Valley program brings ‘God’s way’ to business

YOUNGSTOWN — Patrick McBane, executive director of Marketplace Solutions, works with individuals and companies to achieve the “Great Commission.”

In business lingo, that’s payment for work done.

In McBane’s world, the “Great Commission” is about discipling individuals and nations.

The mandate is taken from Matthew 28:18-20 — “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

McBane subscribes to the ideas put forth by Ed Silvosa of San Jose, who founded Harvest Evangelism, and wrote the book, “Anointed for Business.” The book focuses on a spiritual reorganization plan for businesses, which includes prayer, and the way to deal with “deception, inefficiency and deadlock.”

The mandate from Matthew is one of five global marketplace transformation paradigms that Silvosa espouses.

In practical terms, what does this mean? “It’s about a model, a standard of behavior,” McBane said.

It’s not about demonstrating your beliefs for two hours or so on Sunday then putting your faith, along with your church clothes, in a closet for the rest of the week, he said.

In Marketplace Solutions, McBane helps companies to transform the way business is conducted. “It’s doing business God’s way and seeing God’s result in business,” McBane said.

The concept doesn’t promote prayer meetings or Bible study in the office or factory; it’s about each person being a minister of God and acting that way.

“In the marketplace, are you supposed to leave your faith at the door and take in your mind and muscle?” McBane asked. “Your spiritual side is an important part of your makeup.”

That’s the side Marketplace Solutions wants to develop and nurture.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com