Should Christians do business with each other?
Is it wise for church members to do business with other church members?
Here’s some examples…
Hiring a church member who is a contractor to finish your basement
Buying a car from a church member off facebook marketplace
Investing in a fellow church members startup company
Retaining the legal services of a fellow church member who is a lawyer
Asking a fellow church member, who is a doctor, for free medical advice
Employing a relator who attends your church to help you sell your home
Full disclosure…I have done business with people in the church at times and at other times I have chosen not to. This is true for me both personally and for work done at the church. The following is the wisdom I employ for making those decisions.
The case for yes
The case for answering “yes” is pretty simple. We like to help each other succeed. For example, recently I hired two college kids in our church who started a pressure washing business to clean the sidewalks at the church (they did a great job). Additionally, sometimes there are people in your church who are the best in the community at what they do so obviously they’d be sought after. If you do decide to work together here’s three bits of wisdom
Get a written contract
Agree ahead of time to follow 1 Corinthians 6 if things go sideways (meaning you can’t sue them).
Be ready to lose on the deal if it doesn’t go well
The case for no
The case for answering “no” is also simple. It’s just unwise to do business with family. Church is a family and there’s nothing more potentially devastating to a family than money issues. It makes you in debt/debtor relationships rather than family.
Questions to ask yourself
Would I do business with this person if they weren’t from my church? If not then definitely do not do business with them.
Does this person come to church looking for business contacts? Is so then definitely do not do business with them. They may be wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Am I using my head or my heart? You are using your heart if you are looking for a deal (or a freebie) or giving unwarranted charity for the other party. If you are using your heart do not do the deal.
If this deal goes bad would our relationship survive? If the answer is no then do not do the deal.
Random bits of advice
It’s probably never a wise idea to do large (or perhaps even small) financial investments with people in the church. I’m taking college savings, retirement funds, etc… When people speak of a “once in a lifetime offer” or some other dramatic sounding option you should be thinking PONZI SCHEME and running.
Don’t go looking for a deal. Too many church members take advantage of others members expertise. I’ve seen this be especially true for doctors, mechanics, car salesmen and tradesmen. I think this puts them in a weird position where they feel obligated to help you and to give you a brother-in-law discount.
Don’t come to church looking for business contacts. Come looking for Jesus.
To watch (or listen) my whole sermon on 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 just click here.
