Business Discipleship
The integration of Christ-centered discipleship within secular business environments necessitates a multifaceted
approach that promotes ethical influence and substantive impact. Below are key strategies designed to empower
disciples in these contexts:
1. Modeling Christian Ethics: Disciples should embody Christian principles—honesty, integrity, respect, and
compassion—within their professional conduct. This can catalyze a cultural shift, prompting colleagues to adopt
similar ethical frameworks.
2. Building Authentic Relationships: Establishing trust-based, authentic relationships facilitates open dialogue and
enables the sharing of faith and values organically, enhancing the overall workplace culture.
3. Engagement in Service: Actively participating in community service and social initiatives underscores the
embodiment of Christ’s teachings in real-world applications, encouraging wider participation and demonstrating
the communal benefits of these values.
4. Providing Ethical Leadership: Leaders should implement policies that reflect Christian principles such as equity, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility, setting a precedential standard for others to
follow.
5. Creating Discipleship Groups: Establish small, supportive groups for prayer, Bible study, and mutual
encouragement within the workplace, fostering an environment where faith can boldly intersect with professional
life.
6. Influencing Policies and Practices: Advocate for workplace policies that align with Christian ethical standards, emphasizing diversity, equity, and respect for all individuals, thereby promoting a holistic and inclusive work
environment.
7. Training and Workshops: Develop and conduct workshops focused on integrating faith into professional settings, providing employees with tools to address ethical dilemmas through a Christian lens.
8. Engaging in Dialogue: Promote a culture of open dialogue around faith and ethics within the workplace,
encouraging diverse perspectives while ensuring mutual respect and exploration of differing viewpoints.
9. Utilizing Media and Communication: Employ various media channels to disseminate narratives and testimonials
that illustrate the positive impact of Christian values on business performance and community health.
10. Encouraging Integrity in Business Practices: Advocate for transparency, accountability, and equitable practices, illustrating that ethical success is attainable in alignment with Christian principles.
11. Prayer and Intercession: Promote collective prayer initiatives for the business community and societal
challenges, seeking divine wisdom that informs ethical decision-making and corporate accountability.
By executing these strategies, disciples of Christ can significantly influence secular business spheres, thereby
fostering values and behaviors that authentically reflect their faith while contributing positively to society. This
approach must be characterized by love, humility, and authenticity, allowing for the sincere representation of
Christ’s teachings in daily professional interactions.
Farming
Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified three key actions: preaching the gospel, teaching the word of God, and tending to the needs of the poor.
In His approach to feeding the hungry, particularly highlighted in Matthew 14, Jesus demonstrated a profound understanding of resources. When He fed the 5,000 in the wilderness, He did not pray for food to appear out of thin air. Instead, He inquired about what was available and offered a blessing over those existing provisions.
Pastoral Aid
In the Scriptures, the Levites are identified as the priests tasked with serving God. These priests dedicate their lives to spiritual duties, leaving them little time to pursue financial gain. In this divine framework, God imparts wisdom to these priests, guiding them to establish businesses rather than traditional jobs.