Jesus and Jiu Jitsu

Since the church’s earliest days, Gospel ministry—the work of telling others about Christ, through word and action—has never been confined to the role of a pastor. In fact, many Christians had alternate jobs that not only allowed them the opportunity to make an income, but also opened doors for Gospel conversations. The apostle Paul was a tent maker so the churches he founded wouldn’t have to support him financially (Acts 18:1-4). Lydia, a convert to Christianity, was a “dealer in purple cloth” (Acts 16:14). Prior to following Jesus, many of the twelve disciples were fishermen (Matthew 4:18), and one was even a tax collector (Matthew 9:9-13)!

Centuries later, this reality is still true: Gospel ministry isn’t confined to the role of the pastor. For many Christians, their career is one of the ways they do Gospel ministry. There are teachers, mechanics, artists, business owners, students, accountants, police officers, and many others proclaiming the Gospel in their workplace. Calvin Seminary and Missional Training Center graduate Jason Hensley (MAMT ’24) is actively living out his calling to Gospel ministry in his profession as a jiu jitsu studio owner.

In this video, you’ll learn about Jason’s path into seminary and his calling to serve Christ as a jiu jitsu studio owner. Jason’s story demonstrates that each Christian—regardless of their age, profession, or stage of life—can do Gospel ministry where they’re planted, sharing Christ with those they encounter.