Called to Be a Tentmaker: A Call for This Generation
Acts 18:1–4 (NIV)
“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”
In this passage, we catch a glimpse of something powerful—Paul was not only a preacher and missionary but also a tentmaker. At Tentmakers Academy, we believe God is still calling people today to live out this model.
But what does it mean to be a tentmaker in our time?
Let me be clear—this isn’t about diving into the theological nuances of the tents Paul made or the specifics of his finances. Instead, I want to highlight the importance and urgency of tentmaking today.
A tentmaker is someone who works in the marketplace—whether as an employee, entrepreneur, leader, or laborer—and uses that position as a platform to live out and share their faith. They integrate their calling into their career, making their everyday environment a mission field.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll dig deeper into what this looks like practically. But don’t rush through this. Take your time to reflect. Ask yourself: What does it mean for me to be a tentmaker in my world today?
Everyone Is Called to Go
If you’ve been a follower of Christ for any length of time, you’ve likely heard the phrase:
“Everyone is called to go!”
Maybe you’ve heard it so often it’s lost its weight. Maybe it excites you—or maybe it intimidates you.
I’ve heard it. I’ve preached it. And while it carries truth and motivation, I’ve also seen how many believers struggle with how to go. We understand the principle, but lack the practice. We get the mission, but we haven’t been trained in the method.
So let’s set the record straight.
Yes, you are called to go.
You are called to share the goodness, grace, and faithfulness of Jesus. This calling isn’t reserved for pastors, preachers, or missionaries—it’s for all believers.
Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”
Matthew 28:18–20 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
These two passages alone make the assignment clear: Every follower of Jesus is called to go.
But here’s the reality: Most people don’t work in churches or ministries. You work in businesses, hospitals, classrooms, coffee shops, or construction sites. And that’s exactly where God wants to use you.
You have access to people your leaders never will. You’re called to be light in those places—not by preaching sermons, but by living your testimony.
Your Story Is Your Ministry
Let me ask you something:
What has God done in your life?
How has He loved you, changed you, carried you?
You can’t share what you don’t know. Before you can go and make disciples, you need to understand your own journey. Revelation 12:11 says:
“They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.”
Your story matters. It’s the most powerful tool you have in sharing the Gospel. And yet, so many of us go out quoting verses and preaching truth, but we never take the time to share the one thing that makes it personal—our own transformation.
People don’t want to be preached at. They want to connect. They want authenticity. They want relationship. So start there. Tell them your story. Tell them about how you met a God who sees you, loves you, and walks with you.
What If You Don’t Know Your Story?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t know what my testimony is,” don’t panic.
Start with this: Sit down with God. Ask Him to show you your journey. Reflect on where you’ve been, how you’ve changed, and where you’re going.
And if you realize that you don’t really have a relationship with God, don’t be discouraged. That realization is a beautiful starting point. Every genuine journey of faith begins at a place of surrender—a moment of honesty where we invite Jesus into our brokenness.
Activation Steps
Here are three simple, but powerful steps to begin walking out your calling as a tentmaker:
Figure out your story.
Take time to reflect on how God has moved in your life.Write it down.
Put your testimony into words. Own your journey.Share it with someone you know or work with.
Let your story be the doorway to someone else’s breakthrough.
If you start here, you’re already living out the Great Commission. You’re already becoming a tentmaker.
This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list—it’s about seeing your everyday life as sacred and strategic. You were made for this.
Let’s go!