Big Kingdom Business
I teach people that they are all called to be in business. And to succeed in business! The Greek phrase “mind your own business” used here translates as “manage yourself”. It was an encouragement to expand their God given talents so that the life they lived would be peaceful, productive and prosperous. It’s talking about a diligent work ethic, the result of which is to - “have need of nothing”.
So how do we bring our congregations into this “no lack” lifestyle?
Firstly, build their character. Without kingdom qualities in their character it will be impossible for them to commit to anything. Leaders are developed, not born. In God’s kingdom we serve our way to the top.
Luke 16:12 “If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?”
In May of 2012 articles were being written titled “Why Miami must fire Erik Spoelstra and lure Pat Riley back to the bench” Since that time He has won two NBA titles. Not a very outstanding playing career, but an outstanding coaching career. He was chosen because he had perfected his abilities to serve. You’re born to lead, but playing (serving) is how you learn to lead. What you are serving in today is what you will lead tomorrow.
Secondly, teach them to dream. To see our dreams come to life we must focus on the word of God.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
“Everyone is born to have dominion, but only a few will be developed to reign. The key is servanthood.”
KELSEY LEWIS
You might call it daydreaming. What it means is take the word that God gives you today and think about, it dream about it to yourself. Think about it until you know what it means. Until you see it come to pass. “Whatever you can do or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, magic and power in it.”
ARK VICTORY CHURCH
When business and ministry come together under God’s control, both will prosper. It is very difficult for many churches in India to own or even find suitable property. Pastor Jay Kumar has just completed this complex in Chennai, India. Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital city of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Their strategy was to acquire a parcel of land and build a residential complex on it. The proceeds from this enabled them to buy another parcel in a good location and then develop it for retail and commercial use.
City planners are all in favour of such projects. But Pastor Jay also included space for a church of over 1000 to operate. Revenues from the sales and leases of the commercial space helps underwrite the cost of the church. So the church is able to enjoy a first class facility in a prime location – paid for by local businesses!
This is a strategy that can be reproduced in cities all over the world!
