But for now, most churches are not making a significant

connection with the workplace, according to David Ingrassia, co-

founder with Jim Luther of The Marketplace Community, a
ministry committed to helping the local church minister in the
workplace.

Ingrassia said he senses frustration among people in marketplace

ministry because the local church is not involved. "They feel,
'We're out here, but no one is out here with us,'" he said. "We find
that most Christians in the workplace are slugging out their faith in
a solitary experience. They want to make an impact in the
workplace, but they are alone and don't know how."

Churches need to re-tool to equip believers in the workplace, and

church leaders need to leave the church building and go on-site in
the marketplace to do training and discipleship, Ingrassia says. And
if they don't?

"I believe the church carries God's authority as His people,"

Ingrassia says. "So I believe change will come, but we're in a
transition period. If you're a pastor, you've been trained a certain
way, and that is your mindset. Change is a long-term process. But
it will come; I'm sure it will come."

And change is coming ...

(from the July/August 2004 issue of "Decision" magazine)