By Rev Dr Isiah Dhliwayo
The core business of the church is to spread the Gospel of Christ through preaching, teaching, prayer, worship, pastoral care and evangelism.
Misconceptions about serving the church often stem from misconceptions about defining the church. Many people view local churches like small businesses where the pastor is the CEO and the people are the customers.
The transformation of the church into a business entity is a complex phenomenon with various contributing factors.My point is to examine our church bodies to see if they resemble a business, operationally, to the detriment of the body of Christ.
The Bible describes the church as a body, not a business.The church is not called to conform their services to the preferences of the people. Instead, the people are called to be conformed by the grace of God into the image of Christ. All people. All nations. Not some.
According to Scripture, the church has a three-fold purpose: the exaltation of God, the edification of the saints, and the evangelization of the world.
The church doesn’t offer services. The church serves. People aren’t called to consume. They are called to repent, believe, and follow Christ. They are called to freely give what they have freely received.
But when the church becomes a business, it can be very tempting for pastors with control issues to start ordering people around like bosses managing employees.”
Accordingly Jesus said, “Stop making my Father’s house a place of business.” These words ought to put the fear of the Lord into every pastor and ministry leader; they should cause those of us leading churches to sincerely evaluate our approach.-:that of turning churches into business.
The Bible describes the church as a body, not a business. The business of the body is to make faithful disciples not happy customers.Catering our product to the preferences of our customers may be good business but it has no place in the church.
Herein,I will highlight some ways in which this transformation has occurred:
- Commercialization of Religion: In some cases, churches have adopted business-like practices to attract more followers and increase revenue. This can manifest in the form of selling religious merchandise, organizing expensive conferences and events, or treating church services as a product to be marketed.
- Prosperity Gospel: The prosperity gospel movement emphasizes material wealth as a sign of God’s favor. Some churches promote the idea that financial success is a reward for faith, encouraging followers to donate generously with the promise of material blessings in return. This approach can sometimes prioritize financial gain over spiritual growth.
- Real Estate and Investments: Some churches have become involved in real estate ventures or financial investments to generate income beyond traditional donations. This can lead to a focus on financial growth and asset acquisition, resembling more of a business mindset.
- Mega-Churches: Mega-churches, which are characterized by their large congregations and elaborate facilities, often require significant financial resources to operate. To sustain their operations and growth, mega-churches may adopt business strategies for fundraising, marketing, and administration.
- Corporate Structure: Some churches have adopted a corporate structure with hierarchies, boards of directors, and professional management teams. While this can improve efficiency and organization, it may also introduce a business-oriented culture that prioritizes financial metrics and strategic planning over spiritual matters.
- Focus on Profitability: Increasingly, some churches prioritize financial success and profitability, measuring their effectiveness in terms of metrics like attendance numbers, revenue, and market share. This focus on financial performance can shift the church’s priorities away from spiritual guidance and community service.
- Tax-exempt Status: The tax-exempt status of churches can sometimes lead to financial abuses or questionable financial practices. Without the same level of financial transparency and accountability required of for-profit businesses, some churches may operate in ways that prioritize financial gain over their religious mission.
- Technology and Media: Churches have leveraged technology and media to reach larger audiences and increase their influence. While these tools can be powerful for spreading their message, they can also be used in ways that prioritize revenue generation and fundraising over spiritual growth.
It’s important to note that not all churches have adopted business practices, and many religious organizations maintain a strong focus on spiritual values, service to their communities, and the well-being of Christians.
