How Should a Christian Business Proceed?
As in any major decision, especially involving finances, Christians should only proceed after following these steps:
Prayer -- Seek God's guidance though daily prayer;
Studying His Word -- John 1:3 "…and the Word was God." Allow God to speak to you through His Word.
Seeking wise counsel -- Prov. 12:15 "…but a wise man is he who listens to counsel."
Asking a simple question -- "Do I see God's Hand in action?" Is God opening doors, such as bringing His people into your life as potential partners or by overcoming potential obstacles?
One would be naive to think that just because a business partner is Christian means they will therefore avoid all potential trouble. Plenty of Christian partnerships experience challenges, thus involving activities not pleasing to God, such as embezzlement, laziness, sexual indiscretions, sharp disagreements, lawsuits, divorce, etc... Soured relationships and sin is not exclusive domain to non-Christians. However, if both truly share the same Christian...
Whenever God calls one to start a business, it is a blessing! He is there to guide, to equip, to encourage, and to provide the needed resources. Let Him be the CEO! Insomuch, He will also form relationships with fellow believers in terms of co-founders, financiers, suppliers, employees, advisors, mentors, coaches, etc. When God wants one to succeed, and he or she is obedient to Him, how can one fail?
References
Bagley, C.E. And Savage D. (2009). Managers and the legal environment: Strategies for the 21st Century (6th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Biblica. (2011). Various scriptures. Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com
Naughton, M., & Cornwall, J.R. (2009). Culture as the basis of the good entrepreneur. Journal of Religion & Business Ethics, 1(1), 1-13.
