When you start a company, there are a few options you can take. You could be a standard company with no specific goal or code, you could be an ethical company, or be a receptively minded business. These redemptive businesses are typically Christian, but when a Christian company takes shape, what are the pros and cons of being Jesus-centered?
Objectively, there is nothing wrong with having a Jesus-focused life, but it can become complicated when you blend business and religion. Unfortunately, sometimes the public isn’t too fond of Christian businesses because of the stereotypes that comes with being Christian. So, when you start a company with Jesus at its center, you’ll have to fight against stereotypes and backlash and do your best to provide good services without forcing religion on others. Faith-based organizations are a great way to share religion with the world, but one thing to be wary of is making sure you are not pressing your faith on customers! That can be a real turn off for many people, so make sure that your blend of business and faith is truly a blend, and not just an excuse to preach. It can feel isolating to be a Christian company in a world of secular businesses, but there are some great benefits that come with developing these kinds of companies.
If you start a Christian company, you have a different motivation. Where other business may be working for money, wealth, or power, working for a Christian company is more focused on the “who” instead of the “what.” It can be a unique experience working in a faith-based organization, where the motivation is different, and your goals are centered on something distinct. Another benefit of starting up or working for a Christian organization is that you stand out. By being so unique in a world of similar companies that can blur together, being faith-based gives you an immediate edge on the competition. This reason may be why Chick-fil-A, a very popular faith-based company, has done so well. Their branding is unique, they are closed on Sundays, and they refuse to change what they stand for. They are unique and have held to their beliefs for years, which is why it is so beloved among believers and non-believers alike. One final benefit to a faith-based company is that employees working in environments which support their faith helps improve relationships and are more likely to be engaged in their work. This may be a small benefit, but it shows that faith-friendly workplaces benefit the employees, and that is one of the most important parts of starting a new business
Overall, Christian organizations come with their fair share of struggles and barriers to overcome, but it is well worth it to start one of these companies with your faith in mind.
testacr22
Hey there nice post. I think your post is fascinating. Christians typically have higher morals and higher standards than the average businessman. So it is very important that we uphold those values in the business arena to further Gods desires.
This is an interesting article and thought process. I totally agree that that it is worthwhile to start a “Christian” business, but that it may present struggles especially in today’s social climate in America. The media seems to be especially harsh and judgmental on companies like Chic Fil ‘a that have openly “Christian” values or standards. Ultimately, we are working to serve God and His kingdom, so our business mindset should be directed on that. Really interesting article, thanks for sharing.
-Asher