Four Essential Qualities of a Christ-Centered Business (And What it is Not)

[Moses joel Adetokunbo]

Should businesses prioritize a 'Christ-centered' approach, or is that reserved solely for local churches? Many Christian professionals find themselves working within organizational cultures that may not align with their faith. Unlike biblical figures such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego who faced extreme challenges in their workplaces, modern-day Christians often face subtle discouragement when it comes to expressing their beliefs openly. However, even within these corporate environments, they can still make a meaningful impact for Christ.

For those of us living in free societies and called to be entrepreneurs and business leaders, we have an even greater opportunity to shape the culture of our businesses. We can dedicate our enterprises to God's purposes and strategies.

Before discussing what it means to have a 'Christ-Centered Business,' let's clarify what it does not entail:

1. It does not mean exclusively hiring Christians.
Such discriminatory practices are illegal (at least in the United States) and go against the redemptive purpose of businesses: being salt and light among unbelievers in the workplace. Jesus himself spent significant time with non-believers; therefore, if we only work with fellow believers, our business may not truly embody a Christ-centered approach.

2. It is not about being overly religious.
Being a Christ-Centered Business does not involve gathering employees into conference rooms for worship sessions or inviting pastors to preach during office hours. Transplanting church service models directly into a business setting is not the goal.

3. It is more than just financial prosperity.
If we define prosperity solely based on money and influence, claiming that 'Christ-Centered businesses prosper more than those led by non-Christians' would be insufficient evidence. Many successful companies listed on Fortune 500 or Inc. 500 are led by individuals who do not identify as Christians. Jesus explained this phenomenon by stating that God blesses both good and evil people alike (Matt 5:45b).

4. It goes beyond applying timeless principles.
The Bible offers practical business wisdom that has proven effective throughout history. Both Christians and non-Christians can apply these timeless principles and reap the benefits in their businesses. However, it is important to remember that God is not merely a set of principles but a personal being.

So, if being a Christ-Centered business does not solely rely on hiring Christians, religious practices, financial success, or the application of timeless wisdom, how can we recognize such enterprises? In the following section.

To be continued..