Introduction
From a Christian point of view, work, including activities related to entrepreneurship and business, is part of God’s plan. God’s teachings included the call to “subdue the earth,” which means the need to improve the world, bring order to it, and use its potential to enhance people’s quality of life (International Business as Mission [iBAM], n.d., para. 31).
The business associated with the church contributes to bringing order to the community and helps to meet the needs of people. These needs include work, spiritual mentoring, the means necessary for food and housing, and other spheres of life. Although missions are a traditional way to attract new members to the church and support its activities, business, and entrepreneurship can be more effective factors in the church’s growth.
The Ways Entrepreneurship Contributes to the Growth of the Church
Business and entrepreneurship contribute to the church’s growth in multiple ways, for example, through donations, influence, provision of support, and other actions. Financial support is one of the primary ways for the contribution that business and entrepreneurship make to the church’s growth. Entrepreneurs and business owners can donate funds to support various initiatives that promote church growth. Financial support is also the basis for church functioning – it provides for ministers, helps in church building, and other needs.
The Impact of Businesses on the Church
One of the most significant aspects of the effect of business on the church’s growth is the influence of business owners and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs often have a good reputation in their community and are respected by it. As a result, people trust them and their opinions, allowing them to attract new church members. Entrepreneurs and business owners can also use their work platforms to share their faith with customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Consequently, awareness of the church and its teachings increases, leading to growth.
The Impact of the Church on Businesses
The bond of entrepreneurs with the church affects their ways of doing business, distinguishing them from other business owners. For example, on the issue of corruption, immoral actions are not acceptable to religious entrepreneurs (iBAM, n.d.). Noticing the differences in the actions of entrepreneurs associated with the church, people will be more interested in cooperation with them, allowing entrepreneurs to share the knowledge and teachings of the church.
The Leadership of Religious Entrepreneurs
In addition to the moral responsibility when running a business, religious entrepreneurs are more dedicated to stewardship. They seek to positively impact people and the planet, which leads to positive relations with employees and society and a more responsible approach to resource management.
Entrepreneurs should have strong leadership and management skills to succeed in the business, which can benefit the church. As leaders and managers, business owners can help to facilitate church operations. Entrepreneurs can teach about applying responsible business strategies in church management, contributing to the church’s sustainability and long-term growth.
Work specifics contribute to entrepreneurs’ innovative thinking and search for unusual approaches to work. Therefore, they can bring new ideas and perspectives to the church. By introducing new services and procedures to the ministry, business owners can help to attract new members and contribute to growth.
Religious Entrepreneurs as Managers
Entrepreneurs and business owners can share their experiences not only to improve the church’s activities but also to act as mentors for its members. They can give advice and support to those who also want to start their own venture and thus contribute to the formation of a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs and business owners hiring employees for work also have several positive consequences for the church. Jobs created by businesses keep communities united and thus preserve the church. In particular, being able to get a job from an employer people can trust, people will not have to move to another town or county in search of employment (iBAM, n.d.).
Positive relations with employees allow entrepreneurs to expand their social circle to share their faith. Consequently, entrepreneurs and business owners have extensive networks. They expand the church’s reach and influence by leveraging their connections and relationships.
The Collaboration of Entrepreneurs and the Church
Entrepreneurs can collaborate with the church to support social initiatives aimed at improving community life. Such measures lead to positive societal transformations and expand outreach opportunities for the church and its teachings, contributing to expansion. The cooperation of entrepreneurs and business owners with the church can also contribute to its growth through the financing of various events.
Volunteering can both improve and strengthen the community and create a welcoming atmosphere for the church’s new members. The organization of education at the church for children from low-income families draws attention to the church’s activities and allows training leaders that can also become entrepreneurs. Sponsorship for the organization of missions also contributes to the church’s growth. Entrepreneurs can support the church in using technology to reach their members.
Conclusion
Thus, business and entrepreneurship can attract new church members and promote their growth more quickly than traditional evangelism methods. Every church member has a purpose and a role in its growth and development, and not everyone can be a pastor. At the same time, entrepreneurs and business owners also have a significant role and can convey the church’s teachings through their influence.
Reference
International Business as Mission. (n.d.). Why business as mission? 5 ways that weaving entrepreneurship into missions helps plant churches and multiply disciples. Web.