Illinois Area Endorses Marketplace Ministry

Teresa Neumann : Mar 10, 2008
Denise Linke - Chicago Tribune

"The group is the latest example of a new paradigm for Christian worship called 'marketplace ministry,' which uses prayer to spread Christian principles from the church into public institutions such as businesses, schools and local governments."

(Geneva, Illinois)?A mixed group of clergy and secular business people have been meeting in the basement of a local bank twice a month in what is called Tri-Cities Pray. The "tri-city" area they pray for includes the towns of Geneva, St. Charles, and Batavia.

According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, when the group prays, they "ask God to guide residents' thoughts and actions as they work, educate and raise their families." During the weeks that they don't meet the group cruises through the communities "asking God's blessing for every home, school, bridge and business they pass."

"I've seen marketplace ministries in Argentina, Florida and Minnesota, and I know they can have a wonderful effect on the communities they serve. We want to bring that blessing to the Tri-Cities," Tri-Cities Pray founder Bob Troendly is quoted as saying.

Says reporter Denise Linke, "The group is the latest example of a new paradigm for Christian worship called 'marketplace ministry,' which uses prayer to spread Christian principles from the church into public institutions such as businesses, schools and local governments."

"I'm very grateful these people took the time and effort to invite God into my company and pray for our success," said Joseph Slawek, chief executive officer of Flavors of North American. "I personally believe church has to be more than a Sunday-morning sermon, so I think it's great that they want to help people bring God into their workdays. A lot of life happens during the week. Why not ask God for help with it?"