Pastor and Business Leader: What We Wish We Knew

Too often, we’ve separated Sunday ministry from Monday business. Pastors often see business leaders primarily through the lens of giving and volunteering, while business leaders may assume their pastor offers little for the challenges they face at work.

Both miss something valuable.

I sat down with Randy Griffin, former pastor, business owner, and now C12 Chair, to talk about what each side wishes the other understood.

The conversation got very practical.

Pastors: Go visit a business leader at work. Don’t start a program. Buy them coffee, listen, and ask, “What are you seeing God do here? Where do you need help?”

Business leaders: Invite your pastor into your world. Honor what they carry and have the humility to say, “I need help. Can you help me learn how to pastor the people God has entrusted to me?”

Because your employees aren’t simply people helping you grow the bottom line. You may have more time and influence in their lives than almost anyone else.

And that raises a much bigger question: What could happen if pastors equipped business leaders for the ministry they’re already doing Monday through Friday?

Randy and I unpack that question, and a few challenges for both sides, in this week's conversation.

Listen to the full podcast episode or read the blog below.