Christian Business Directory

Many would argue that at this day and age, Christianity is slowly taking a back seat as many have become so liberal about their virtues and values. But despite all the threats of post-modernism, there are still a lot of followers of Christianity that strive to bring belief in Christ closer to the hearts of the many. And one of the best ways that they thought of was through building up Christian businesses.

Christian Business Directory

However, these types of businesses are not that easy to find as they are not as prominent. If you are planning to start your own, then chances are that you want to have a wider reach among clients as well as your fellow Christian businessmen. But not to worry because you can always look them up in a  Christian business directory.

What does it do?

The Christian business directory is something that is very convenient to those who are in the Christian business as it provides them with an efficient way of reaching out to clients. This type of directory is just like a normal business directory except that all the business that are found here caters to the Christian community. Some of the types of services that one will find in the Christian business directory include businesses that provide services like selling of Bibles, gospel music, inspirational materials, journals, and other products. Here, you may be able to find every type of business that caters to the interest of the Christian community.

How is it helpful?

The Christian business directory is very helpful not only to the business owners but for the clients as well. Here, they can easily find the things that they are looking for and know where best to buy them. It includes description of the services to provide the clients with an overview on how it can be useful for them.

Many Christian businesses register their company in a Christian business directory so that they can make it more accessible of their clients. They put up their contact details as well as store address so that their clients will know where to find them. It makes the search easy for their clients as all they have to do is to look online.

Christian Business Directory

What’s best about these directories is that it can also serve as a website for the company like www.christianadscenter.com for instance. Here, they can advertise their services to entice more clients. This will be a great way to expand their reach and cater not only to those who are members of the Christian community but to other people as well. They can put their items on the site and provide an overview of their services and how it is beneficial. And apart from that, the directory can also serve as a good venue to evangelize. People who will visit their site will not only learn about their products but will also have an idea about what Christianity is all about. They can post articles about God and include passages in the Bible. This way, they can invite more believers to join the Christian community.

With so many people facing the dilemma of good health insurance, having a balanced nutritious meal, with vitamins and supplements plus exercise,  is a good way to stay healthy and disease-free.

For many years, nutritionists, naturopathic & alternative medicine doctors have maintained that the body was made to heal itself.  No doubt, many people are finding that to be true.

For example, diseases like Cancer, Diabetes and Heart & Cardiovascular diseases that have sent so many people to an early grave, can now be controlled if not totally healed, through the use of nutrition, exercise, vitamins and supplements and under the supervision of a qualified naturopathic or alternative medicine physician.

What so great about all of this is that, patients or victims of these diseases can now come on the internet and do their own research or find people who have been through their same experience and have found a solution.  They can connect with those people through forums, social networking sites and other groups, and learn from their experience.

Of course, people’s cases may be different and so is their body make-up.  But for each person that tells their story of hope and survival, it is an inspiration and motivation for others to know that there can be a remedy for their condition.

For example, on the website searchersmall.com, there is a lot one can learn from diseases and health conditions such as bed wetting, skin care, hair loss, teeth whitening…just to name a few.

Not only are there good and vital information, there are also products and supplements that can help.

Overall, if victims takes time to do their research, find a competent doctor, stick to their diet plan and do their exercise, that can raise some kind of hope.

Take for example, Cancer and Diabetes. that was once known as killer diseases, can now being overcome by proper nutrition, exercise, diet and an overall lifestyle change.

I have learned that anyone can make the change that is needed if they put their heart into it.

Service Business Ideas

 Accounting – Having an Accounting business can be rewarding and gratifying once the business is stable and you have acquired and strengthened your customer base.   One big advantage in starting this business is that, the start-up cost is minimal, compared to other businesses.  The disadvantage is that, you will have to go the extra mile to advertise, market and promote.  In addition to that, you will be working for yourself and will be doing almost everything on your own.  This can be stressful, time-consuming and emotionally draining, which is why it is a perfect fit for partnership.

What can put you ahead of your competition is to get as much materials as you can about starting this type of business.  For example, if you go to  Christian Ads Center, you will have access to a variety of products from Amazon to help you get started.

Cleaning & Janitorial Services

Although there are resources available for cleaning & janitorial business, still it is one of the easiest business to start.  Apart from its minimal cost, another added advantage is the ability to choose what you want to focus on the most.

For example, you can choose any or all of the following:

Carpet cleaning
Window cleaning
Maid service
Power washing & Gutter cleaning

When starting a cleaning & janitorial business, you can choose to do residential, business or both.

Delivery Service Business

Initially, when the term “delivery service” is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is food.  But there are other delivery services that can be started with little start-up cost.  For example:

Newspaper & tabloid delivery service
Laundry or dry-cleaning pick-up & delivery
Grocery shopping & delivery
Catering delivery service…and other similar services.

One of the most important aspect of delivery service is to acquire a van.  The other area is getting your paper work together.

Documents you may need are:

A businesss license
A permit
Insurance

You also need to get marketing & promotional materials in addition to Business Cards, Postcards, flyers and so on, to get maximum exposure.

If planned well, you can start generating business right from day one.

Consulting Services

Starting a consulting service is very easy, as long as you are well-versed in the field or industry you have chosen.  Once you become comfortable with your decision, you can either build a website yourself, or outsource it if time is not on your side.  Building websites is very easy these days.   There are hundreds of templates to choose from at Template Monster, the largest template website on the internet, that are easily customizable.

On the other hand, if time is not on your side, you can outsource the project to several freelancing websites.  You should be able to find a freelance website designer with reputable companies like Freelancer, Odesk or Elance.

Overall, you can start a consulting service business for under $100 including your printing your business cards.

Finding a compatible business partner can bring a sense of relief, hope and satisfaction. But those virtues could be short-lived, if vital steps are not taken to solidify the foundation upon which the business will be built.

Prayer

Speaking from a Christian’s perspective, prayer should be the first and most important stone laid on that foundation. For through prayer, the business decisions you and your partner makes will be directed by the Holy Spirit, eliminating major disagreements and conflicts.  Through prayer, unforeseen and unexpected business challenges can be overcome and a healthy, long-lasting business relationship established.

Apart from your personal and individual prayer time, setting up time for regular corporate prayer can strengthen the relationship.

“Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Psalm 35:27

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

Communication

Whether it is marriage, an organization or a business, communication is the key to understanding the weaknesses and strengths of one another.  Without  effective communication, it is easy for the business to slip into a one-man show.  Discuss just about anything that pertains to the growth and success of the business.  Because once it becomes a partnership, it nullifies your right and freedom to be the sole decision maker.

Do not make decisions without your partner’s knowledge and opinion.  That can create a crack in the foundation and jeopardize your relationship.  In most cases, that is where partnership problems start.

Set clear defined roles each party will play, and discuss vacation times well in advance.

Have a discussion about errors that poses potential problems. For example,

- Personal problems can impair one’s judgment, leading to erroneous input of data
- Receipts and other important documents could be lost or misplaced absent-mindedly.

Communicate – Communicate – Communicate, until you understand each other and feel an atmosphere of unity and harmony.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“For I am the LORD your God  who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Talk To A Qualified Business Consultant Or A Licensed Christian Counselor

Although having a business consultant or licensed Christian counselor can be a matter of choice, when starting a new partnership business, it is recommended that you secure one.

Do not assume that you know your partner well.  Just because you prayed, doesn’t mean God is going to send you a perfect human being.  There is no perfect human being on planet Earth.  Remember, you are both sinners saved by grace.  Even though you may be compatible, neither of you have attained perfection.  You came from different backgrounds, probably different upbringing, may have had different life experiences, etc. Consider your differences.  Problems are going to arise, and you will need someone trustworthy to mediate.  It is not advisable to talk to a friend or family member.  Rather, find someone who is trained, qualified and licensed to give you sound professional and spiritual advice.  If you cannot afford one, talk to your pastor, who is a neutral party.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22: 21

Raising Money To Start

Although there are many legitimate free business opportunities that you can start, expenses are still going to be incurred.  Personally, I do not recommend a 60/40 or 70/30 kind of partnership.  I believe in 50/50 investment, with each party bringing in their equal share of the capital needed.

If one party is not financially strong, then both parties should fund-raise to raise money.  That way, egoistical tendencies and subtle pride that sometimes creeps in in situation where one person is the financial backbone, will be minimized or eliminated altogether.

So…How Can The Money Be Raised?

Thanks to the internet, there are several ways to raise money for business, ministry or charitable causes.

If you decide to start a free business opportunity, your expenses is going to be minimal.  So raising money for registration, advertising and marketing, etc, will not be a steep hill to climb if both parties are determined.

There are various ways to fundraise for a just cause.  For example,  there are a few fundraising companies that have helped many organizations and individuals raise money for their causes.   Venturing into business is a giant step.  If successful, you will one day be part of the statistics of businesses helping towards a stronger economy and job creation.

“I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.” Proverbs 8: 20-21

Finally, apply the “do it once and do it right” principle and you will be well positioned to start a healthy business partnership built on a strong foundation.

When preparing to find a business partner, there are some basic steps if followed, can lead to a fruitful and productive business relationship.  Of course, one would think that as Christians, forming business partnerships shouldn’t be that hard.  Right?  How wrong!  Christians are imperfect people striving towards perfection.  It’s an everyday process.

The procedure to find or choose your partner can be as challenging as starting the business itself.  The partner you choose can make or break your business, your life and your dreams.  They will either become an asset or a liability to your business. That is why it is important that we must spend considerable time in prayer, seeking direction.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

This conditional promise when applied, can lead you to the right person.  Not only does it work in business, it also works when choosing a spouse, a career and other important life-transforming decisions.

I’m almost positive that everyone of us have been hurt some way or the other,  because we aligned ourselves with the wrong people.  People whose motives were impure, and never had our best interest at heart.  Learn from the mistakes and be wise.

Is Choosing Your Best Friend  As Partner A Smart Move?

The number one mistake most people make is choosing their best friend as business partners.   Very few who have gone down that path or have taken that risk have succeeded.    Your best friend can be the nicest person in the world, but is he/she business-minded?   Are you compatible?  Do you have the same business ideals?  Do you share the same aims and objectives for business?    Answers to these simple questions, should be the foundation on which your business partnership should be laid.  Don’t do it haphazardly and end up in regret.

As a Christian, if you decide to partner with someone for business, here are some basic guidelines to follow.  Of course, you already know that the first one is a definite must.

(1) Fast and Pray – This is the most important decision for the believer.

Compare your decision to marriage.  If you choose the right person, you have found your best friend and will be happy for the rest of your life.    Choosing the wrong person spells nothing short of misery for the most part of your life.  So take time to pray.

(2) Talk To Your Pastor About Your Decision.

Pastors have a responsibility to counsel business-oriented members of their congregation where help is needed.  Christian entrepreneurs are God’s financiers, and He is positioning them to finance His earthly kingdom.   No pastor should discourage or dismiss people that go to them for help simply because they don’t want to “get involved.”   That is why pastors are called “under shepherds.” They are obligated to carefully guide their sheep in every area of their lives including business.

(3)  Wait For The Leading Of The Holy Spirit.

After you have spoken to your pastor and most likely they will pray for and with you, patiently wait for the leading of the Holy Spirit.    Continue working on your business until the right person shows up.   When he or she does, you will know because everything will fall in place.

(4)  If You Have Someone In Mind,  Approach Them…But Don’t Talk Business The First Time.

Instead, start a general conversation.  Ask them out for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  During that time, stir up conversations about business among other things.  Mention your desire to partner with someone who is committed to the Lord, and note how they respond.

Here are some important questions to ask:

Ask if they have been in business before and what type of business

Ask about the negative or positive experiences they’ve had.

Ask if they are thinking of partnering with someone.

Ask if there are any areas of partnership they wouldn’t like to handle.

Ask about the areas they would enjoy handling.

Ask as many business related questions as you can, and share your own experiences.  You can also check here for answers to basic legal questions as well.

At the end of the conversation, tell them the nature of your business and ask them if they would enjoy doing something like that.   Their response will give you some clues if they are the right person or not.

By the way, this approach is also good when finding a partner in ministry as well.  Don’t assume you know people that well.

Get basic legal information here

Every day, people are losing their jobs.  No doubt, many more will lose theirs in the next thirty, sixty or ninety days, or even in a year or two from now.    The bad news is, some tithe-paying, offering-giving Christians will also fall victims to the “hurricane” of the already weakened job market.   It will happen, not because they are not faithful and obedient to the word of God, but because:

“…he makes his sun rise on both evil and good people, and he lets rain fall on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matt. 5:45

What Can Be Done About It?

Though we are not of the world, but because we physically exist in the world, there are some things we as believers will get caught up in.  Situations like job loss, natural disasters, wars and violence, just to name a few, are all part of the mix.

Why will this happen?  Is it because God is not faithful to His word?  Absolutely not!  It will happen because of the times we are living in.

In light of the economy and the job market, technology has gone wild.   Knowledge is on the increase.  The human race has become more innovative, and job functions that use to be performed by humans, are now being done by machines.  As a result, the job market keeps getting smaller and smaller, leaving people stranded.

But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”  Daniel 12:4

Sure enough, people are running helter-skelter.  With all of this “rushing here and there, and increase in knowledge,” where do believers stand, and how can they overcome the impending economic challenges?

Despite all the doom and gloom, there is still hope.  If differences can be put aside and creativity and innovation welcomed in our midst, the power of God will manifest, enabling us to withstand perilous times while propelling us to succeed according to His will.

With all that is going on, believers must feel challenged to do one thing:

Put aside differences and start praying about alternative ways to rise above the storm.

As I read Acts 2:40-47, it suddenly dawned on me that the foundation of unity was strengthened by four pillars erected among the believers – Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of bread and Prayer.

What will happen if believers start erecting these four pillars with all sincerity, teaming up and forming business partnerships?  How will it impact our local community, the country as a whole and the world at large, when people start realizing that the small businesses in their local community are owned by Christians?  How will that affect our witness for Christ to the unsaved?

The more I study Acts 2, the clearer it seems, that God might be waiting for His children to emulate their examples, so He can start blessing us through the work of our hands.  Rather than praying for a “miracle” Check to show up in the mailbox, why not start praying for God to direct you to other believers of like-minds to start a business, if you can’t start one on your own?

Unity is the key!   If believers can overcome disunity and petty jealousies in their local assemblies and within the believers’ circle, they can surely turn things around.

Looking through our physical eyes, one would think that it would be a daunting task for believers to start teaming together to form business partnerships.  But if you go to DaySpring’s website, and scroll down to “About DaySpring” and read the history of how the company started, you would be encouraged to know that it can be done, and that is exactly what God wants to do for us these last days.  The names of the founders, gives an indication that these men were not even “blood brothers.”  Obviously, their motives must have been pure in the sight of God, and whatever challenges they may have faced, were overcome by their oneness of spirit.   As a result, God blessed their business tremendously, and expanded their “territory” in a way they themselves never imagined I’m sure.  What an inspiration!

God is waiting for Christians to step out in faith and take Him at His word.   Don’t wait till your job is gone.  Start planning and committing your ways to God and He will give you the desires of your heart.  He wants us to rise above the economic strangulation and prosper in every area of our lives – the spiritual, physical and material.  For His word says:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”  3rd John 1:2

In a world where corruption and unscrupulous business practices has become the norm, Christians who are in business faces tremendous pressure to remain honest in their business dealings.  The fact that there are people who try to exploit them by taking their meekness for weakness, adds to that pressure.  Often times, when people know you are a Christian doing business, their expectation is that, you should sell your products or offer your services for below your cost price.

Because of these pressures, some Christian business owners forget the Deuteronomy 8:18 promise:

“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.”

Desperate for a thriving business, they fall into temptation and start going with the flow.  They compromise their values, their beliefs and the biblical principles upon which their businesses should be built, and at the end, miss God’s plan for them.

Although it can be very disappointing and sometimes frustrating to watch secular business men and women prosper, we must believe that if we conduct our business in an ethical manner, and hold on to our values with the right motives for being in business, God will honor us and give us the desires of our hearts.

You may watch people boycott you and go buy somewhere else…that’s alright.  God is probably weeding out the wheat from the chaff in your business anyway.  Personally, I don’t get hurt when people do that to me because I have learned to commit my ways unto Him.  But if you are the type that feels offended, then to go to God in prayer and ask him for patience.  Know that He is the one controlling your affairs.  He says in Proverbs 3:5:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Prov. 3:5-6

Keep on praying and stand on your faith, Sometimes, all it takes is one customer.  God can use one person to spark the flame of your business and light up the fire.  He never shows up late because His is timing is always perfect.

There are many Christians who can attest to that.  We do not have to compromise to achieve material prosperity.  God wants us to succeed prosper.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”  3^rd Jn.1:2

I believe that God is positioning Christian business men and women to fulfill what He has already said in Proverbs 3:22:

“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”

And the main reason for that is, just as the secular world depends on businesses to help strengthen the economy, so it is in the kingdom of God.  Christian entrepreneurs are called to be God’s financiers.  They are being positioned all over the world to be the pillars of financial support for the spread of the Gospel and for ministry funding.  It is vital that all Christians in business know this.  You are God’s financier and He is not going to let you down.  His instructions will be made known, and His directions will be clear.  So be sensitive to His Spirit.

Hold on to what is right and continue to conduct your business in a way that is pleasing to God.