Many Christians think of discipleship as something that happens primarily inside a church building. But what if one of the most important places for disciple-making is actually the workplace?
In this episode of the 2000 Cubit Rule podcast, Mark Rowan sat down with Joshua Davis, founder of Marketplace Disciples, to discuss a powerful vision: seeing the marketplace radically transformed through the spiritual influence of everyday believers.
Joshua’s story reveals how God can use every stage of life, ministry, business, technology, and leadership, to prepare someone for a calling that bridges faith and work.
This conversation highlights why the workplace may be one of the most strategic mission fields of our time.
The Journey from Street Evangelism to the Marketplace
Joshua Davis did not begin his journey in business strategy or workplace ministry. After graduating from college, he spent years doing street evangelism in Knoxville, Tennessee, ministering to people often overlooked by society, including the homeless, gang members, and those caught in addiction.
During that time, his focus was simple: share the gospel and help connect new believers with local churches.
Later, as life seasons changed and he started a family, Joshua returned to his background in technology. He built and ran tech companies for many years, gaining deep experience in entrepreneurship and leadership.
But long before Marketplace Disciples existed, God had already planted a vision in his heart.
Years earlier, Joshua sensed God calling him to focus on discipleship. He even registered a domain name related to the idea, but felt clearly instructed to place the vision on hold.
More than fifteen years later, during a season of prayer and fasting, God brought that vision back to the forefront.
The result eventually became Marketplace Disciples.
Why the Marketplace Is a Critical Mission Field
Many believers separate their faith life from their work life. Church happens on Sunday. Business happens Monday through Friday.
But Scripture never creates that divide.
Joshua emphasizes a simple but powerful reality: followers of Christ are the Church wherever they go.
The workplace is filled with people searching for purpose, identity, and hope. Yet many of them may never step into a church building.
That makes the marketplace one of the most significant opportunities for discipleship.
Instead of viewing businesses only as economic engines, Joshua encourages leaders to see them as environments where lives can be shaped and transformed through biblical truth, mentorship, and community.
What Discipleship Really Means
A key theme of the conversation was redefining what discipleship actually is.
The New Testament places enormous emphasis on disciples. The word “disciple” appears far more often than terms like “Christian” or “believer.”
At its core, discipleship is simple:
A disciple learns from Jesus and puts those teachings into practice.
It is not just about gaining knowledge or attending Bible studies. It is about living out what you learn and helping others do the same.
That means discipleship naturally multiplies.
If someone is truly following Jesus, they will eventually help others grow as well.
Building a Culture of Discipleship Inside Businesses
Through Marketplace Disciples, Joshua works directly with business leaders who want to integrate faith and discipleship into their company culture.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, each company develops its own strategy based on its context and leadership.
Some of the ways discipleship shows up in the workplace include:
- Voluntary Bible studies during work breaks
- Chaplain partnerships that provide spiritual care
- Prayer support for employees
- Leadership development rooted in biblical principles
- Conversations about faith and purpose
The goal is not to force religion into the workplace.
The goal is to create an environment where people can encounter truth, ask questions, and grow spiritually.
Real Stories of Transformation
One of the most encouraging parts of this work is the transformation that begins to take place within company culture.
Joshua shared examples of employees who once carried deep anger or personal struggles beginning to experience real change through consistent exposure to Scripture and prayer.
In one workplace, chaplains reported that spiritual conversations increased dramatically after Bible studies were introduced.
Prayer requests became deeper and more personal.
Employees began initiating conversations about faith on their own.
Some even started sharing Bible verses with their coworkers.
In another moment, a simple invitation to pray during a workplace gathering led to a powerful response. Employees openly shared struggles and asked for prayer as coworkers supported one another.
It was a reminder that many people are hungry for spiritual truth. They simply need an environment where those conversations can happen.
Discipleship Is Simpler Than Most People Think
One of the biggest misconceptions about disciple-making is that it requires extensive training or theological expertise.
Joshua challenges that idea.
Discipleship often looks like walking alongside someone, sharing what God is teaching you, and encouraging them to grow in their faith.
It can happen in conversations, mentorship, leadership development, or simply living out biblical values in daily work.
Jesus summarized the mission clearly in the Great Commission.
As you go, make disciples.
That means disciple-making happens in everyday life.
At work.
In meetings.
During leadership decisions.
Through relationships.
A Vision for Marketplace Transformation
The long-term vision behind Marketplace Disciples is simple but bold.
See the marketplace transformed for the glory of Jesus Christ through the spiritual influence of every disciple in the workplace.
That transformation does not come through programs alone. It happens when everyday believers recognize that their job is not separate from their calling.
Their workplace is part of their mission field.
Making Room for God to Move in Business
At SheepFeast, this vision resonates deeply with our mission.
Through tools like The Farmwork and our Christian business CRM solutions, we help Christian entrepreneurs simplify their technology, improve communication, and create stronger relationships with the people they serve.
But ultimately, the goal goes beyond efficiency.
The goal is helping leaders disciple their business and make room for God to move in the marketplace.