Blending Business and Faith for Community Transformation
In 2016, a God-ordained initiative called Tentmakers Ministry, started by Mickelson, came to life where business and faith met. This effort was inspired by Mickelson’s vision to bridge the gap where the gospel struggled to travel in the business community. Despite their wealth, business people often directed their resources towards endeavors unrelated to their faith. This realization led to the birth of a program that not only aims to foster economic growth but also spiritual enrichment.
Mickelson took inspiration from the biblical story of Paul's tentmaking and started an endeavor that utilized business as a platform for spreading the gospel. The first training in missional business was done in February 2017. Three individuals were part of this training and have now become key leaders, helping guide others in running purpose-driven businesses.
Tentmakers' mission is to cultivate ambassadors of Christ to share the gospel and contribute to the community's prosperity, ensuring that both employees and the community at large thrive. This endeavor seeks to fulfill the great commission as ordered by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you ….”
Tentmakers Ministry operates on the belief that business can be a beacon of integrity and a source of light, allowing Christians to engage in business with a sense of hope and meaning, especially within communities that may perceive business as something inherently crooked. Missional Businesses make a positive impact as a community flourishes through the goods and services the business provides. This creates an opportunity for meaningful and creative work for individuals to express aspects of their God- given identity. Additionally, local churches benefit the financial support and from the newfound desire and passion of Christian business owners to be ambassadors for Christ. Ultimately, businesses begin to serve as pillars of community development.
Cultivating Business Leaders with a Mission
One area where Tentmakers is making a positive difference is in its Journey Program, a discipleship initiative designed to teach people how to build their business acumen while fostering spiritual growth. Nationals are also taught how to share their testimony and the gospel with non-believers. Moreover, the Talk Series initiative provides a platform for individuals to support each other through prayer, exchange wisdom on Scripture, and discuss personal finance.
Since its inception, Tentmakers has made a remarkable impact, training around 500 individuals on the theology of business and discipling about 300. Numerous stories of success have emerged, such as the building entrepreneur who, after overcoming initial setbacks, used training and financial support from Tentmakers to not only excel in his construction business but also launch a banana farming venture on 100 acres, thereby creating numerous jobs and supporting his community. Similarly, one pastor has effectively used pig farming as a strategy to fund mission work and also assist many in his community to start pig rearing, boosting the community’s overall standard of living and simultaneously supporting missionaries from their local church which has resulted in the establishment of two new churches in rural communities in Asia.
Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Horizons
However, the path has not been without obstacles. Tentmakers Ministry started in a country in Asia where legislation was passed to criminalize religious conversion. Soon after, Tentmakers expanded to another country in Asia which has similar laws. Often, these laws are used to bring unfounded accusations against Christians, subjecting them to harassment, expulsion from their communities, and even imprisonment. Mickelson faced such opposition, which ultimately led to his expulsion from a city in Asia. Despite such hurdles, Tentmakers continues to recruit and train ambassadors of Christ, working in small groups to navigate the complexities of spreading the gospel in regions where Christians face persecution. Currently, Tentmakers operates not just in Asia but also in Africa.
Looking ahead, Tentmakers hopes to expand its reach to South America, with Mickelson leading the charge to train people who can train others. The organization's unique approach, which combines the gospel with practical business training, sets it apart. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only gain knowledge but also receive ongoing mentorship to apply what they've learned effectively.
As Tentmakers forges ahead, it remains a testament to the power of merging faith with business to generate meaningful change. In a world where business and faith often travel separate paths, Tentmakers stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that when these two realms converge, the impact can be profound and far-reaching.
The organization requests prayers for the growth of the Gospel through the business communities, the growth of national-led teams, the multiplication of Kingdom-minded businesses, and resources to empower additional individuals with grants to initiate and expand God-centered businesses.