What the business world can teach the church

Ken Gosnell Aug. 26, 2022

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Many people believe the sentiment that the "church is not a business." However, many of Jesus' parables and actions took place in the marketplace. Additionally, the megachurch movement has continued to grow over the last two decades, and many of the activities of the megachurch reflect a business mentality.

Even though the church is not a business, it is a non-profit. There are certain fundamental characteristics that the church can learn from the business world, and likewise, there are some concepts that the church can teach the business world as well.

It would be wise if all churches would learn a few lessons from the business world that would help them grow their Kingdom impact and produce results that would allow them to grow and expand. Here are four ways churches can learn from businesses.

1. Marketing and branding businesses live and die on being able to communicate their message

One aspect that the megachurch movement has learned from the business world is how to create a "brand" that is recognizable in the community. The small or emerging church needs to understand the essential aspects of branding and marketing to be able to communicate its message successfully.

2. A bottom-line mentality

Companies must make a profit to stay in business. The bottom line is what drives decisions and choices in the business world. The church needs more of this type of thinking. Many churches participate in pointless activities that neither help their people nor the church.

Churches must learn to evaluate programs and use resources better to accomplish the mission God has given them.

3. A focus and value on leadership

Many churches are afraid of leadership. Leadership is neither valued nor appreciated. The church needs leaders and can look to the business world to learn how to lead organizations and accomplish their mission and purpose. God loves leadership and calls leaders of every generation to move forward with His plan and purpose. The church must call forth its great leaders to lead it in this age and future generations.

4. Understanding the importance of vision and strategy

Most successful businesses have the ability to do strategic thinking about the future.

Companies develop new products and are sensitive to changing trends in the marketplace. In reality, most churches don't have any bigger goals than just having church next Sunday. Unfortunately, this is sad but true.

Churches need a strategic plan of how they can grow and develop not only in their current year but for years to come.

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Ken Gosnell is CEO and Servant Leader of CXP (CEO Experience). CXP is a premier coaching and executive roundtable business that serves Christian CEOs in Washington DC, Maryland and Florida. Ken serves leaders by helping them and their teams to have great experiences that both transform the leader and their organizations to go further faster. Learn More »

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