Multiply the Mission: Scaling Your Business for Kingdom ImpactНамуна

Partnering with Purpose: A Kingdom Approach to Business Relationships

5 things to consider when vetting a potential business partner:

- Value alignment.

- Skill match.

- Work ethic.

- Time, influence, connections and money - who has what? Together, do you have all 4?

- Alignment with your long-term vision & purpose.

What would you add?

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

In the world of kingdom business, choosing a partner is not only a strategic decision but also a spiritual one. The partnerships you form can either propel you toward fulfilling your God-given purpose or hold you back from reaching your full potential. The timeless wisdom of Proverbs reminds us of the refining power that relationships hold. As iron sharpens iron, so too can the right partner sharpen your skills, values, and vision.

The following five considerations can serve as guidelines in discerning a potential business partner whose values align with yours:

1. Value Alignment: Your partner should share your ethical and moral standards, firmly grounded in biblical principles. In the scripture, Amos 3:3 poses a profound question – "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" Aligning with someone who shares your foundational values ensures a partnership of unity and harmony in pursuit of common goals.

2. Skill Match: Consider the complementary skills a partner brings to the table. Just as the body of Christ consists of various parts with different functions, a successful business partnership thrives when individuals bring diverse talents to fulfill a shared purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

3. Work Ethic: In Colossians 3:23, we are encouraged to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Seek partners who are diligent, committed, and motivated by excellence in all they do, reflecting the work ethic of the kingdom they represent.

4. Time, Influence, Connections, and Money: Assess what each partner brings. Is there synergy where one partner’s strength is the other's weakness? Together, do you possess these four critical resources? Ensure the partnership is balanced, not lopsided, to maximize impact and effectiveness in your business endeavors.

5. Alignment with Your Long-term Vision & Purpose: As kingdom leaders, our ultimate vision is to advance God’s purposes through our work. Proverbs 29:18 emphasizes the importance of vision. When your partner’s long-term goals align with yours, you work in unity towards fulfilling a greater purpose that transcends earthly success.

Reflection Questions:

- How do my current partnerships reflect these five considerations?

- In what ways can I improve alignment with my business partners to achieve a greater kingdom impact?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom to choose partners who align with my values and vision. Help me discern the right partnerships that will sharpen and propel me toward fulfilling Your purposes through my business. May all my relationships bring glory to Your name and serve as a testament to Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.