I have received multiple questions about the "Business Pastor" title that I use on my web site and social media profiles. People are intrigued by this interesting combination of terms that on the surface may not seem like they fit together. However, if we dig a little deeper we will find these two terms should actually be used together more often.

Before I delve into exactly what a business pastor does, let's look at a few of the Biblical roles of a "church pastor", who is called by God to lead a group of people according to His will:

• Shepherd/Care (1 Peter 5:1-2)
• Pray (Ephesians 6:18)
• Disciple people into the character of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16)
• Preach/Teach the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
• Encourage and inspire (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
• Advise (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

There are definitely other roles that we can associate with the traditional pastoral role, but these particular functions are key to being a business pastor. 

Now this term business pastor has a Biblical foundation if you consider that Peter called us a "royal priesthood" in 2 Peter 1:9. So in reality we are both kings and priests, which represents both a secular and sacred calling. Hence, a business pastor isn't very strange after all (I go further in this teaching two of my other articles, Marketplace of Healing and Kings & Priests in Business).

The model of a religious leader providing spiritual support to a secular organization is nothing new (I really don't believe in the concept of the separation of sacred and secular, but I will use these terms for the sake of this discussion. That will be another post later :). Corporations, the U.S. military, and even the U.S. Senate have chaplains who serve them in various ways, including some of what I listed above. 

Unfortunately, what isn't common are those who operate in a chaplain role for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Entrepreneurs face unique marketplace challenges, and it's often hard for them to find people and places where their personal issues and professional difficulties are understood and addressed relevant to their situation. If a person isn't an entrepreneur, it's typically hard for them to put themselves into the mindset of one. 

This is where I come into the picture (and many others who may not yet know it). I am passionate about caring, praying, discipling, teaching, encouraging, and advising entrepreneurs to maximize their talents, pursue their calling, and find fulfillment so they can build extraordinary businesses. In addition to spiritual support, I also provide strategic consulting solutions built on Biblical principles to address the necessary practical activities needed to grow a profitable business. So in short I assist entrepreneurs professionally, spiritually,  and operationally. 

I don't have a church building, but I'm being the church by providing spiritual and professional support to entrepreneurs and business people who need to be pastored in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs need love and care too! And God has called me to do that for them. 

Do you need a business pastor? Are in a corporate job and would like a business pastor / chaplain for your company or department? I can do that for you. Let's talk.

Recently I wrote a post “7 Great Ways Your Church Can Economically Empower Your Congregation and Community.” This post includes six more practical ideas to help people in ways that complement the spiritual teachings they receive at your church. The key thing to remember about all these ideas is that the pastor doesn’t have to do them all or lead every effort. It’s time to strategically engage the businesspeople and professionals in your church who would be more than happy to share their expertise with their fellow church members and the community.

Here are 6 more ideas…

1. Conduct job search/career development workshops facilitated by HR experts from the church
2. Connect with multiple churches to host a job fair
3. Develop a listing of members with their trade/skill and publish a directory
4. Generate revenue for a career services program by selling ads to the business owners (see #3)
5. Faith-based business workshops
6. Invite speakers from local jobs-related programs

What has your church done to help to economically empower your congregation and community?

Many churches are still struggling to regain their financial footing in this economic recovery. This is largely due to the domino effect of many families still being challenged financially due to the unemployment and underemployment situation. Research from Barna Group revealed that  the church is falling short in in terms of providing proactive support to the economic crisis for their members or communities. Some of this is due to the financial pain churches are feeling. Some of it is that pastors and church leaders may not be aware of many of the practical things they can do – apart from just giving money – to those who are hurting financially.

Here are a few ideas your church can use to provide assistance and direction to your congregation and communities who are experiencing major financial challenge difficulties…

1. Host Financial Peace classes
2. Provide 1-on-1 financial counseling for families
3. Provide 1-on-1 business coaching for entrepreneurs
4. Distribute monthly e-newsletter from the church with financial tips
5. Preach/teach marketplace-themed messages
6. Host a budgeting workshop
7. Create space for a barter system/network for goods and services

For many people entrepreneurship is the path to fulfilling their purpose and reaching their financial promise land. More importantly, we are teaching people how to do business God's way.

Also, we would love to come to your church to facilitate one of these boot camps for your congregation and community. Just contact us to today to get more details.