Create Kingdom Impact Through Your Business (Without Preaching a Sermon)
It was an honor to be included in Jacquelyn Lynn’s book, Christian Business Almanac. I check it daily for practical advice and inspiration.
When Jacquelyn interviewed me for the book, one of the things talked about was how to make your for-profit business a ministry for reaching people for Christ. Here’s the article she wrote based on our conversation.
When it comes to ministries, conventional wisdom tends to separate faith-based organizations and for-profit businesses. Krystal Parker, president of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce, says any business can—and should—be a ministry.
“Your business is a ministry, it’s a tool to reach people for the Kingdom,” she says. She offers these suggestions for operating a for-profit enterprise as a ministry:
Understand the Great Commission
Jesus said to “Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15, NIV) and to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). “First and foremost, we’re responsible for that,” Parker says. “Don’t believe the lie that the only place you can share the gospel is in church.”
Make God the CEO
“Don’t just make deals and do things on your own, seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in everything,” Parker says.
Walk the talk
Operate with integrity and ethics, treat your employees well, be fair in all your business dealings.
Do good things in the world
“Business is not about amassing wealth and getting richer, it’s about doing good things,” Parker says. Give to causes that are aligned with your values, give employees time to serve in the community, and find other ways to model your faith through your company.
What’s not on this list?
“Notice that I didn’t say talk to everybody about Jesus Christ and hit them over the head with the Bible,” Parker says. “You can certainly do that, but you’ll be more effective by creating an environment filled with love.”
This message appears in the Christian Business Almanac on July 7. For details about this wonderful book and ordering links, visit ChristianAlmanac.com.
What do you do to make sure your business is also a ministry?
Share those techniques on social media and tag the US Christian Chamber of Commerce and Jacquelyn Lynn.
