What does it mean—“Christian business?”

Imagine this conversation between yourself and a business colleague:

You mention, “My son is a senior at the local Christian school.”

“I’ve heard good things about that school,” says your friend.

Note that your friend doesn’t ask you to describe what you mean by a “Christian” school.  He knows from his own experience or from the experience of others what Christian schools are, what they do, etc.  And we have had a culture of “religious” education in our country for decades (e.g., my wife attended Catholic school for 2 years as a child).

Next, say something like this: “I’ll be starting to work at a Christian business next week.” (or I plan to open a Christian business soon providing ______.”)

If your friend is similar to many I’ve spoken to over the years, his response will be, “What do you mean, a Christian business?”

OK, I know.  There is no such thing as a Christian business—a business can’t be Christian (but then, can a school?).  The business is Christian-owned.  But here’s my point: people at large in our culture have had so little interaction with a Christian business that they require you and me many times to define it.

So here’s your chance. Take a few minutes and ponder this question.  How would you answer someone who asked you, “What is a Christian business?”  Now take what you just said and “operationalize it.”  By that I mean, what does this Christian business look like, sound like, etc.?  What are its distinguishing characteristics?  For example, I had the privilege of being President of Zion Industries, Inc., a Christian-owned commercial induction heat treating firm.  The question is, “What set Zion Industries apart from secular commercial induction heat treating firms?”   What differences lie at the core of a “Christian business?”

This lies at the heart of the Daystar event on July 14^th “Becoming more Profitable…A Dialog among Christian Business Owners.”  I know many Christian business owners who have wrestled with similar questions for years.  Some have developed and “operationalized” solid answers to these questions.  The purpose of this event is to challenge attendees to think deeply about what it means to own and operate a Christian business.

If you are a Christian business owner, I hope that you will join us.

A Challenge from Scripture

Micah 6:8 - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

For those who are Christian business owners, please take some time and email me a few Bible verses that have truly impacted your Christian business over the years.  For those who are not Christian business owners, please send me a few verses of Scripture that have impacted your attitude, behavior, etc. as you work in the marketplace. 

Here are a few closing words from the book, The Christian in Industrial Society, by Sir Frederick Catherwood. 

“It is in the creation of positive trust between men that the Christian business person has made his greatest contribution.” 

“The Christian should be sensitive to personal and to moral issues and should see the moral issue when there is one and when his colleagues may see only the technical.” 

“The Christian, as well as a general desire for justice, has also the particular command of Paul, ‘Masters give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.’ (Colossians 4:1)  This is a difficult task but the Christian must at least make the effort.” 

“It is right that the people should know that we are Christians and that over long periods of time that they will have opportunity to judge the effects of our Christian faith on our behavior.” 

“Ultimately we have to decide for ourselves how we should act in any situation; and in coming to a decision a Christian should never forget that the principles of his faith are a most relevant and important factor.” 

One of the riches of the Christian church (universal) is that we have brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we may converse about all of the above. 

I look forward to that continuing conversation. 

Have a great week. 

Keith 

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Please be in prayer for the July 14 event: “Becoming More Profitable…A Dialog Among Christian Business Owners.”