Owasso—Mission Trips are sometimes referred to as the “discipleship microwave” by ministry leaders because the people who go on mission trips often experience life-changing spiritual growth. But a new ministry sponsored in part by Owasso, First hopes to help Christians experience mission trip life transformation close to home—or rather, the office.

Owasso, First is partnering with an innovative marketplace initiative led by one of their members that mobilizes Oklahoma Baptists and any other believer who wants to make an impact for the Kingdom by taking a mission trip to the workplace.

Chad Balthrop, executive pastor & worship arts pastor at the church explains the reason for the project saying, “We think of a Marketplace Mission Trip as a mission trip for the rest of us. Not everyone can schedule time away to share the gospel in another community or half-way around the world.”

He continued, “But tomorrow, we’ll all get up and go to work. We’ll be surrounded by friends and coworkers who need to experience the love of God. They need someone to pray for them. They are interested in our story of faith. Out of those natural conversations, people discover the gospel. The Marketplace Mission Trip is an opportunity for Believers to pray intentionally and serve deliberately right where they work. For our church, it’s a way to encourage one another to see the mission field right where we are.”

Just like any mission trip, the marketplace ministry has a mission trip leader, Mike Henry. “I’m excited for the Marketplace Mission Trip because we step into God’s Great Commission as we pray, appreciate, and serve others in our own workplace,” said Henry. “God uses our efforts to draw us close to him so we can experience the joy and purpose of being on mission with him in our everyday job, whatever it is!”

Recently, The Baptist Messenger interviewed Henry about the marketplace mission trip concept.

M: HOW DOES IT WORK?

H: “Each day, you will receive an email with ideas for the day. Then the 2nd week, in the evenings there will be a conference call where we can pray for and encourage one another. We will ask people to share about their experience so other might do this in the future.”

M: IS THERE A COST TO PARTICIPATE?

H: “There is no cost to participate. We want to equip people to be intentional with how they minister to their coworkers.”

M: WHAT DOES THE MISSIONARY DO IF SOMEONE ASKS THEM SOMETHING THEY DON’T KNOW?

H: “Just answer with the truth. If you don’t know, say that. Then go find out for them. You can ask us in the Follower of One community, search online or ask your pastor. Either way, keep the dialog open and learn together.”

M: DO PEOPLE WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE MISSION TRIP HAVE TO LEARN A PRESENTATION?

H: “No. Pray for people, listen to them, and do things for them that are not part of your job description. Oh, and listen to them. Ask God to show you how to bless them and, if you need to say something, let Jesus give you the words. And don’t try to “convert” people. Most people have already made up their mind about Jesus. Just serve them and let Jesus do His part.

M: DO MISSIONARIES NEED TO INVITE PEOPLE TO CHURCH?

H: “Please don’t, unless you feel like that is something they would be interested in. Focus on others and try to do for them what you would like. Do you like it when others invite you to church? Let them ask.”

To learn more about Marketplace Mission trips visit Any believer who wants to join on a one-week virtual mission trip can sign up at the website. The next mission is February 25 – March 1. To learn more about Marketplace Mission trips, visit www.followerofone.org.marketplace-mission-trips.