2009 26 Oct

Is It Really A Christian Business?

When I was searching the Internet for information on Christian Business two years ago, I wasn’t happy with nearly all the sites I found. Somehow I felt that many of those enterprises with “Christian” on their nametag fall short of my expectations of a Christian.

Operating a Christian business is similar to a Christian marriage. A marriage is not Christian simply because two Christians get married. They may carry out their marriage in a non-Christian way. In the same manner the presence of a Christian in a business or running a business does not guarantee the business is Christian. The Christians may be keeping their faith and daily work in different compartments on the assumption that “religion and business do not mix”.

The following, in my opinion, are the ten marks of a Christian enterprise:

1. The presence of a Christian or Christians with influence

The manager of an enterprise has a singular chance to influence every area of the enterprise with his belief system.

2. A product or service in harmony with God’s goal in creation

Businesses that prosper on prostitution, drugs and the manipulation of the poor are not acceptable options. But Adam and Eve were called to be priests of creation, to “work it and take care of it” as trustees.

3. A mission that is larger and deeper than mere income

A Christian business person ought to intelligently define what is the mission and inculcate this before all the employees. The mission is why the business is there; the vision is what we want to be; the values are how we desire to live as we take up our vision.

4. The product or service is served with such merit that it invites the occasion to witness

A business that offers amazing service or a product invites the query “Why?”

5. Customers are treated with dignity and respect and not just for revenue

More than assuming that the customer is always right the Christian business treats every customer as a person to be loved and appreciated even if no business is made. Even problematic customers need love even when they are not right.

6. Employees and workers are equipped to reach greater potential in their life

One of the most tragic conditions now is that countless Christians are noted for being “poor workers” because their real interest is in evangelism and church activities.

What makes vocation Christian is not the religious character of the work but faith, hope and charity. A Christian supervisor sees every interaction with an employee as a chance through which the employee can be taught, encouraged, improved and released for his potential. Therefore many Christian business invest a substantial part of the profits into employee development and training including courses on entrepreneurship and Christian Investing.

7. All aspects of the business are considered to be potentially a ministry and the subject of prayer

The Christian businessman does not craft a secular-sacred division in business (witnessing is sacred–doing the accounts is secular). All is part of our creation mandate and made for Jesus, be done to God’s glory, and is worthy of prayer.

8. The culture of the company is consistent with God’s Word

It is nowwell known that the environment or culture of a business “speaks” louder than the verbalized business policy. People “get a message” as soon as they walk into an enterprise. Culture has external symbols and cues (signs saying that we guarantee good service), values that are appreciated even if they are not published, these two being based on underlying beliefs. Both customers and workers are affected strongly by this invisible culture.

9. The leaders are servants

Managers are commited to serve the mission of the business, the best interest of the employees, the customers and shareholders because they are first and foremost servants of Jesus.

10. The enterprise operates on grace

Christian entrepreneurs find themselves frequently in conditions where there is no painless answer, no “black and white” choice to be made. Recognizing that Christ is now King but that the Kingdom has not yet fully come, Christians make hard decisions. As anticipated, compromises will be done and sins committed. These must not be justified; but neither must they crush the believer. There is forgiveness; there is hope.

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