in the marketplace. It is not about perfect execution but about a willingness to be used by God. The more we engage in faith-sharing, the more natural it becomes, and the more we will see God at work in ways we never expected.
I always want MORE God experiences in my life. Don’t miss the last part if Matthew 28: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
God WITH me. God WITH you when we “Go” as God’s ambassadors.
Ultimately, we share not because we have to, but because we get to. What could be more important than pointing others toward the One who gives eternal hope, wisdom, and peace?
So let us step forward in confidence, ready to share the love of Christ with a world that desperately needs Him.
What has God revealed to you through this blog that you can share with another? Perhaps it is your fear. Perhaps it’s your being encouraged. Share and grow.