I'm writing from the vantage point of a professional at a downtown Chicago law firm. We host a Bible study for attorneys and others that draws about 25 attendees per week. Through our involvement in the Christian Legal Society, we are witnessing a rapidly growing commitment to one-on-one discipleship - attorneys mentoring other attorneys on how to practice "Jesus law."
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My family involvement remains with my home church in the suburbs, but traditional geographic-centered congregations are becoming less relevant - not only because technology is shrinking the world, but also because specialization is shaping new communities. Most lawyers spend far more time with other lawyers than they do with their neighbors or fellow church members. The same holds true for interior designers, mechanics or any other group of professionals.
My pastors can only go so far in helping me become a Jesus lawyer. I need my brothers and sisters in the profession and the Christian Legal Society to help me fulfill my potential. Most traditional local churches don't have the resources to create "lawyer ministries" or "interior designer ministries" within their congregations, but they can and must encourage and equip their people to become active participants in or sponsors of the ministries beyond their borders.
Our Presbyterian church in Evanston, Ill., is hugely blessed by traditional missionary members (who visit occasionally, are with us on sabbaticals or focus on local missions such as Intervarsity). Why haven't our churches been as intentional in helping the business people in their midst see themselves as full-time missionaries to their work groups?
