God made us to work. If you’re a Christian professional, chances are you’ve heard the phrase. Maybe from a pastor, a conference speaker, or someone in the office. But when it comes right down to the first minutes of our morning on Monday, the abstract does us little good. How do we take the idea of work as worship and make it a reality? The work as worship idea says that the five days (or more) we spend each week at work give us the opportunity to expand God’s kingdom. We can use the talents and skills God has given us to worship Him on more than just Sunday. It’s a compelling message—but what does that look like lived out?
Practical Ways to Use Your Business As a Ministry
The idea of business as ministry may sound great. In practice, it is much more complex and interesting. It has been my experience that using our business as ministry looks very different at each business where this mindset takes root. The creativity and variety of ways that this is put into practice are limitless. After all, “ministry” just means serving.
Kingdom Building with Convene CEO
Oxygen for the Soul
When we think about using our businesses as a means to further God’s purposes and to extend His kingdom, we are often drawn toward conventional Christian expressions or techniques. We are all aware of companies that have used obvious ways of proclaiming a Christian message and focus. Anything from putting Bible verses on drink cups to copies of New Testaments in their packaging or closing for business on Sundays. These are all great things and done in the right spirit, they can have an impact but, I believe, there is a more subtle and organic way to use your business to extend God’s kingdom.
Impact Your Mission Field
Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, states that when business professionals don’t view their business as a ministry, there are consequences. They don’t read their Bibles, pray, or worship God outside church services. They don’t share their faith or make disciples. They don’t hold themselves accountable to the same standards of Christian conduct as those they consider to be in “full-time” ministries. They don’t activate their spiritual gifts. They assume God isn’t relevant outside of the church. Those business leaders who do view their business as a ministry have integrated their faith and work.