The Dangers of Doing Business with “Christians”

The Danger of Doing Business with “Christians”

“Pastor, pastor—I just met my surgeon, and guess what? He is a CHRISTIAN!”

I must bite my tongue in the moment, but I’m thinking to myself,
“But is he a good surgeon?”

I have heard similar comments about mechanics, real estate agents, dentists, financial managers, and more. Don’t get me wrong, there are advantages, in many instances, to consulting a professional who shares your values. But there is more to the decision than that. It is much better to have an excellent brain surgeon who is an unbeliever than a mediocre one who claims to be a believer.

In scary or difficult situations, it is easy to seek comfort over competency. People who share our values make us feel comfortable. A few years ago, our son underwent a 12-hour brain tumor surgery. When we met the surgeon for the first time, he was somewhat socially awkward and gave no indication of being a believer.

I suppose we could have asked everyone we knew to help us find a Christian brain surgeon. I’m sure there are some out there—and probably some very good ones. But this surgeon was one of the top doctors in the world for this procedure. We have one of the top neurological hospitals in the country here in Phoenix, and they all said he was the right person for the job.

We went into that surgery very confident that God had provided exactly the right surgeon—even though we did not know anything about his faith.

I have seen good Christian doctors and bad ones; good mechanics and bad ones; good financial advisors and bad ones. Christians—especially newer believers—need to be aware of this.

Be careful of the dangers when you take your Christian expectations into the world at large.

Christianity Does Not Guarantee Competency

A person’s faith does not guarantee competency—nor does it prevent it. Yes, there are advantages to having a doctor who will not recommend an abortion or a financial planner who understands tithing. However, due diligence is always required.

If you expect competence, do the research to confirm it. If you expect excellence, don’t assume you will get it just because a person claims to be a believer.

Not All Christians Share Your Values

Just because someone is a Christian does not mean they apply their faith consistently in the workplace. This was a problem even in the early Church. In 1 Corinthians 6, Christians were taking other Christians to court over business dealings.

I don’t know who was at fault in that situation—but someone was, and at least one believer ended up deeply disappointed.

Not Everyone Who Claims to Be a Christian Is One

Just because a company uses a cross or fish symbol in their logo does not mean they are practicing believers. There may be a partnership where one person is a believer and the other is not. Sometimes a believing founder passes a business on to a child who does not share that faith.

Be Discerning About Faith in Business

There is a difference between being open about your faith and using it as a marketing gimmick.

You need to know the difference. Discernment—guided by the Holy Spirit—is essential. People in some professions are even coached to join churches to expand their social networks and client base.

There is nothing wrong with doing business with fellow church members. But there is something wrong with using the church as a marketing tool. Conscientious Christian businesspeople are very careful about this.

All Business Should Be Conducted Properly

I once met with Dr. E.R. Jordan to develop a plan for a church plant in Phoenix. I was going to be the church-planting pastor, and his church would serve as our sending congregation.

As we began the meeting, he looked at me and asked,
“Where is your pen and paper for taking notes?”

“I’m sure we can trust each other here,” I replied.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “Whatever agreement we come to, we will put it in writing, and both sign it. We will not leave this meeting without clear documentation.”

He insisted on a memo of understanding—a contract. That day, I learned an important lesson. It would have been easy for me to leave that meeting having heard what I wanted to hear rather than what was actually said.

On another occasion, a sales associate at a men’s clothing store offered Dr. Jordan a “ministerial discount.” He declined, saying, “Absolutely not. I don’t want any favors. If there is a problem, I want to be able to return it.“

Christians should never cut corners in business with other Christians simply because they “trust” one another. That kind of misplaced trust can lead to poor communication, unmet expectations, and conflict.

If business is worth doing, it is worth doing correctly. Insist on it.

Do Not Expect Special Treatment

It is unethical to expect special treatment because you are doing business with a fellow believer.

A person’s business is their livelihood, and in many cases, they cannot afford to give favors. We should expect honesty and fairness—but not preferential treatment.

Sunday Is for Worship, Not Business

As a pastor, it has broken my heart to see believers disrupt worship for others. Some have even left the church because of it.

A doctor or nurse cannot attend church without being asked about some ache or pain. A computer technician is approached about technical issues before the service. A teacher is asked about homework or discipline issues between services.

“Oh, she doesn’t mind,” you may say.

Yes—she does. And even if she doesn’t, it still isn’t appropriate.

Don’t say, “I’ll just talk to them about it on Sunday.” Sunday is not the time for secular business. What is convenient for you may be disruptive and burdensome for them.

Even mentioning it can be distracting:

“Hey Fred, can I call you tomorrow about that issue?”

Now, instead of preparing for worship, Fred is thinking about your problem. Save it for a phone call or message during the week.

Respect Professional Boundaries

For many professionals, their advice is their livelihood.

I once saw a sign in a law office that read, “A lawyer’s advice is his stock and trade.” Asking for advice casually is like asking for free products. Would you ask the grocer at your church for free food?

For legal and medical professionals, casual advice can even be dangerous. Their guidance has serious implications and should only be given in appropriate settings with proper information and context—not in a church pew.

If you’re like me, when a problem is on your mind, it’s hard to let go of it. When I see someone who could help, I’m tempted to talk about it immediately. But I’ve had to learn to be patient and considerate.

These individuals are not just professionals—they are fellow believers. They deserve respect, boundaries, and thoughtful consideration

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