Matthew 9:36, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.’”

Depending on your location, you may have a place where a market is regularly held. Farmers, artisan bakers, cottage crafts, takeaways, etc. – they all have something to sell, and they invest in having a stall because it puts them in touch with regulars and potential new customers. We too have something to promote and a reason to invest, build relationships with regulars and hope for potential new connections.

The purpose isn’t to raise money for your building or to sell your homemade cards, but to engage people with the gospel. Give away free drinks and biscuits, tracts, Bibles, the chance for a chat, explain why you’re there, and offer prayer. There are plenty of stalls selling buddhas, crystals, tarot cards, and the like, but you are offering the real thing – free.

Being there consistently each time the market is open will build a presence and a reputation, and people will become familiar with who you are and what you’re about. Trust will grow, and people will begin to engage.

As a team of people, you can be praying over the market each week and silently for those who pass by or stop to enquire. You may even become like a ‘chaplaincy’ to the market; the opportunities are not just for the visitors, it is also for those you are alongside each market day.