A church can mean different things to different people. To some, it’s more than just a physical building; it represents a group of believers, whom the Bible describes as a flock, a family, or even the “body of Christ.” Rarely is a church referred to as being a business, although it’s a trillion-dollar industry in the US only. There are people out there who state that one can’t run your church like a business, and this is because, biblically, a church and its people aim to glorify God and not make profits.
But is a church a business? Let’s look at what criteria a church meets as an institution to be considered as such.
What is a church?
According to the bible, church means “the called out ones” or “dedicated to the Lord,” and it derives from the Greek “ekklesia.” If we view this institution as a business, the pastor or priest would be the CEO, and the churchgoers would be the customers. Apart from the priests, there are other people “in the service” of the church, and they are paid for the work they do: like the chanter, cleaner, or handyman.
Why can the church be considered a business?
Some aspects can associate the church with a business. Here are a few of the main ones:
1. They are legal entities
Churches are legal entities registered as nonprofit organizations or unincorporated associations at a particular address. Also, church leaders hold periodic meetings to discuss administration or discipline.
2. People pay for church services, like in the marketplace
If you think about Christmas concerts or events organized by the church where people have to pay for an entrance or a ticket, it is no different than any other similar event. Except for the fact that some of these concerts are organized for charity and are non-profit events.
3. They can create jobs that are favorable for local economies
There are countless church job openings to fill, and many employment agencies have specialized in recruiting church staff members. Moreover, a church encourages not only job creation but also community growth. Some families consider the presence of religious organizations when moving or purchasing a property. This means that churches help establish residence in a local community, contributing to property tax payments.
4. A church generates profit
Just like any other businesses or institutions such as universities, hospitals, banks, or any operational church make profits, the organization’s leaders are legally not allowed to put the profit in their own pockets. Some of how a church makes money are:
- Tithe and offerings.
- Sponsorship: this can be anything from flowers, furniture, or different events.
- Property renting: churches rent out their spaces for different events, co-working purposes, and other reasons.
- Fundraising merchandise: selling T-shirts, bracelets, caps, hats, or other objects is an excellent way for churches to generate income.
Moreover, many physical or online stores, such as Obitel Minsk, sell icons, books, church accessories, or black priest vestments and generate profitable income and sustain their mission.
Why is it difficult to consider churches as businesses?
Although there are many elements for which a church can be seen as a business, to some, it’s hard to see it this way because of the mythical sacred view according to which a church is above companies.
What can church leaders learn from business leaders?
- How to manage money wisely: Prioritizing spending is a must for any successful business, and a good CEO knows precisely how to lead with vision and not the company’s budget. As an efficient business practice, a company must constantly evaluate its spending, and churches should also include clear accountability to owners and the Internal Revenue Service.
- Outsourcing and smart working: As any other leader, a church leader needs to know when things they can delegate responsibilities. Also, it is essential not to take on jobs or ministries that do not serve the church.
- Keeping up with technology: The world we live in is digitized, and business owners and leaders need to keep up to be relevant and reach audiences (especially younger generations). Moreover, a business needs to know its audience and nurture its relationship.
The takeaway
According to the Bible, a church has organizational and spiritual elements, being both an institution and “the body of Christ.” This means that its management needs to be organizational, just like any other business: apart from worship, praying, and proclaiming the name of God, a church also has to maintain facilities and pay bills as an institution. As seen above, there are many elements for what a church can be considered a business, which needs the support of its community to succeed.
