If you’re an entrepreneur or a corporate leader, you may have the sense that your primary purpose is to create profits to fund the kingdom. But does your calling stop there?
As a Christian in business, your personal mission could be about something much bigger … your people. That’s what Mike Sharrow, CEO of C12 Business Forums, believes. “The Bible tells us God really values people most,” Mike says. “He is less interested in what we do with money and more interested in what we do with people. People are the greatest asset in the kingdom of God, and business has access to a lot of them.”
So, how do you invest generously in the people God has called you to lead, shepherd, and co-labor with every day? Here are seven creative ideas to consider:
1. Begin with benevolence
Generosity begins within. Set up an employee benevolence fund, so leadership and employees can show compassion for one another in times of unexpected need. The company can match employee contributions and a confidential committee of peers can approve applications. NCF can help you easily manage this through Helping Hands Charitable.
2. Fund time on mission, as well as time off
In addition to paid vacation, your company can offer to cover all or a portion of employee mission trips, retreats, conferences, or Christian classes. For example, one NCF giver’s generous company covers one week of time off with pay per year and 50 percent of the costs for an employee to go on a mission trip with their family.
3. Empower employees to give
An employee giving program is a powerful way to enable employees to experience the joy of generosity firsthand. And a Giving Fund at NCF is a simple, low-cost way to handle it. Employees can nominate their favorite charities for grants that the company funds monthly or quarterly.
4. Create momentum with a JOG
For a deeper dive into biblical generosity, consider taking your leadership team, board, or even your whole staff through a Journey of Generosity (JOG) event. One NCF giver who arranged a JOG for every employee in his banking business – from tellers to top-level execs – says it was a transformational experience for all involved.
5. Invest in emotional and spiritual well-being
Counseling programs, or even spiritual guidance like that provided by Marketplace Chaplains, are also key for helping your team members find support for their marriage, family, and finances or during times of crisis or loss.
6. Honor the Sabbath with sabbaticals
Offering employees a sabbatical periodically is an act of biblical generosity that echoes God’s design for work and rest. For leaders and their teams, the practice of a sabbatical weaves the sanctity of rest into the fabric of company culture and serves as a powerful affirmation of each person’s value and supports their well-being.
7. Provide coaching and connection
Getting your leadership team plugged in to a trusted community of Christian business leaders can be a vital opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment. Organizations like C12 Business Forums and Convene offer regular peer-advisory groups all over the country.
Connect with your local NCF team to find more ideas and strategies for business owners and leaders.
