The Business of Church is to restore and grow healthy relationships with God, People, and His Creation. It is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and can only be measured in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self-Control.  These measurements cannot be managed into existence but can only be grown by relationship through the Holy Spirit.

 

Church Business, however, is a different matter, but must be carefully defined.  Many people view local churches like small businesses where the pastor is the CEO and the people are the customers. They think the church exists to give them and their children a menu of programs, activities, and events. Those who decide to serve are like employees of the business, making sure the programs are well-organized, the coffee is hot, the marketing is catchy, the activities are plentiful, and the bathrooms are squeaky clean.  This is not what is meant by Church Business and certainly doesn’t align with the Business of Church.

 

Here are some thoughts on this from my perspective that may be helpful in understanding why I do what I do and can help you too.

 

• The Church can offer the same services as mainstream businesses

  • Churches are well known for ‘trading’ through Shops, Cafés, Community Facilities or other similar means.  Churches with property have become more known for allowing it to be used by community groups for a small fee.  Some do it just as something nice to do.  Others do it to help the church remain sustainable.  But all (should) do it to truly be Church in the Community and to be a safe space for all people.

 

• Churches are legal entities – often registered as Charities.

  • Having charitable status can help hold the Church to account and ensure any ‘business’ it undertakes to be right and proper.  Not that any true Church should have any issue with that!  But it also opens up the opportunity to apply for funding to do whatever it feels is right in their community.  This takes the pressure off the congregation to fund everything, and enables more support to be given.

 

• Churches generate Profit.

  • And that’s okay! So often, because of what we hear on the news, profit is deemed to be a dirty word.  Charities are often referred to as ‘Not for Profit’ organisations.  But how does that help with sustainability? So yes, it is okay to make a profit. The crucial bit is how that profit is used. In Churches, that profit can be (should be, and usually is) reinvested in the work it is undertaking, or used to do more good for the local community. It is not used to pay huge salaries or bonuses. It is used for good and to ensure that the support needed can continue for a long time

  

• Churches create jobs for local economies

  • By operating practical services in, for and with the local community, Churches will need people to run these.  Only so much can be done with volunteers.  So they need to employ people to undertake certain tasks which is where they need to become more business minded in order to do this properly and fairly.  Because of their local setting, the Church would often look to employ people from within the local community to further maximise their local benefit and support.

 

• Churches are strategic about generating revenue

  • Okay, we’re using another business-like word by bringing in Strategy. The Church’s ultimate strategy was referred to earlier in this document.  But when trading, the strategy discussion in Churches is around what is best needed for the community.  Where are the gaps.  What space does the church have or need to do this.  How much will it cost to run.  Can it be run for free or for a small cost.  What insurances and other protections are needed.  How will this impact the main goal of the church.  All great strategic questions that need to be answered before progressing.

 

• Churches that succeed financially typically support the wider church as well as their own community

  • The Bible speaks of Tithing.  Well okay, without getting too theological here, Tithing is mentioned in the Old Testament laws and refers to giving the first 10% of earnings, crops and other benefits back to God through the Temple. Jesus actually condemned people who gave the tithe but still acted immorally.  It had become a legalistic process rather than coming from the heart.  And that’s where Jesus brought a change of emphasis that is continued throughout the new testament.  Simply, the Church is called to Give Generously, Consistently, and Joyfully.  Often this means more than 10% and sometimes beyond initial affordability because of the Biblical Promise that God will bless (reward) the giver according to His Plan and Purpose for them.  So, linking back up with the topic of making profit, many Churches will give (tithe) their profit to other churches, overseas missions, and other worthy community projects as well as developing their own provision.

 

Whatever business activity a Church undertakes, the main goal must be to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20).  As long as God is honoured through all activities and practices, there is nothing wrong with a Church being a Business.

​

To find out how I can help your Church, head over here for all the information

​