Christians in Business
A pastor meeting with two local Christian business owners over coffee
For Pastors, Bi-Vocational Pastors & Ministry-Minded Leaders

Lead the Christian Business Community in Your City

You've spent years connecting people, serving families, communicating vision, and building relationships. If you are bi-vocational, you also understand the marketplace firsthand. Those experiences may uniquely prepare you to build and lead a Christian Business Directory in your city.

Christians in Business is looking for ministry-minded leaders who want to help connect Christian Business Owners + Churches + Christian Consumers while building an income-producing local Christian Business Directory.

See If My City Is Available Learn How It Works

$997 Annual Platform Fee • Keep 100% of Your Local Directory Listing Revenue

A Natural Fit

Your Ministry Experience May Have Prepared You for Something You Never Expected

If you've served people in ministry, you've probably spent years doing things like:

Meeting peopleListeningEncouragingFollowing upCommunicating visionOrganizingBringing people togetherIntroducing people who can help one anotherDeveloping relationshipsServing a communityHelping people feel connected

Those are many of the same skills needed to build a strong Christian business community.

You don't necessarily need to become a better salesperson.

You need to become a better connector.

We're Not Primarily Looking for Salespeople. We're Looking for Christian Leaders Who Know How to Connect People.

A Unique Advantage

If You're Bi-Vocational, You Already Live in Two Worlds

Bi-vocational pastors understand something many people do not. You understand THE CHURCH and THE MARKETPLACE.

You may preach on Sunday and work on Monday.

You may lead a congregation while also:

Running a businessTeachingSellingDrivingConsultingWorking constructionServing customersManaging employeesWorking in an officeWorking in healthcareWorking in a tradeHolding another professional role
  • You know pastors.
  • You know working people.
  • You know business owners.
  • You understand ministry.
  • You understand financial pressure.
  • You understand work schedules.
  • You understand customers.
  • You understand what it means to provide for a family.
  • You understand both calling and responsibility.

That combination can make bi-vocational pastors exceptionally strong Christian Marketplace Connectors.

A Personal Note

I Grew Up Watching Bi-Vocational Ministry

My father was a pastor.

But pastoring the church did not provide everything our family needed financially. So he worked. My dad was a flight instructor and taught students how to fly airplanes. He also drove a school bus.

At the same time, he pastored people. He preached. He cared for families. He served his congregation. He did whatever was necessary to provide for his family while remaining faithful to ministry. That was normal to me.

Throughout my own life in ministry, I have been bi-vocational as well.

I understand what it means to love ministry while also needing to earn income outside the church. Bi-vocational ministry can actually prepare someone exceptionally well for marketplace ministry.

You understand pastors. But you also understand the working world.

You understand church members. But you also understand customers, employees, schedules, bills, work, business owners, and everyday financial responsibility. You live in both worlds.

That is one of the reasons I believe pastors, former pastors, retired pastors, and especially bi-vocational pastors could become some of the strongest City Directory Owners in the Christians in Business Network.

Joseph Cutler

CEO, Christians in Business

Dignity in Work

Working Outside the Church Does Not Make You Less of a Pastor

For generations, pastors have worked outside the church to provide for their families. They have:

FarmedTaught schoolDriven trucksWorked in factoriesOwned businessesSold insuranceWorked constructionServed in officesWorked tradesDriven busesServed customersManaged companies

There is dignity in honest work.

Being bi-vocational does not diminish ministry. In many cases, it strengthens a pastor's ability to relate to the people they serve.

You know what Monday morning feels like. You know financial pressure. You know workplace challenges. You know customers. You know bosses. You know schedules. You know fatigue.

You know what everyday working families experience. That experience matters.

Your Greatest Asset

You May Already Have What Money Cannot Buy: Relationships

Many ministry leaders already know:

PastorsChurch leadersBusiness ownersCommunity leadersProfessionalsFamiliesNonprofit leadersChristian entrepreneurs

Bi-vocational pastors often have an even larger network because they have relationships through both ministry and work.

You may already know the first 25 people you need.

You may simply have never looked at those relationships as the foundation of a local Christian business community.

You Don't Have to Start From Zero. You May Already Know the Beginning of Your Network.

What We're Building

More Than a Directory

A Christians in Business City Directory begins as a simple local resource: helping Christians discover Christian-owned businesses. But the opportunity can become much greater. The City Directory can help:

Christian businesses become visible
Consumers find local Christian-owned companies
Churches identify local service providers
Business owners meet one another
Entrepreneurs develop referral relationships
Ministries connect with businesses
Businesses support churches
Christian entrepreneurs receive encouragement
Local Christian business stories be told
A connected business community develop

Build the Christian Business Hub for Your City.

The Core Idea

The Directory Is the Platform. The Relationships Are the Ministry.

The website gives businesses a place to be found. The relationships make the directory valuable. As the local City Directory Owner, your four-part mission is:

CONNECT

Identify Christian businesses and help people meet one another.

PROMOTE

Help Christian-owned businesses gain visibility throughout the community.

ENCOURAGE

Encourage entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of business, leadership, faith, and family.

GROW

Grow the directory, its audience, its relationships, and its recurring revenue.

CONNECT. PROMOTE. ENCOURAGE. GROW.

Your Role

Become the Person Who Knows the Christian Business Community

“Do you know a Christian plumber?”
“Do you know a Christian realtor?”
“Who is a good Christian-owned HVAC company?”
“Does anyone know an attorney?”
“Who handles business insurance?”
“Do you know a Christian accountant?”
“Who builds websites?”
“Does anyone know a contractor?”

Imagine becoming the person in your city who can say:

“Yes. Let Me Connect You.”

That is the role of a Christian Marketplace Connector. Over time, your directory becomes the resource pastors, consumers, businesses, and community leaders think about when they need a connection.

The Bridge

You Can Help Connect Two Communities That Already Need Each Other

CHURCHES

← YOU →

CHRISTIAN BUSINESSES

Churches regularly need:

PlumbersContractorsHVAC companiesInsuranceLegal helpAccountingPrintingWebsitesLandscapingCateringCleaningPhotographyTechnologySignage

Christian business owners often want opportunities to serve churches and Christian families. The directory helps connect them.

Churches Need Businesses. Businesses Want to Serve Their Communities. You Can Help Them Find One Another.

Why Ministry Leaders Have an Advantage

Many of the Skills You Need Were Learned in Ministry

Relationship Building

You already know how to connect with people.

Communicating Vision

Pastors help people understand why something matters.

Follow-Up

Ministry teaches you to stay connected.

Community Building

You know how to help people belong.

Encouragement

Entrepreneurs need encouragement too.

Listening

Strong ministry and strong business relationships both begin with listening.

Trust

Years of serving can create credibility that advertising cannot purchase.

Leadership

You know how to take an idea and help people participate in it.

Your Other Job

Your Other Job May Have Quietly Been Preparing You for This

Your work outside ministry has likely introduced you to:

CustomersCoworkersBusiness ownersManagersEntrepreneursProfessionalsVendorsLocal leadersFamilies
A realtor knows contractors, lenders, inspectors, and insurance professionals.
An insurance agent knows business owners.
A teacher knows families.
A contractor knows tradespeople.
A consultant knows companies.
A salesperson knows local businesses.
A driver meets people across the community.
A business owner knows other entrepreneurs.

What may have seemed like “another job” may have actually been expanding your marketplace network for years.

Relationship Before Transaction

You Don't Have to Become a Salesperson

Some ministry leaders may immediately think: “I don't want to sell advertising.” That is not how we want you to think about this opportunity.

Don't begin with

“Would you like to buy an advertisement?”

Begin with

“We're building a Christian Business Directory for our city so Christians can easily discover Christian-owned businesses. We'd love to have your company represented.”

You are inviting someone into a community. The paid listing provides legitimate marketing value. But the relationship comes first.

Don't Sell a Listing. Invite Them Into the Community.

Where to Start

Don't Build the Whole City Today

Find Your First 25 Christian Businesses.

Business owners from your church
Business owners you know personally
People you know from work
Businesses your family already uses
Businesses referred by pastors
Christian networking contacts
Business owners referred by existing members

Then teach every participating business owner to answer:

“Who are two or three other Christian business owners you know who should be part of this?”

The first 25 become the foundation of the next 50. Then 50 can become 100. The community grows through relationships.

Church Partners

Don't Just Contact Churches. Build Partnerships.

Introducing the Christians in Business Community Church Partner. A church can help make its congregation aware that the Christian Business Directory exists. The goal is not primarily to sell the church something.

The directory owner can provide:

  • Directory website link
  • QR code
  • Church bulletin wording
  • Email copy
  • Website button
  • Social media graphics
  • Business submission link

Suggested pastor conversation

“Pastor, we're building a Christian Business Directory for our city so believers have a simple way to discover Christian-owned businesses. We'd love for your church to become a Community Church Partner and simply help make your congregation aware that this resource exists.”

A Church Partner relationship does not imply endorsement of every listed business.

Referral Culture

What Happens When Christian Business Owners Start Helping One Another?

Realtor → ContractorContractor → ElectricianElectrician → Insurance AgentInsurance Agent → AccountantAccountant → AttorneyAttorney → Marketing CompanyMarketing Company → Photographer

Don't ask first

“Who Can Send Me Business?”

Ask

“Who Can I Help Today?”

A strong Christian business community is not built around everyone asking for business. It is built around people intentionally helping one another. The City Directory Owner helps create that culture.

Christian Business Spotlights

Don't Just Advertise Businesses. Tell Their Stories.

Every business has a person behind it. Create weekly Christian Business Spotlights using simple questions:

How did you start your business?
What do you enjoy about serving customers?
How does your faith influence the way you operate?
What lessons has business taught you?
What makes your company different?
How can people contact you?
Business JoinsBusiness Gets FeaturedBusiness Shares SpotlightMore People Discover DirectoryMore Businesses Join

Introduce Your City to the People Behind the Businesses.

Interviews

Become a Voice for Christian Business in Your City

Simple 5–10 minute interviews with local Christian business owners.

Questions to Ask

Tell us about your business. Why did you start it? How does your faith influence your work? What lesson has business taught you? How can people connect with you?

Where to Share

Directory, Facebook, YouTube, email, business social pages, and community groups.

Over time, the Directory Owner becomes known as someone who champions Christian entrepreneurs.

Christian business owners meeting together over coffee
Christian Business Coffee

Bring the Online Community Together in Person

Connecting Christian Business Owners in your city — a simple one-hour structure:

  • 15 MinutesNetworking
  • 10 MinutesIntroductions
  • 10 MinutesFeatured Business
  • 10 MinutesMarketplace Encouragement
  • 10 MinutesReferrals & Connections
  • 5 MinutesPrayer

No complicated conference. No expensive production. Just people building relationships. For pastors and ministry leaders, facilitating this type of gathering may already feel natural.

Marketplace Ministry

Marketplace Ministry Happens Monday Through Saturday Too

Christian entrepreneurs carry responsibilities many people never see. They deal with:

EmployeesCustomersPayrollCompetitionFinancial pressureEthical decisionsGrowthSetbacksLeadershipFamilyFaith

You do not need to become everyone's pastor. But you can become:

A connector. An encourager. A relationship builder. A promoter. A friend to Christian entrepreneurs.

For bi-vocational pastors especially, these conversations may come naturally because you understand many of the same pressures.

For Former & Retired Pastors

Your Ministry Role May Have Changed. Your Ability to Serve Hasn't.

Maybe you pastored for 30 years. Maybe you recently stepped away from church leadership. Maybe you're retired. Maybe you're between ministry assignments.

You still have:

RelationshipsExperienceLeadership abilityWisdomCommunity knowledgeA heart for people

Those gifts still matter. You may not want to pastor another church. But you may love building and encouraging the Christian business community in your city. Your ministry experience is not wasted. It may have prepared you for your next assignment.

For Bi-Vocational Pastors

Pastor, Your Work Outside the Church Was Never Something to Be Ashamed Of

Maybe you have worked throughout your entire ministry. Maybe you preached Sunday and went to work Monday. Maybe you worked nights. Maybe you ran a company. Maybe you taught. Maybe you drove. Maybe you sold. Maybe you worked construction. Maybe you served customers all week and your congregation on weekends.

You did what was necessary. You provided for your family. You served your church. And through those years, you learned things that can now become incredibly valuable. You learned:

How working people liveHow business operatesHow financial pressure feelsHow difficult schedules can becomeHow faith and work intersectHow everyday people think

You Understand Both Ministry and Marketplace. That Is a Powerful Combination.

The Business Side

Purpose and Income Do Not Have to Be Enemies

Bi-vocational pastors understand this perhaps better than anyone. There is nothing wrong with earning money through honest work. Providing for your family matters. The Christians in Business City Directory is also a legitimate local business opportunity.

$997

Annual Platform Fee

City Directory Owners receive 100% of the listing revenue generated by their own directory.

PREMIUM LISTING

  • $10 Monthly
  • $100 Annually
  • $240 Lifetime

FEATURED LISTING

  • $15 Monthly
  • $150 Annually
  • $360 Lifetime

These are recommended listing prices. This is not guaranteed income. Actual results depend on owner effort, market, pricing, participation, promotion, relationships, follow-up, retention, and other business factors.

Mathematical Illustration Only — Not an Income Guarantee

What Could a Growing Directory Look Like?

100 Businesses

Average $125 annual listing revenue

$12,500

Annual Listing Revenue

250 Businesses

Average $125 annual listing revenue

$31,250

Annual Listing Revenue

500 Businesses

Average $125 annual listing revenue

$62,500

Annual Listing Revenue

The vision is bigger than revenue.

Imagine knowing 100 Christian business owners. Then 250. Then 500.

Imagine those businesses referring each other. Imagine churches using the directory.

Imagine Christian entrepreneurs gathering together.

Imagine becoming the person helping connect that community.

Be Clear-Eyed

This Is a Relationship Business

This opportunity is not designed for someone who wants to buy a website and wait for money to appear. Successful owners will:

Build relationshipsContact businessesFollow upConnect with churchesPromote businessesMake introductionsStay involvedServe the community

But that is exactly why pastors and ministry leaders may have an advantage. You've already spent years doing relationship-driven work.

Build Something Meaningful in Your City That Can Also Produce Ongoing Income.

The 5–3–2–1 Marketplace Method

Consistency Can Matter More Than Full-Time Hours

5

BUSINESSES

Contact five Christian business owners.

3

CHURCHES

Contact or strengthen relationships with three churches.

2

CONNECTIONS

Introduce two business owners who may be able to help one another.

1

SPOTLIGHT

Feature one Christian business.

5 Businesses. 3 Churches. 2 Connections. 1 Spotlight. Every Week.

This gives busy pastors, bi-vocational leaders, retirees, and ministry professionals a simple weekly rhythm.

The Platform

You Build the Relationships. Christians in Business Provides the Platform.

The technology is already built
The directory system exists
Business categories are established
The backend is ready
City branding can be configured
Directory Owners receive an Owner Dashboard
Training is already provided

Your Primary Responsibility: Build Relationships and Build the Community.

City Directory Owner Academy

You Will Not Be Left to Figure This Out Alone

Owners log in and go through step-by-step interactive training.

Training Includes

  • Directory setup
  • Your First 25
  • Business outreach
  • Follow-up
  • Church partnerships
  • 5–3–2–1 weekly activity
  • Business referrals
  • Business Spotlights
  • Christian Business interviews
  • Christian Business Coffee
  • Long-term growth

Owners Can Track

  • Training progress
  • Business prospects
  • Church relationships
  • Weekly activities
  • Marketplace connections
  • Milestones

Owners can request help when needed. Christians in Business leadership can also monitor owner progress and help identify people who may need additional encouragement or coaching.

We Don't Simply Want to Sell You a Directory. We Want to Help You Build It.

Your First 90 Days

Your First 90-Day Mission

Days 1–30 — Foundation

  • Complete directory setup
  • Build First 25 prospect list
  • Begin business outreach
  • Begin pastor outreach
  • Add first businesses
  • Publish first Business Spotlight
  • Establish social presence

Days 31–60 — Community

  • Continue adding businesses
  • Build church relationships
  • Publish weekly Spotlights
  • Make business introductions
  • Record first Christian business interview
  • Plan first Christian Business Coffee

Days 61–90 — Momentum

  • Work toward 75–100 businesses
  • Host first gathering
  • Develop Business Ambassadors
  • Continue church outreach
  • Build referral relationships
  • Establish consistent weekly activity

These are recommended activity goals, not guaranteed results.

Who Is This For?

Could You Be the Right Person for Your City?

You are a pastor.
You are bi-vocational.
You are a former pastor.
You are a retired pastor.
You are a missionary.
You lead a Christian nonprofit.
You are involved in marketplace ministry.
You own a business and serve in ministry.
You know pastors.
You know business owners.
You enjoy connecting people.
You enjoy encouraging others.
You want to build something meaningful.
You would benefit from additional income.
You believe Christians should support and encourage one another in business.
You want to serve your city in a new way.

You Don't Have to Choose Between Ministry and Marketplace. You May Be Uniquely Equipped for Both.

Why Your City Needs This

The Christian Business Community Already Exists. It May Simply Be Disconnected.

Your city probably already has:

Christian plumbersChristian realtorsChristian contractorsChristian attorneysChristian accountantsChristian insurance agentsChristian restaurant ownersChristian healthcare professionalsChristian marketersChristian tradespeopleChristian entrepreneurs

They attend different churches. They work in different industries. Many never meet one another.

Consumers may not know where to find them. Pastors may not know who they are.

Your job is not necessarily to create a Christian business community from nothing.

Your Job Is to Help Connect the Community That Is Already There.

The Bigger Vision

What If Ministry-Minded Leaders Helped Build Christian Business Communities Across America?

A pastor in Orlando.
A bi-vocational pastor in Atlanta.
A former pastor in Nashville.
A retired ministry leader in Dallas.
A marketplace leader in Tampa.

Each one helping build the Christian business community in their city: Connecting businesses. Building Church Partners. Promoting entrepreneurs. Creating referrals. Hosting gatherings. Encouraging Christian business owners. Growing a sustainable directory.

CHRISTIANS IN BUSINESS CITY DIRECTORY NETWORK — ONE CITY. ONE MARKETPLACE CONNECTOR. ONE CONNECTED CHRISTIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

A Personal Invitation

From One Ministry Leader to Another

For most of my life, I have been involved in ministry.

I grew up watching my father pastor while also teaching people how to fly airplanes and driving a school bus to help provide for our family. I have lived the bi-vocational life myself.

So I understand that ministry and work do not always fit into neat little categories. Sometimes the very work we thought was simply helping us make ends meet is also teaching us lessons, introducing us to people, and preparing us for something we did not yet understand.

That's how I see this opportunity. Christian business owners throughout our communities need visibility. They need relationships. They need referrals. They need encouragement.

Churches need local businesses. Christian consumers want easier ways to discover Christian-owned companies. And someone needs to help connect all of those people.

I believe pastors and ministry leaders are uniquely equipped for that role. And I believe bi-vocational pastors may be especially equipped because they understand both ministry and everyday working life.

You know the church. You know the marketplace. You know people. You know relationships. You know what it means to serve. Maybe those experiences have prepared you for this.

If you have a heart for your city and would like to build something meaningful that can also generate additional income, I invite you to explore becoming the Christians in Business City Directory Owner for your community.

Your city already has Christian business owners. Maybe you're the person who can help bring them together.

Joseph Cutler

CEO, Christians in Business

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1 — Check Availability

See If Your City Is Available

Tell us where you serve. We'll check availability, then invite you to complete a short application. Submitting this form is not a purchase and does not imply approval.

City availability is limited and City Directory Owners are subject to approval. This is not a purchase or a binding agreement.

Ready to share more about your ministry background now? Apply to become a City Directory Owner.

Your City Already Has Christian Business Owners.

Maybe You're the Person Who Can Bring Them Together.

You already understand people. You understand ministry. You understand relationships.

And if you are bi-vocational, you understand the marketplace too.

Connect Christian businesses. Help churches discover them. Encourage entrepreneurs. Create referrals. Build community. Serve your city.

And build an income-producing local Christian Business Directory at the same time.

$997 Annually — Keep 100% of Your Local Directory Listing Revenue

See If My City Is Available Apply to Become a City Directory Owner

ONE CITY. ONE MARKETPLACE CONNECTOR. ONE CONNECTED CHRISTIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

The Directory Is the Platform. The Relationships Are the Ministry.

CONNECT. PROMOTE. ENCOURAGE. GROW.