Relating to People in Business

Having spent most of last year in Fiji helping with a massive evangelistic campaign, I can echo what most missionary fundraisers will tell you, Christians in business are a JOY to work with. In many ways they have more faith and vision than "professional" Christian workers. If it were not for 3 or 4 businessmen in Fiji working with our organization and the churches, we would not have seen anywhere near the impact of the Gospel on that nation last year.

We will take a quick look at a few aspects of the businessmen or women's paradigm. It is important to note some differences, although this page is by no means exhaustive, and of course business people are just that - people. They are as varied as any other group, BUT there are some commonalities found in many people in the business world that knowing will help the missionary fundraiser. Of course we are narrowing this group into a subset of business people who are Christians with an interest in missions.

I. History: It would be good to be cognizant of the fact that many Christians in the business world have felt like second class citizens of the Kingdom for many years. Unfortunately and mostly unknowingly many churches and clergy project the message that to be truly "spiritual" a person would be in "full time" ministry. We have communicated from our pulpits for years that "full time" ministry is being a pastor, missionary, etc. This message is harmful because the truth of scripture is that we are all full time Christians. I could write a whole book on this, but the point being here is to be extra aware that you value and respect their calling and anointing for the business world. Any hint on your part of an attitude of spiritual superiority in what you do well greatly thwart your efforts. A great resource to refer them to is Joseph Company

II. Thinking. I'm not a sociologist or psychologist, but from spending 30+ years in the military, church, and business world - I can attest to the fact that business people often think different that church people. Church people like to think philosophically and theoretically, while business people are more practical and tangible. When talking to business people about supporting your work, vision is great, but be extra sure to address the pragmatics of who, when, where, how, what, and HOW MUCH. Big dreams and thus BIG budgets do not scare them, but they need to be grounded in real soil, not wishful or fuzzy plans. Be sure you are concrete in your presentations and appeals for help.

III. Solve Problems. Business people get things done, that is what they do to make money. The softer fields of the church or social worlds can go for days or weeks or months with no tangible results or way to truly measure growth. Present your work as a challenge that they get to help you overcome or solve. My experience is that business people are particularly drawn to capital projects, whether they are part of your monthly support group or not.

IV. Risk Takers. Many businessmen take risks everyday as they lead their companies or projects. They are willing to invest in you, your projects, often at high levels - BUT they will also expect accountability and fruit from their partnership with you.

Any missionary or missions project is greatly blessed to have people called into the business world as part of their team. The emphasis found in this website to make your supporters feel a part of the TEAM with you warrants double consideration here in light of the history and make up of people in the business world. This is a short over generalization, but take it as motivation to include them in your work, and to do it with wisdom. Once you have a business person with you in heart and vision, they will often become a major advocate for you, even beyond their personal giving.

A great book and gift for your supporter called into the business world is "Anointed for Business" by Ed Silvoso.

Support Raising and Businessmen