Many Christians believe that their business is completely independent from their faith or their ministry. They treat business like a secular component of their lives and when they’re done for the day, they go back into their ministry of being a parent, spouse or perhaps serving in their official “church” ministry.
I’m a bit of a rebel so I disagree and actually believe that my business is my ministry. Over the last 13 years of being in business of some sort, I have been able to encourage, educate, enlighten and equip people through God’s Word directly and indirectly. This has impacted hundreds of lives that wouldn’t have occurred had I not had my businesses or viewed my business as a tool God has given me to reach his people.
Here’s the three reasons I believe your business is your ministry (or at least part of it):
- Just like our personal walk with God, our business should be centered on God since it’s his business that we just steward over.
- We have the capacity to impact lives much deeper than our products and services simply by living out our faith without needing to preach it.
- David was a king, not a prophet and yet his ministry included managing people and resources much like business owners.
Here’s a verse that also includes my sentiments:
Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
Yes I agree but can I just make the word Ministry part of my business’ name?
I teach yoga from a Christian perspective
My clients consider it a ministry
You can certainly do that, though there are considerations to make before deciding to include ministry in the name.
1. Do you plan on only serving Christians? If so, they understand the word ministry so that can work for your audience. If your intention is to serve everyone, the word “ministry” in the business name may turn off those who are not currently Christian that you may be able to reach otherwise.
2. The word ministry has a certain connotation in the Christian space. When you come across a ministry, you don’t think of it as a for-profit business, and so some people may approach your organization thinking that the work you provide is free, because it’s a ministry. If you charge for your services, which you should if it’s a business, having ministry in the name can create market confusion.
Your clients may consider what you do a ministry, but my guess is that it’s because they’ve already been working with you and know you and your heart. New people won’t know that up front.
Point 3- though I agree with your points and am encouraged by them, I would have to challenge the idea that David wasn’t a prophet. In acts 2:25-30. Especially verse 30, Peter calls King David a Prophet. Also, psalm 133 is a messianic prophecy about our Lord Jesus.