Recently I spoke at a church on the theme of “All Professions.” Using both Old Testament and New Testament passages, I demonstrated how, from beginning to end, the Scriptures teach that all of God’s people are gifted to bring glory to God and to bring all peoples to worship Him using their unique gifts, experiences and abilities.

I challenged them to think of everyone in the marketplace as ambassadors, disciple-makers and witnesses to the grace of God — not just the professional clergy and ministry workers.

This challenge came at a particularly interesting time in the church’s journey; a team of church members had just returned from a short-term trip to Italy. The congregation had sent off the team with a time of prayer and dedication, so I asked, “Have you ever thought of commissioning every believer who enters a new phase of life — whether he’s starting a new job or entering the workforce for the first time?”

Clearly, the Scriptures teach that every believer — teachers, managers, nurses, technicians, taxi drivers, carpenters, law enforcement officers, administrative assistants, farmers, sales professionals, contractors and every other profession — represents a disciple on assignment for God, making disciples to follow Jesus.

After asking this question, I briefly wondered if the church would throw me out! However, it was amazing how many people who spoke to me after the service found the idea intriguing. At the very least, some people began to realize that every Christian is a priest (1 Peter 2:9).

This principle holds for every profession, whether you’re a taking a job overseas (like a tentmaker) or making jobs overseas (business as mission). Crossworld is trusting God for more people willing to take their professions to the unreached places of the world — for the glory of God.

And who knows? Next time I’m invited to speak at that church, I might be officiating a commissioning service for a taxi driver.

Larry Sharp served 21 years with Crossworld in Brazil as teacher and principal of Amazon Valley Academy and president of Missão Cristã Evangélica do Brasil. He returned to the U.S. in 1993 to become vice president at Crossworld’s home office. After 20 years as an executive, he is now Vice President Emeritus and a business consultant for Crossworld.