Let’s Get Real: Why Are Christian Business Owners Struggling?
Christian entrepreneurs love to say, “God called me to this business.” But let’s be honest—just because God called you doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, and it definitely doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed success.
So why do so many Christian entrepreneurs fail? Why do businesses led by people of faith sometimes collapse just as quickly as they start? Let’s break down the biggest mistakes—and how to fix them before it’s too late.
1. “Faith Without Works” – Expecting Miracles Without Effort
Some Christian entrepreneurs start a business and expect God to magically make customers appear. They pray, quote Jeremiah 29:11, and wait. And wait. And then… nothing happens.
📖 James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
✅ How to Fix It: Stop waiting for a miracle and start working. Yes, pray for your business, but also put in the work—market your services, build connections, refine your skills, and learn strategies that actually work.
2. Poor Stewardship – Ignoring Business Fundamentals
God calls us to be stewards of what He gives us—including our businesses. That means you can’t ignore budgeting, marketing, or customer service just because you’re “trusting God.” Many Christian business owners struggle because they lack financial discipline or don’t invest in learning how to actually run a business.
📖 Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
✅ How to Fix It: Learn business principles! Jesus spoke about counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28). If you’re serious about success, take the time to educate yourself on finances, strategy, and customer engagement.
3. Misunderstanding Calling vs. Competence
A lot of Christian entrepreneurs believe that because God called them to do something, they’re automatically good at it. Not true. Calling doesn’t replace skill.
📖 Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings.”
✅ How to Fix It: Hone your craft. If you’re a coach, be an exceptional coach. If you’re a designer, be an incredible designer. Your faith is not an excuse for mediocrity—excellence honors God.
4. Pricing Like a Charity Instead of a Business
Too many Christian entrepreneurs undercharge because they feel guilty about making money. They think profit is bad, so they barely break even—or worse, they give everything away for free.
📖 1 Timothy 5:18 – “The worker deserves his wages.”
✅ How to Fix It: Charge what you’re worth. Jesus didn’t tell carpenters to give away their work for free. Your business isn’t a charity—it’s a means of providing value while honoring God. You can serve and be profitable.
5. Playing Small & Hiding Behind “Humility”
False humility holds so many Christian business owners back. They think marketing themselves is “prideful” or that success is somehow unholy. They hide their gifts instead of using them boldly.
📖 Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
✅ How to Fix It: Stop playing small. Shine. Use the gifts God gave you and own your expertise. Be bold in your business, because your success allows you to impact more people for God’s glory.
6. Avoiding Marketing & Sales Because It Feels “Worldly”
Selling isn’t evil. Marketing isn’t manipulation. But many Christian entrepreneurs avoid it because they think it’s too “secular” or they don’t want to “bother” people.
📖 Matthew 10:16 – “Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
✅ How to Fix It: Learn how to sell ethically. Marketing is simply connecting your solution to people who need it. If your business is truly helping others, why would you hide it?
7. Fear of Criticism & Rejection
Some Christian entrepreneurs are terrified of what people will think. They hesitate to launch, price properly, or go all-in because they fear judgment—even from fellow Christians.
📖 Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?”
✅ How to Fix It: Get over the fear of rejection. Jesus faced criticism, and you will too. Stop worrying about opinions that don’t pay your bills, and start walking boldly in your calling.
8. Failing to Build Wealth & Impact for the Kingdom
God isn’t against wealth—He’s against greed. Many Christian entrepreneurs stay stuck in survival mode because they think money is bad. Meanwhile, secular businesses are funding the culture while Christian businesses are scraping by.
📖 Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
✅ How to Fix It: Think bigger. Money in the hands of godly people does good. If we want to impact the world, we need to build wealth for the Kingdom. Give generously, invest wisely, and expand your reach.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Step Up
The hard truth? Many Christian entrepreneurs fail not because God didn’t call them—but because they didn’t take action.
You don’t have to be one of them.
✅ Take ownership of your business.
✅ Get serious about learning, strategy, and growth.
✅ Charge fairly, market boldly, and serve with excellence.
It’s time for Christian entrepreneurs to stop playing small. Step into the calling God gave you—and build a business that honors Him AND prospers.
🔥 What’s one area where you need to level up? Drop a comment below!