Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs don’t see themselves just as businesspeople but as Missionaries.
In recent years the term “Business as Mission” has been popularised in Christian circles. In fact, there are entire books and organisations running with that name and for good reason.
What is Business as Mission?
Business as Mission is a business that exists to advance God’s kingdom. It is much more than just an entity designed to make profit and it is much more than just being a Christian in business. A Business as Mission is one that sees itself as a vehicle to be used by God in the marketplace.
Business is about Relationships!
I regularly say: “all business is people business”.
One of my favourite aspects of business life and especially entrepreneurship, is the amazing people you meet in this increasingly global village.
As Christians we are called to “love our neighbour’. Arguably, business people have more opportunities to do this than most other professions, given the large number of people a businessperson engages with on a daily basis.
Consider the following groups that you may interact with:
➢ Staff
➢ Shareholders
➢ Business Partners
➢ Customers
➢ Suppliers
➢ Competitors
➢ Industry Colleagues
All BUSINESS involves relationships!
So here is my question and challenge for you:
Does your business give people a taste of Heaven?
We’re human, we’re not perfect!
But as Christians, we must strive, in God’s strength to be more Christ-like and to reach out to a hurting world. We need to ask God to empower us by his Holy Spirit. There are many business people who are under huge stress, including family and financial pressures. They need someone who can come alongside them, speak a word of wisdom, be a comfort to them and be there for them as they face challenges in their life.
Maximising the Opportunity
Pray – For those you encounter in your business and work with regularly.
• Ask God for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
• Ask God to give you the right words to speak into their life, encourage them and lead them to Jesus
Build – Genuine relationships with those you work with regularly.
• This takes time and effort. It must be genuine, not a project. If people think that they are your ‘religious project’ they will run a mile.
• Love them. As the bible says ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Find out their concerns, their interests and passions and do life with them. Be there as someone they can trust and confide in.
Be the Real Deal – Have integrity
• Lack of integrity has given the Church a very bad name in recent years. We can’t say one thing and be another. We must take up our cross and honour God through our words and deeds.
• In business, you will always come across ethical situations that on face value appear ‘grey’. In these circumstances seek the advice of other Christian business people. As a general rule, always err on the side of caution and choose the more conservative path.
• Christians have to be the ‘salt and light’ in the marketplace. As a side note, integrity is great for business. People want to deal with others they can trust.
• You will destroy your witness if you fail in this area. Ask God to help you, guide you and give you strength not to compromise in tough ethical situations.