This post was created by Workplace Ministries, Inc., in collaboration with ChatGPT. For information on Workplace Ministries, Inc., and additional resources, see the information in the bio at the end of this post.
Connecting Christian Business Leaders for Kingdom Impact
The previous article in this series discussed why church leaders should adopt a marketplace ministry in their church. This is important because it is no surprise that Christian business owners and professionals face unique challenges — balancing making profit with integrity, leading with faith, and honoring God in competitive industries. These difficulties are experienced by most church members, but believers have been taught that faith and work each deserve their own separate compartments in our lives.
Christ-followers need a place inside the church, such as a business fellowship group, to examine how their faith in Jesus affects how they approach their jobs. A business fellowship group within your church can provide support, encouragement, and accountability to business leaders striving to integrate their faith with their work.
The Purpose of a Business Fellowship Group
Hebrews 10:25 admonishes Christ-followers to meet regularly and to encourage one another (ESV). A business fellowship group within the church serves as such space. Church members may hold positions of authority in the marketplace and may need additional support for how to navigate their responsibilities.
The benefits for creating this group in your church are many, but notably, a business fellow group allows entrepreneurs and professionals to network with like-minded believers who share their values; teaches biblical principles for running a business with integrity; offers support to members through prayer, mentorship, and business insights; and engages in community service by leveraging business skills to be used for outreach. By providing a space within the church for fellow Christians to share thoughts around running a business, believers can begin to think critically about how their career is an extension of their faith and ministry.
Steps to Starting a Business Fellowship Group
Launching a ministry in your church should be surrendered to the leading of the Holy Spirit; however, there are also practical steps you can take to start a business fellowship group in your local assembly.
- Define Your Vision and Values – Establish the group’s purpose based on biblical principles such as integrity, stewardship, and service.
- Identify and Invite Members – Personally invite business owners in your congregation. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool.
- Organize the First Meeting – Host a kickoff event with a guest speaker that includes worship and small group discussions.
- Establish Regular Meetings – Whether monthly or bi-weekly, consistency is key. Meetings can include guest speakers, Bible study, and prayer.
- Encourage Accountability and Mentorship – Pair experienced business leaders with beginner entrepreneurs for discipleship and learning opportunities.
A business fellowship group can transform the way entrepreneurs view their work, providing them with a true biblical framework for operating businesses that honor God. Reinforcing godly principles grows deeper roots of faith and enriches our ability to share the gospel with others through work in a meaningful way. Another way to promote faith and work in the church is through book clubs, which will be introduced in the next article.
Featured photo by Thriday on Unsplash; in-text photo by Small Group Network on Unsplash
Get Equipped to Share Your Faith At Work
Follower of One offers a free two-week Marketplace Mission Trip virtually. It is meant to mirror a mission trip that you would take to another country, except you get in your car (or log into your computer) each day and go to work. You will have a chance to meet with your fellow Mission Trip participants at the beginning, during, and at the end of the Mission Trip to share amazing testimonies of how the Lord has moved in the lives of others THROUGH YOU. If you want to commit to being used by God, sign up for the next Marketplace Mission Trip here.
