I am wrapping up my trip in Nashville with Henry Blackaby, Winkie Pratney and many Christian coaches, mentors and disciple makers. In the meantime, one of our rainforest business coaches, Jerry Henline, does some very important work in supporting missionaries and churches so I asked him to write this blog about the connection between business and church life. He has called it, Common Ground…
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord,
but also in the sight of men.” (II Corinthians 8:21)
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:40)
There is little disagreement among Christians as to WHAT our directive is in Scripture, but we become disagreeable to a large degree, on HOW we go about achieving that objective. That’s another way of saying “though methodologies may differ, the message is always the same.” We even define denominations by it. However, I believe these two verses provide the common ground we should be standing on when it comes to ministry objectives. Being honest before God and man, and doing things decently and in order.
These verses also provide the platform for implementing the principles Michael Pink reveals to us in Rainforest Strategies, not only in business, but in ministry as well. I know there are negative connotations to the suggestion of applying business practices to ministry, or the church, but it’s an “honest thing.” Churches and ministries have buildings, vehicles, equipment, employees and budgets just like businesses. If it all belongs to God, and it does, why would we treat one any different than the other? Jesus said, “wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
Jerry Henline is a Certified Rainforest Coach and founder of Missionary Logistics, an organization dedicated to serving churches, missionaries and non-profit organizations; providing tools and assistance with logistics, strategic planning and analysis for issues that inhibit productivity and fulfillment of purpose utilizing the growth principles found in the rainforest. Whether at home, or the uttermost, they are available to coach you through the process of finding practical solutions to fulfill your God-given mission, and honoring Him by doing things “decently and in order.” Visit www.missionarylogistics.com to learn more about the services and resources they provide.
Great insight.