Church Business

On this most commercial day of the year, it seems appropriate to consider church business. According to the New York Times, mega churches are way into enterprise. In an article Megachurches add local economy to their mission the paper says,

the online public records of just over 1,300 of these giant churches shows that their business interests are as varied as basketball schools, aviation subsidiaries, investment partnerships and even a limousine service. At least 10 own and operate shopping centers, and some financially formidable congregations are adding residential developments to their portfolios.

King of Peace certainly doesn't operate at that scale and yet we did start King of Peace Episcopal Day School which employs 18 persons. I know that St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church in Savannah has been successfully involved in housing development and Christ the King in Valdosta opened a coffee house and bookstore and also helped lead development in their downtown area. I am proud of all of these ministries that benefitted people in the church's communities.

But at what point do churches cross the line from ministries that genuinely fill needs in the community into the area of competing with for profit businesses while having the advantage of being tax exempt? What is good ministry? What is too much business and not enough ministry?

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor