Entrepreneurship as Ministry- Why Kingdom Entrepreneurship Matters

 

 

 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to make a difference in the world. The Great Commission commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). One of the ways we can fulfill this commitment is through Kingdom entrepreneurship.

Kingdom entrepreneurship is the practice of creating and managing businesses that serve God's purposes and advance His Kingdom. It involves using the skills, resources, and opportunities that God has given us to create value for others and make a positive impact in the world. Kingdom entrepreneurs are driven not only by a desire for personal success and financial gain but also by a deep sense of calling to serve God and others through their work.

So, why does Kingdom entrepreneurship matter? Here are a few reasons:

It fulfills our God-given purpose

God has created each of us with unique talents, abilities, and passions. We are called to use these gifts to glorify Him and serve others (1 Peter 4:10-11). Kingdom entrepreneurship provides a platform for us to do just that. By starting and running businesses that reflect our values and beliefs, we can fulfill our God-given purpose and make a positive impact in the world.

It creates jobs and economic opportunity.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful force for economic growth and development. By starting businesses, Kingdom entrepreneurs create jobs and generate income for themselves and others. They also bring innovative products and services to market that improve people's lives and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

It transforms communities.

Kingdom entrepreneurship has the power to transform communities by addressing social and economic problems and promoting positive change. By starting businesses that serve the needs of their communities, Kingdom entrepreneurs can help lift people out of poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and promote environmental sustainability. They can also create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

 

It advances God's Kingdom

Ultimately, Kingdom entrepreneurship matters because it is a means of advancing God's Kingdom on earth. By creating businesses that reflect God's values and contribute to the common good, Kingdom entrepreneurs can bear witness to the transforming power of the Gospel and inspire others to follow Christ. They can also use their businesses as a platform for evangelism and discipleship, sharing the love of Christ with employees, customers, and vendors.

As we embark on this journey, let us seek God's wisdom and guidance, and let us strive to glorify Him in all that we do.

Reaching Out to the World in Christ's Name- The Role of Christian Community in Society

 

 

The Kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing, who would ever have been spared?

- Martin Luther

As Christians, we are called not only to live in community with one another, but also to reach out to the world around us in Christ's name. This call to evangelism and community outreach is at the heart of the Christian faith, and has been a central part of the church's mission throughout history.

Biblical Foundations for Community Outreach and Evangelism

The Bible is clear that God's love and salvation are for all people, and that we are called to share this message of hope with others. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This command to share the good news of salvation with others is echoed throughout the New Testament, and is at the heart of the church's mission.

In addition to sharing the message of salvation, the Bible also calls us to love and serve others in practical ways. In the book of James, we are told that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). This means that our faith should be demonstrated not only in our words but also in our deeds. Jesus himself modelled this kind of servant leadership, as he went about healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and caring for those in need.

Practical Ways to Reach Out to Others

There are many ways in which we can reach out to others in our communities and beyond. Some of these include:

Serving the Needy: Jesus taught us to love our neighbours as ourselves. A Christian community can extend its love and care to the marginalized and needy in society by providing food, shelter, and other basic needs. This can be done through outreach programs, partnerships with local organizations, and other initiatives.

Promoting Justice: Christians are called to be advocates for justice and righteousness. A Christian community can raise awareness and take action on issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. This can include participating in protests, lobbying for change, and supporting organizations that work for justice.

Sharing the Gospel: The ultimate goal of a Christian community is to share the good news of salvation with those who do not yet know Christ. This can be done through evangelism programs, discipleship training, and personal witness.

Engaging with Culture: A Christian community can also engage with the culture around them, seeking to influence it for Christ. This can involve creating art, music, and other forms of creative expression that glorify God and communicate the truth of the Gospel.

Cleanliness and Sanitation Drives: In many parts of India, hygiene and sanitation are major issues. A Christian community can organize cleanliness and sanitation drives to clean up the streets, public spaces, and even slums. They can also provide resources like soap, sanitary napkins, and toilets to people who lack access to them.

Skill Development Programs: Many people in India are unable to access quality education or job opportunities. A Christian community can organize skill development programs that teach people valuable skills like carpentry, tailoring, and cooking. This can help people become self-sufficient and provide for their families.

Healthcare Camps: Access to healthcare is another major issue in many parts of India. A Christian community can organize healthcare camps that offer basic medical check-ups, vaccinations, and medicines to people in need. They can also provide education on topics like nutrition and disease prevention.

Disaster Relief: India is prone to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. A Christian community can organize disaster relief efforts to provide immediate aid and support to affected communities. This can include providing food, water, shelter, and medical aid.

Environment Conservation: India is facing environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, and climate change. A Christian community can organize campaigns to raise awareness about these issues and promote environmental conservation. This can include activities like planting trees, cleaning up beaches and rivers, and reducing plastic usage.

Mental Health: Create a support group for individuals struggling with mental health issues, where they can share their experiences and receive emotional support. Organize awareness campaigns on mental health issues to reduce the stigma surrounding them and encourage people to seek workshops and training sessions to educate community members on techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

Uplifting Poor Farmers: Organize a community-supported agriculture program where people can buy produce directly from local farmers at fair prices. Offer training and support programs to help farmers increase their crop yields and improve their agricultural practices. Set up farmer markets where farmers can sell their produce to the community directly.

Empowering Women: Set up self-help groups for women, providing them with training, resources, and support to start their own businesses or become financially independent. Offer classes on financial literacy and entrepreneurship to help women take control of their finances and create new opportunities for themselves. Host workshops on women's health and well-being, including topics like reproductive health and nutrition

Entrepreneurial training can be a valuable tool for empowering the community, especially in areas where job opportunities are limited. By equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to start their own businesses, a community can help foster economic growth and self-sufficiency. This can be especially important in developing countries like India, where poverty and unemployment are major challenges.

Counseling for those struggling with addiction can also be an important service that a Christian community can offer. Addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful behaviours can have devastating effects on individuals and their families, and seeking help can be difficult. By providing counselling and support groups, a community can help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. This can be especially important in areas where addiction is a widespread problem, such as parts of India.

These are just a few examples of community activities that can be undertaken by Christian communities. Ultimately, the role of a Christian community in society is to be a shining light of God's love and grace, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.

 

"There is no Christianity without Community."- Nikolaus von Zinzendorf

 

Christian community living models have existed throughout history, with various groups and movements seeking to live out their faith together in intentional communities. One such example is the Moravian Church.

Nikolaus von Zinzendorf, a German theologian, and leader in the Moravian Church, famously said, "There is no Christianity without community." This statement captures the essence of the Christian faith as a communal experience.

One of the most well-known examples of the Moravian Church's emphasis on community living is the Moravian settlements, also known as Herrnhut communities, which were established in Germany and other parts of Europe in the 18th century. These settlements were intentional communities of believers who lived and worked together in pursuit of their faith.

The Herrnhut communities were structured around a shared set of values and practices. Each settlement was led by a group of elders who were responsible for overseeing the community's spiritual life, as well as its economic and social activities. The settlements were also governed by a set of rules and regulations designed to promote order and discipline within the community.

One of the defining features of the Herrnhut communities was their commitment to shared work and property. Each member of the community contributed their skills and labor to the community's economic activities, which included agriculture, crafts, and other trades. The community's resources were shared among all members, ensuring that everyone's needs were met.

Today the Moravian Church continues to place a strong emphasis on community living. While the Herrnhut communities no longer exist in their original form, the church maintains a network of intentional communities around the world, known as "Bruderhof" communities, which are modelled on the Herrnhut settlements. These communities are characterized by their commitment to shared work and property, as well as their emphasis on spiritual growth and community life.

The Moravian settlements and Bruderhof communities serve as powerful examples of the importance of community living in the Christian faith. By living and working together in pursuit of their faith, believers are able to grow in their relationship with God and with one another, and to share the love of Christ with the world.

Rev. Rhenius was a German missionary who worked in South India during the early 19th century. He is known for his pioneering work in establishing "settlement villages" in the area around Tirunelveli, in what is now Tamil Nadu

Rhenius was inspired by the Moravian settlements in Germany and believed that establishing intentional communities of believers in India could help to strengthen the church and promote social and economic development in the region. His settlement villages were established as communities of Christian believers who lived and worked together in pursuit of their faith.

Today, the legacy of Rhenius' settlement villages can still be seen in the thriving Christian communities of Tamil Nadu. While the settlements themselves no longer exist in their original form, the values of community living and social justice that they embodied continue to inspire and guide believers around the world.

Amy Carmichael was a Christian missionary who served in India from 1895 to 1951. She is known for her work with young girls who had been forced into temple prostitution in India. In order to rescue these girls and provide them with a safe and nurturing environment, Carmichael established settlements. The well-known of Carmichael's settlements was the Dohnavur Fellowship, which was located in the town of Dohnavur in Tamil Nadu. The fellowship was established in 1901 and grew rapidly over the years..

Today, the legacy of Amy Carmichael's settlements lives on in the continued work of the Dohnavur Fellowship, as well as in the many other organizations that have been inspired by her example. Her commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable young girls has inspired generations of Christians around the world, and her legacy continues to inspire and guide.

Building a Home Away from Home-How the Church Can Be a Beacon of Hope in Tamil Nadu

 

In Tamil Nadu, there are currently around 10 million migrant workers from North India who come to the state in search of work. These workers often face a variety of challenges, including limited access to healthcare, low wages, and discrimination. As Christians, we are called to love and care for our neighbors, including those who are strangers or foreigners among us. In this chapter, we will explore how the church can play a meaningful role in the lives of these migrant workers in a community living perspective.

Jesus was a migrant when he was born. His family had to flee to Egypt as refugees to escape the threat of Herod's violence (Matthew 2:13-15). The Bible also reminds us to care for migrants and strangers, as they are among the most vulnerable in society (Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:19). As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to welcome and care for those who are new to our communities, regardless of their background.

In Tamil Nadu, there are retired missionaries who went to North India in the 70s and have now returned. These missionaries have a wealth of experience and knowledge about the culture and needs of North Indian migrants. The church can partner with these retired missionaries to better understand the challenges faced by migrant workers and to develop effective strategies for serving them.

So, what can the church do to support migrant workers? Here are some ideas:

Provide language and vocational training: Many migrant workers come to Tamil Nadu without knowledge of the local language or skills that are in demand. The church can provide language and vocational training to help these workers improve their job prospects and integrate into the local community.

Offer healthcare services: Migrant workers often have limited access to healthcare. The church can provide basic healthcare services, such as first aid and health education, to improve the health and well-being of these workers.

Create a welcoming space: Church buildings can be used as a safe and welcoming space for migrant workers. The church can provide a place for workers to rest, eat, and socialize with others. This can help to combat loneliness and isolation and foster a sense of community.

Advocate for workers' rights: The church can speak out against discrimination and exploitation of migrant workers. This can include advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection from abuse.

Provide pastoral care: Many migrant workers face emotional and spiritual challenges. The church can provide pastoral care and counseling services to help these workers cope with the stresses of migration and work.

The Church has a vital role to play in welcoming and supporting migrant workers in Tamil Nadu. By providing practical assistance and creating a welcoming space, we can demonstrate God's love and compassion to those who are often marginalized and neglected in society.

 

Unlocking the Potential of Church Buildings- Serving Communities Beyond Sunday Worship

 

 

In many parts of the world, churches own properties that are used only on weekends for worship services. However, these buildings and resources can be used to benefit the community beyond Sunday worship. In India, where space and resources are often limited, church buildings can play a crucial role in serving the community on weekdays.

The potential of church buildings: Churches often have large buildings that can be used for various purposes such as community centers, schools, libraries, and clinics. These buildings can serve as a hub for community activities and can provide essential services to the neighborhood.

The challenge of underutilized resources: The underutilization of church buildings and resources is a missed opportunity for the community. There are often few resources available to those in need, especially in low-income areas, and churches can play a vital role in filling this gap.

The benefits of community service: Engaging in community service can benefit both the church and the community. It can help build relationships, promote goodwill, and create a positive image of the church in the community.

Overcoming resistance: There may be some resistance to the idea of using church buildings for community work. Some may be concerned about the potential for damage or misuse of the facilities. However, with proper planning and oversight, these risks can be minimized.

The role of church leadership: The leadership of the church has a crucial role in promoting community service and utilizing church resources. They can encourage and facilitate community partnerships, provide resources and support, and ensure that the church's mission and values are reflected in community work

 

Here are some ideas for using church buildings for community activities:

Food distribution - The church building could be used as a distribution center for food donations to help those in need.

Community garden - The church grounds could be used to grow fresh produce that could be donated to local food banks or used to support community members.

Life fridges - The church building could be used to store life fridges, which are refrigerators where people can leave and take food anonymously, and which are used to reduce food waste and support the needy.

Love wall - The church building could host a love wall. The Love Wall is a simple but powerful idea that can bring a community together in a spirit of generosity and care for one another. Essentially, it involves creating a designated space, such as a wall or bulletin board, where people can leave items they no longer need or want, and others can take them if they have a use for them.

Educational programs - The church building could be used as a space for educational programs such as after-school tutoring or adult education classes.

Job training - The church building could host job training programs to help community members develop the skills they need to find employment.

Counseling services - The church building could be used to provide counseling services to those in need.

Health clinics - The church building could be used to host health clinics, providing basic medical services to those who cannot afford them.

Disaster relief - The church building could be used as a center for disaster relief efforts, providing shelter, food, and other necessities to those affected by natural disasters or other crises.