I’ve met a lot of other people like me who struggled to find their place as a member of the body. These men and women have a new heart, a passion for Jesus, and a desire to get involved. But their expertise is in business more than Bible, marketing more than ministry, and strategic development more than singing on the worship team.
They don’t know what to do in the church, and the church doesn’t quite know what to do with them, so my executive brethren usually end up handing out the bulletins, making coffee, or waving cars in the parking lot once a month.
There’s nothing wrong with starting somewhere, learning humility, and filling a need, but there’s no excuse for poor stewardship when it comes to the gifts God has given to his church. Imagine if the scenario were slightly different: “Pastor, I know you’re a great preacher, but we’re really short-handed in kids ministry . . .”
7 WAYS TO USE BUSINESS SKILLS IN CHURCH
1. RECOGNIZE THE GIFT OF GIVING
Romans 12 lists giving as a spiritual gift. Whether it’s a lot or a little, some people just love to give—all you gotta do is ask. When my first pastor told me I could serve the church by stepping up my giving, I got totally excited and wanted to know more about the various needs of the church so that I could help.
Pray with the business leaders in your church, and ask Jesus to bring them more business so that they might be able to increase their standard of giving and fund more of what God is doing through the local church.
2. START A FINANCIAL COACHING MINISTRY
As a young church, Mars Hill has a lot of singles and newlyweds, many of whom don’t know how to create a budget, plan for the future, or worship through giving. Invite the experienced, financially solvent members of your church to help the single parents, the young marrieds, and the high school grads get their household in order.
3. ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY TEAM
Most pastors and church staff don’t have a ton of experience when it comes to building budgets, architecting an organization, acquiring and managing real estate, handling legal issues, etc. Chances are, however, somebody in your church does. Invite them to join an “advisory committee” to tackle complicated subjects outside the realm of pastoral care.
4. HOST BUSINESS-AS-MINISTRY EVENTS
Mars Hill churches in urban locations have started hosting business seminars and brown bag events that provide an opportunity for members of the church to share practical wisdom to others looking to succeed and be faithful as disciples of Jesus in the marketplace. These events also provide great opportunities for outreach and evangelism to the surrounding business community.
5. INVITE CONSULTANTS TO TEACH STAFF TRAINING
One of our deacons at Mars Hill is an expert in the DISC assessment, and on numerous occasions she has volunteered time to help explain to staff how to work together and understand one another better. For another example, check out Jim Gilmore’s content on Resurgence.
6. SEND THEM PRAYER REQUESTS
Kingly men and women are often very organized and disciplined in their prayer life, rising early to get time with Jesus. Ask them to pray for the church, pray for the lead pastor, pray for volunteers—send them something to pray about each week.
7. HIRE AN EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Church members with a proven business background often make great candidates for executive pastor. This often represents a huge sacrifice for guys who could earn a lot more elsewhere, but God may be calling them to go that route.
Jesus has equipped his church with the men and women who can faithfully serve in unique and helpful ways—if we only would provide them the opportunity to do so.
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