How to Start a Business the Christian Way
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"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Put away your business plan for at least a month and seek God. Make sure that you have peace in your heart about your new venture. Pray about the type of business you should start and whether you should jump in headlong or keep your current job while starting your business on the side. - 2
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"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Prov 15:22
Go over your business plan--vision statement, economic assessment, market profile and business outline--with Godly men and women who you can trust. Obtain counsel on your proposed course of action. Choose individuals that know the scriptures and preferably have some personal business knowledge. Attend meetings with other businessmen in your area and ask for advice on starting a business. The Christian Business Men's Connection meets in many locations nationwide (see Resources). - 3
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"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Prov 22:7
Borrow only enough to cover the essentials of starting your business and pay the money back as soon as possible. Aggressively pay off any loans to the bank with your profits before indulging in celebratory purchases. Pay what you owe so that you can be free instead of being a "servant" to your lending institution. - 4
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"Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by." Prov 26:10
Spend a significant amount of time interviewing potential employees and checking their references. Use an outside interviewer--a friend in the industry or even your pastor--if you need a second opinion on a candidate. Save yourself the trouble of hiring and firing many employees and search for a loyal and hard-working employee the first time. - 5). "A man reaps what he sows." Gal 6:7
Treat your employees well and they will serve your vision wholeheartedly. Prioritize your employee expectations according to the scripture. In-N-Out Burger, a thriving Christian company, sets employee priorities in descending order during orientation: "God, family, school, then work." Pay well and also give good medical, dental and vision coverage. - 6
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"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
Take the advice of the wildly successful Christian business owner S. Truett Cathy of Chik-fil-A and give generously as soon as you start making profits. According to a report by Philanthropy Roundtable, Cathy gave more than $18 million to charities in 2008. Follow his example and watch as your profits soar. This is the one time when you can spend, even while paying off your creditors.
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