In business, relationships are everything. As Christian entrepreneurs, we know that business isn’t just about making money—it’s about serving others, being a good steward of what we’ve been given, and building meaningful connections. But how does that translate into digital marketing?
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, you might be asking: How can I stay connected with my customers in a way that’s effective and ethical? That’s where email and SMS marketing come in.
This blog kicks off a series where we’ll break down key insights from The Ultimate Ecommerce Email & SMS Playbookand adapt them to align with Christian values, faith, and business ethics. Today, we’re diving into why customer relationships—not just sales—should be at the heart of your email and SMS strategy.
Marketing with a Kingdom Mindset
As a Christian business owner, you’re not just running a company—you’re stewarding a calling. Whether your business is faith-forward or not, your approach should always reflect integrity, excellence, and genuine care for people.
Many business owners fall into the trap of thinking email and SMS marketing are just about pushing sales. But what if we shift our perspective? What if, instead of seeing marketing as just another business tool, we viewed it as an opportunity to serve and build relationships?
That’s exactly how Jesus approached His ministry. He didn’t see people as numbers—He saw them as individuals, each with their own stories, struggles, and needs. As Christian entrepreneurs, we should do the same. Instead of blasting out emails just to make sales, let’s think about how we can use email and SMS to genuinely connect with people, serve them well, and create value.
Beyond Just Sending Emails—It’s About Connection
If you’ve ever felt like marketing is overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs either avoid it altogether or send out emails and texts without much thought. But here’s the truth: successful marketing is about relationships, not transactions.
Think about it—when was the last time you appreciated a generic, one-size-fits-all email? Probably never. Now, compare that to the way you feel when someone remembers your name, asks how you’re doing, or shares something that’s actually useful to you. That’s the kind of connection we should aim for in business.
When we prioritize relationship-building, we: ✔ Build trust with our audience ✔ Increase long-term loyalty ✔ Create a customer experience that reflects biblical principles like honesty and care
The book we’re diving into emphasizes this core idea: Stop thinking about your email and SMS list as just a list of names. Think of it as a community. A group of people who have chosen to trust you enough to share their contact information with you. Honor that trust by serving them well.
The Biblical Foundation for Ethical Marketing
Scripture reminds us over and over about the importance of integrity in how we interact with others:
- “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
- “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1
- “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
These aren’t just verses for our personal lives—they should shape how we run our businesses, too.
In practical terms, that means:
- Never misleading your customers. Don’t overpromise or use deceptive marketing tactics.
- Providing real value in every message. Every email or text should be helpful, encouraging, or informative.
- Respecting their time and inbox. Don’t bombard people with messages just for the sake of sales.
When you align your marketing with God-honoring principles, you don’t just build a better business—you build a business that reflects Christ.
Email & SMS as a Ministry Tool (Even for Non-Faith-Forward Businesses)
Now, you might be thinking, This sounds great for Christian brands, but what if my business isn’t faith-forward? That’s okay! You don’t have to send Bible verses in your emails to operate in a way that honors Christ.
Even in a secular industry, you can:
- Run your business with integrity.
- Treat customers with care and respect.
- Prioritize relationship-building over short-term profits.
- Offer exceptional service as a reflection of God’s love.
People notice when they’re treated differently. Your kindness, honesty, and ethical marketing will set you apart in a world full of impersonal transactions.
How to Start Applying This Today
If you’re wondering where to start, here are three simple steps to begin using email and SMS marketing in a way that builds relationships and honors your values:
1. Focus on Your Customer First
Before sending an email or text, ask yourself: Is this actually helpful to my audience? Think about what they need, what they’re struggling with, and how you can provide value.
2. Personalize Your Messages
Instead of sending mass messages to everyone, segment your audience. Use names, acknowledge past interactions, and tailor content based on their interests.
3. Be Consistent, but Not Overwhelming
Consistency builds trust. Set a schedule that allows you to stay in touch without overwhelming your audience. Once a week or every two weeks is a good place to start.
Final Thoughts: Your Business, Your Ministry
As Christian entrepreneurs, our businesses are more than just a means to make money—they’re opportunities to reflect Christ, serve others, and operate with integrity. When you approach marketing as relationship-building rather than just selling, you’ll not only see better results, but you’ll also feel good about how you’re running your business.
Email and SMS marketing, when done right, aren’t just tools for growth—they’re tools for connection, impact, and even ministry. Whether you’re openly faith-forward or quietly following Christ in your business practices, using these strategies ethically and thoughtfully will help you build a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where we’ll talk about why so many brands fail at email and SMS marketing—and how you can avoid those mistakes.