Business as Gospel Opportunity

We believe Jesus gives us opportunities to fulfill our missional calling to these people whom God places in our path through business.

By Suzy Kanode

We are all missionaries, whether we have the official title or not. That is the mindset which my husband Hahns and I have embraced throughout our marriage. We have been taught in our churches and families that sharing the good news of Jesus is a vocation, not just a job. We also prioritize ministry to a whole person, not just one part of them.

Seeing business as a tool for transformation allows for this holistic approach in an authentic manner as relationships are built and cultivated over time. Many businesspeople don’t view themselves as missionaries, even though they may be supportive of missions in general, but we believe that business is a great venue for spreading the knowledge of Christ and what it means to follow him through ongoing relationships.

At the least, the way we conduct ourselves within those relationships speaks to our faith. We strive to follow Jesus’ “golden rule,” to treat people fairly, and to act with integrity.

In a business context, we have access to many more people who may be interested in knowing more about Jesus and following him than if we just waited for people to show up in our churches with their questions and curiosity. We form and build relationships with vendors, customers, and employees.
We have learned to be alert all the time, in every setting, for who God is calling to come into a relationship or a deeper relationship with him. At times, Hahns has had opportunities to ask leading questions that have in turn led to deeper discussions about faith and what discipleship entails with customers who have become our friends over a long period of time. Sometimes the conversations simply offer new perspectives in ways that challenge the status quo.

Through business relationships, we have opportunities to share our faith through intentional conversations. At the least, the way we conduct ourselves within those relationships speaks to our faith. We strive to follow Jesus’ “golden rule,” to treat people fairly, and to act with integrity.

Rather than doing business with profit as the only bottom line, we desire to transform the workplace into places where people can thrive. There have been times when employees have messed up and we have chosen to offer them a second chance and continue to treat them with dignity. We have forgiven as Jesus commands us while also providing accountability for future performance.

Another desire we have is to help people meet their goals. Some customers want assistance with their own business to be able to grow and better provide for their families and contribute to their communities. The goals for other customers might be finding ways to have fun, relax, or spend extra time with family or friends.

For employees, maybe these goals look like opportunities to better their lives, identify strengths and provide space to grow their skill sets, as well as improve areas where they’re not as strong.

Of all the businesses we have been a part of, the products and/or services that we have offered are very diverse. The commonality of all these businesses is people. We believe Jesus gives us opportunities to fulfill our missional calling to these people whom God places in our path through business.

Suzy Kanode is a businesswoman, church elder, and client advocate at AVA Care, Harrisonburg, Virginia.