The 2024 Marketplace Conference, held on 17 August at Wesley Methodist Church, brought together over 240 participants with a single mission: to explore what it means to be intentional disciples in the workplace. The theme, ‘God’s Calling: Being Salt and Light at Work’, echoed the essence of Christian presence in the marketplace, challenging believers to reflect on their roles as ambassadors of Christ beyond the church walls. As Christians navigate work environments that are often demanding and secular, the conference sought to inspire them to transform their workplaces into mission fields. Attendees engaged in opening sessions, interactive plenary sessions, closing sessions, and panel discussions, all centred on practical and spiritual approaches to living out God’s calling at work.
God’s Calling at Work: Dr Stacey Tay
The conference began with an inspiring opening message by Dr Stacey Tay, Lay Pastor of Covenant Evangelical Free Church and an Associate Professor of Paediatrics at National University Health Systems. Dr Tay shared insights on integrating faith into our professional lives. She emphasised that work, which takes up a significant portion of our lives, is not just a means of earning a living or achieving status, but a sacred calling from God.
Dr Tay encouraged attendees to view their work as part of a divine mission. She stressed that our true identity and purpose come from our relationship with Christ, not from our job titles or accomplishments. Work should be seen as an act of worship, a place of learning and growth and a venue for serving others.
She offered practical advice for aligning work with one’s faith, including listening to the Holy Spirit, recognising personal gifts and passions, and understanding the season of life one is in. Dr Tay urged everyone to remain true to their mission at work and use their roles as opportunities to reflect God’s light, even in challenging environments.
The session concluded with a call to reflect on one’s mission at work and to consider what changes might be needed to stay true to that mission. The essence of her message was that work, when approached with the right perspective, becomes a powerful expression of our faith and service to God.
Daily Office: A Rhythm of Prayer at Work with Rev Adrian Ng
Rev Adrian Ng followed with a session on the practice of Daily Office, an ancient spiritual discipline of fixed-hour prayers that invites believers to pause throughout their day to connect with God. This discipline, he explained, is especially relevant for professionals who can become overwhelmed by the demands of work.
Rev Ng emphasised that the Daily Office is not a quiet time replacement but an intentional engagement with God throughout the day. These moments of prayer, such as morning, midday and evening offices, provide an opportunity to reflect on God’s presence, give thanks and recalibrate our hearts amidst our busy schedules. The structured rhythm serves as a reminder that our identity in Christ remains constant, even in the workplace.
Plenary Sessions: Being Light at Work
A series of plenary sessions, each featuring experts in their respective fields, addressed how Christians can be the light of Christ in their professional environments. The speakers shared insights on transforming the workplace through Christian values.
• Mr Hugh Chung, Chief Investment Advisory Officer of Endowus, and Mr Ding Lean Sing, Senior Client Advisor of Endowus, focused on stewardship, illustrating how financial decisions can reflect God’s kingdom values.
• Ms Vivienne Ng, Chief Psychologist at the Ministry of Social and Family Development, provided perspectives on mental well-being and the importance of empathy in leadership.
• Dr Lai Junxu, Medical Director of OmniMed Healthcare Holdings, offered insights on navigating the healthcare industry while maintaining a strong Christian witness.
• Mr Andy Choi, Deputy Director of SMEs Go Digital, shared how digital transformation can align with ethical business practices.
• Mr Sherman Ng, CEO and Founder of Salt Media & Entertainment, spoke on the intersection of faith and creativity in the media landscape.
Each speaker encouraged attendees to view their professions as platforms for God’s work, urging them to infuse their industries with integrity, compassion, and godly principles.
Being Salt at Work: Dr Carl Thong
In a powerful session on ‘Being Salt at Work’, Dr Carl Thong, CEO of Sunstone Group and Priest Warden of All Saints English Church, shared his journey of integrating faith and work. Dr Thong spoke about the changing dynamics of the marketplace post-COVID-19 and how Christians are called to adapt without losing their sense of mission.
He outlined the qualities of salt in the biblical sense—preserving, enhancing and purifying—and how these translate into the business world. Christians are not just employees but culture-shapers who must influence their workplaces with integrity, honesty and transparency. Dr Thong emphasised the need to be intentional in the workplace, to be aware of God’s calling, and to be ready for divine appointments that lead to greater opportunities to witness.
His five principles for marketplace ministry were:
Secular vs. Sacred: Work is not just a job but a mission field where God calls us to serve as His hands and feet. It’s a form of ministry.
Best Sermons are Seen: Faith is demonstrated through our decisions and actions, especially in tough times. People observe how we handle pressure, offering opportunities to be salt and light.
Servant Leadership: True leadership in God’s kingdom is about serving others, embodying humility and service.
Setbacks as Setups: Setbacks are opportunities in God’s timing (Kairos). Success is defined by a close relationship with God, not societal standards.
Sacrifice in the Workplace: True sacrifice involves pain and loss, but the focus is on what is gained through honouring God, even in difficult moments.
Panel Discussion: Challenges at Work
The conference concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Kenneth Lim, a young adult and M&A lawyer. The panel included Dr Carl Thong, Ms Joyce Lo (Director at Citi Private Bank), and Ms Shulin Lee (Managing Director and Founder of Aslant Legal). Together, they tackled the challenges Christians face in the workplace, from ethical dilemmas to managing stress and staying true to their faith.
Panellists shared personal stories of overcoming difficult work environments and how they relied on their faith for guidance. They emphasised the importance of building a strong Christian support network, where believers can hold each other accountable and mentor one another in their professional journeys. The discussion underscored the significance of community and the role it plays in keeping us grounded in Christ.
Conclusion: Living Out the Mission
The 2024 Marketplace Conference was a profound reminder that work is more than a means to an end—it is a calling. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that God has placed them in their respective workplaces for a reason. As Christians, the call to be salt and light in the marketplace is not optional but essential. Through integrity, intentionality and community, believers can transform their workplaces into environments where Christ’s presence is felt.
The conference highlighted that the journey of faith in the workplace is not a solo endeavour. Mentorship, accountability, and a constant focus on Christ are crucial. As Dr Carl Thong eloquently put it, “We are not just workers, but influencers of culture.” Ultimately, the marketplace is a mission field where the love of God can shine brightly through us, and where our faith must be lived out authentically each day.
The call is clear: stay mission true, live with purpose, and allow God to use you to transform your workplace for His glory.
Photos by Henry Lim and William Choo
More photos available here
Read also: Making Disciples in the Digital World: The Birth and Mission of Digital Wesley
