Introduction
Shania Jackson is a mature Christian considering opening a Christian coffee shop near Detroit, Michigan. Opening a coffee shop as a business involves many nuances that an entrepreneur must face. As one knows, any business is a risk, so it is worth considering all possible risks. Opening requires a detailed study of risks and mistakes and drawing up a detailed expense plan – an integral part of the finished business plan for a coffee shop. In this case, the coffee shop will have a specific target audience – Christians. Among other things, an essential part of opening a coffee shop is choosing a business entity for this enterprise and suitable partners based on biblical views.
Business Entities Analysis
Possible business entities are sole proprietorships, a partnership, small corporations, or LLCs. To make the right choice, one needs to familiarize oneself briefly with each of them. A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by one person. Some states allow joint ownership, but for the most part, the exclusive means one owner (Cozzolino et al., 2018). Given the conditions of the case, it is necessary to consider the situation considering possible partners; therefore, individual entrepreneurship is not suitable.
A limited liability company is a US-specific form of a private limited liability company. This financially transparent organization combines a partnership and a limited liability company (Doern et al., 2018). In this case, an LLC will be the most suitable option for opening a coffee shop, as its features include participation in partners’ business and general flexibility. This partnership has many advantages of a corporation but differs from it in that it avoids double taxation of profits distributed among owners (Doern et al., 2018). Like the shareholders of a corporation, the co-owners of such a partnership are not personally responsible for the decisions made by the partnership.
Thus, to choose the appropriate form of organization for the future business, it is first essential to understand the size of the future business and its prospects. If one plans to open a modest delivery service or a retail outlet, perhaps it makes no sense to spend time and effort registering an LLC (Vodă & Florea, 2019). However, if the plans are serious, it is possible to expand activities and attract investments, then a limited liability company is much better suited than individual entrepreneurship.
Biblical Worldview for Business
The question of whether a Christian can do business with unbelievers is a common one. The most frequently cited biblical text on this occasion is this: “Do not be harnessed to the same cart with the infidels! What connects righteousness with sin? (Corinthians 6:14). This verse is often used against marriages between believers and non-Christians. Sure, it applies to marriage, but nothing in its context indicates that it cannot apply to other areas of people’s lives. Any unequal yoke is forbidden – marriages, close friendships, and, in many cases, business partnerships.
This indication suggests a vast difference between a believer and an unbeliever. A Christian’s motives, aims, and methods are incompatible with an unbeliever’s. Faith changes a person’s character. The highest aspiration in the life of a Christian is the glorification of the Lord Jesus and His satisfaction in everything; the unbeliever, at best, is indifferent to such goals. If the methods and goals of a Christian in business coincide with those of an unbeliever, then the Christian should reconsider their priorities.
People say they have something in common when they share something. Business partners are united in such a way that they must share things – what belongs to one also belongs to the other. What does light have in common with darkness? (Corinthians 6:14). This is what the community means; in light of these principles, it is best to avoid associating with unbelievers in business. Conflicts with unbelieving business partners are inevitable if a Christian truly seeks to glorify the Lord in his business activities. Will the two go on a journey until they meet each other? (Amos 3:3). Thus, considering the case data, it can be concluded that Shania can include Kelsey and her husband Marvin in the business since they are Christians. Shania’s neighbor, Carlos, who is not a Christian, is only interested in business on a commercial basis, which is unacceptable.
Conclusion
One can create a successful Christian business by choosing the correct business entity and partners. Although the Bible does not give instructions on which political and economic system should be considered the best from a business point of view, it does contain criteria based on which one can determine something for oneself. The Christian approach to business should be understood as something other than a recipe book for specific problems. However, it is possible to use biblical principles and counsel as reliable and helpful guides when faced with specific business issues. Given the above, Shania should also consider all the usual risks for any business. Before opening a coffee shop, one needs to analyze all the steps: think about the concept, understand the disadvantages and advantages of opening, and at least draw up a business plan.
References
(2001). English Standard Version Bible. ESV Online. Web.
Cozzolino, A., Verona, G., & Rothaermel, F. T. (2018). Unpacking the disruption process: New technology, business models, and incumbent adaptation. Journal of Management Studies, 55(7), 1166–1202. Web.
Doern, R., Williams, N., & Vorley, T. (2018). Special issue on entrepreneurship and crises: Business as usual? An introduction and review of the literature. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 31(5-6), 400–412. Web.
Vodă, A., & Florea, N. (2019). Impact of personality traits and entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions of Business and Engineering Students. Sustainability, 11(4), 1192. Web.