God Cares About Business

Business is one of those subjects I am immensely passionate about! Before we go any further into this, here are a few things you need to know about me:

• I love the local church and understand the important function it plays in society.
• I’ve been employed by multiple churches and have had to work through the hurts that came with those experiences.
• I swore from a young age that I would never be an entrepreneur.

There was a time when I thought I was called into vocational ministry. That thought did not age well. The jobs I dreamed of ranged from youth pastor to children’s pastor to missionary that eventually evolved into church consultant. This last one seemed like a beautiful option for me: I could consult and fix things and go from project to project, church to church, supporting the local church without having to be tied to one specific group of people.

But then I began to think a little differently: what if I’m not called to be about the business of the church world, but to be the church to the business world?

This thought blew my mind! For years I believed that ministry happened in the church and that was it, but now I know better. The church is more than just a building and ministry can happen at any time and anywhere, as long as Jesus-followers are there.

I wonder what would happen if we took this stance into our day jobs? What if we had this perspective when it came to our hobbies or passions or our side hustles? What if, each time we did work of any kind, we saw it as an act of worship to God? What if the things we produced were made with the intention of pointing others to the One who loves them?

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

I would say that working falls into the ‘whatever you do’ category, wouldn’t you? This is something that’s much easier said than done and I have to actively work at applying this to my life. I have to be intentional to pray for my business and the things that I’m producing instead of just relying on my own strength. I have to remember that the content I produce, the conversations I have, the way that I steward my time and my skills should all be done to the glory of God!

If you’re not working at a church, that’s okay, your job is important. Your position is important. The light you bring to that company is important.

If you are working at a church, your job is important too. Your position is important. The light you bring to that organization is important.

Whether we’re in vocational ministry or not, we can make the choice to be on mission with how we live. As we file reports, wait on others, serve customers, create for clients, or care for those who can’t care for themselves, we can do it with the Lord in mind, doing what we can to bring heaven to earth.