Religion and business are NOT two separate things - business as a ministry

It can come as a surprise to many that religion and business are not two separate things—they are one:

“Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one.” (EGW, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 349.3).

“You are not to put asunder that which God has joined—business and religion.” (EGW, Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 17.1).

So why is this idea so foreign to us? Why do we not understand it better?

For me, the source of confusion lies in the misconception that many fail to recognize how business can serve as a form of ministry. The prevailing notion tends to be centered around generating profits through business to subsequently fund ministry efforts. This seems to be the idea… go make money, pay your tithe, and then do a mission trip. But this is incorrect.

The lack of familiarity with the teachings of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy on Missional Entrepreneurship has led to a disconnection, causing even the most promising youth to overlook their calling to serve God. For those endowed with talents in business, no other path captivates their interest or stirs their passion.

It is crucial to comprehend that not everyone is destined for foreign ministry or medical ministry—some are distinctly called to the realm of business:

“We need not go to heathen lands, or even leave the narrow circle of the home, if it is there that our duty lies, in order to work for Christ. We can do this in the home circle, in the church, among those with whom we associate, and with whom we do business.” (EGW, Steps to Christ p. 81.3).

We think evangelism is flying to some far off country and if we do not travel great distances we are not working for Christ, but we find that actually we are called to witness to those we associate and do business with…

Biblical Examples of Business as a Ministry:

• “...a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God...”(Acts 16:14-15).

Lydia was a successful businesswoman whose home became a base for early church gatherings. Her hospitality and influence as a merchant allowed her to support and spread the gospel.

• Dorcas (Tabitha) used her skill in sewing to bless the widows and poor. Her cottage industry became a platform for mission, and her testimony led to many believing.

“...this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” (Acts 9:36-39)

• Paul supported himself through tentmaking while preaching the gospel—demonstrating that ministry and business can coexist.

• Aquila and Priscilla, also tentmakers, used their business to host and disciple believers.

“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3).

Paul supported himself through tentmaking while preaching the gospel—demonstrating that ministry and business can coexist. Aquila and Priscilla, also tentmakers, used their business to host and disciple believers.

“These hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” (Acts 20:34).

He did not just use ministry to supply for his own needs—he supported others with his ministry.

Paul is an ideal example of missional business because the business came second to ministry.

“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).

He did not care what business he was in—as long as it allowed him to reach others. He recognized that his trade gave him access to a class of people he could not have otherwise reached.

“Invent some way of becoming acquainted with the people...” (EGW, The Upward Look, p. 171.6).

That’s the whole reason for missional business. We see this again with the Waldensians, an early protestant movement of the 12th century. Their motto "Lux lucet in tenebris" — "A light shines in the darkness"—captures their mission. Heavily persecuted under Catholic rule, they would have been rejected or killed as missionaries. But they were welcomed as merchants.

“They were received as merchants when they would have been spurned as missionaries.” (EGW, The Great Controversy, p. 71.1).

Their trade opened the door. What a powerful understanding of what Missional Business is and will be!

Why Business as a Ministry Matters Today:

Will there be a time when witnessing is illegal, like in the time of the Waldensians? Could business be a strategic cover to continue doing ministry?

“Some of the methods used in this work will be different from the methods used in the past.”(EGW, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 25.1).

We must adapt—especially for the times ahead. We need new and different ways to capture the attention of those we are trying to reach.

But whatever the method, it must demonstrate God’s law and love. And the most perfect demonstration came from a Carpenter.

“The greater part of our Saviour's life on earth was spent in patient toil in the carpenter's shop at Nazareth. Ministering angels attended the Lord of  life as He walked side by side with peasants and laborers, unrecognized and unhonored. He was as faithfully fulfilling His mission while working at His humble trade as when He healed the sick or walked upon the storm-tossed waves of Galilee. So in the humblest duties and lowliest positions of life, we may walk and work with Jesus.“ (EGW, Steps to Christ p. 81.3).

He was just as faithfully fulfilling His mission there as when He healed the sick. This teaches us that ministry is not just in grand gestures—it is in unconscious influence. The humblest and poorest of us can be a blessing to others just by living a Christ-centered life.

Do we see it? Our employment will never be an earthly one! Our only true career is one of an Ambassador of the Heavenly Kingdom.

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ...”(2 Corinthians 5:20).

We will never understand Missional Business if we do not first understand our true job as Ambassadors.

An ambassador serves as a representative of their home country in a foreign nation. No matter what temporal job we find ourselves in, our primary role is to help promote understanding of our Heavenly country's interests.

“Let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God” (1 Corinthians 7:24).

This is the purpose of missional business... to be a light shining in darkness.

Routine duties, done in an honest way, tell a story and earn trust. We must be sure to credit our good works towards our Creator and Redeemer and not accept the glory to ourselves:

“The businessman may conduct his business in a way that will glorify his Master because of his fidelity... and reveal to men the spirit of Christ.” (EGW, Steps to Christ, p. 82.1).

As humble and modest disciples of Jesus, we recognize that even in our simplest acts, we can be a source of blessing to others.

“The humblest and poorest of the disciples of Jesus can be a blessing to others... their unconscious influence may start waves of blessing that will widen and deepen.” (EGW, Steps to Christ, p. 83.2).

We may not fully grasp the impact of our actions, but our unconscious influence can set in motion waves of blessings that extend far and wide. The profound results of our efforts may remain unknown to us until the day of final reward. Despite not feeling or acknowledging that we are doing anything extraordinary, our small deeds have the potential to create enduring and meaningful blessings for those around us.

“They are not required to weary themselves with anxiety about success. They have only to go forward quietly, doing faithfully the work that God's providence assigns, and their life will not be in vain. Their own souls will be growing more and more into the likeness of Christ; they are workers together with God in this life and are thus fitting for the higher work and the unshadowed joy of the life to come.” (EGW, Steps to Christ, p. 83.2).

Does this change your perspective? Do we see how living honest lives, using every opportunity to “live and give” the gospel is what is pleasing to Christ?

God needs workers in all fields. As trusted and respected business men and women, we will be positioned to reach a class that is otherwise unreached.

“The men in the business houses of New York and other large cities, as verily as the heathen in foreign lands, must be reached with the message.” (EGW, Evangelism, p. 388.2).

The gospel commission is not limited to remote mission fields. We are to reach all classes of people—especially those embedded in the marketplaces of society.

“The centers of commerce and trade are thronged with men and women who need the truth... because earnest, persevering efforts are not put forth to reach this class of people where they are.”(EGW, Last Day Events, p. 118.2).

Yet in reaching them, we are reminded to be watchful—not only that we influence others for good, but that we are not subtly conformed to their values.

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...”(Romans 12:2).

In other words, it is not just about proximity—but posture. We enter the business world not to reflect it, but to reform it from within.

“In all their business transactions, they are to be just what they would be if they were in the presence of God and the holy angels.” (EGW, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 310.3).

This is the sacred responsibility of the missional entrepreneur: to be both present and set apart.

“We have no time now to give our energies and talents to worldly enterprises.”(EGW, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 104.2).

Instead, let our work be wholly consecrated. May urgency and divine purpose drive every business decision.

“May the Lord give no rest, day nor night, to those who are now careless and indolent in the cause and work of God.” (EGW, Lift Him Up, p. 274.2).

God is calling for modern-day Josephs—individuals positioned strategically in the marketplace, whose walk with God is so close that they can recognize His voice and move in perfect timing. These are co-laborers in God’s unfolding plan:

“The cause of God demands men who can see quickly and act instantaneously at the right time and with power.” (EGW, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 497.2).

Rob Bertholf is a servant to God aspiring to the character of Jesus. A former Staff Sergeant with the US Air Force and a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing and technology founding several successful startups and agencies. After being called out of the world, Rob has focused on his true passion of teaching True Education and mentoring people how to make country living sustainable through missional entrepreneurship.

https://www.youtube.com/@RobBertholf