The rise of Christian entrepreneurship has led to many believers selling Bible study plans, paid discipleship groups, and faith-based coaching services. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with making a living, some Christians question whether it’s ethical to charge for things that are meant to build people’s faith.
So, should Christian services be a business? Let’s explore both sides of the argument, using biblical references to guide our understanding.
Biblical Examples of Financial Support for Ministry
The Bible does not condemn earning a living through ministry. In fact, those who teach the Word are encouraged to receive support:
1 Corinthians 9:14 – “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
Paul affirms that ministers can be financially supported for their work in teaching and preaching. Even Jesus’ disciples were provided for by those who followed Him (Luke 8:1-3).
Additionally, Christian authors, worship artists, and speakers who sell books, music, or tickets to events may view their work as labor worthy of compensation, just as other professionals are paid for their expertise.
The Moral Concerns About Selling Faith-Based Services
However, there is a fine line between earning a fair wage and commercializing the Gospel. Here are some biblical examples that throw some light on this.
a) Jesus’ Cleansing of the Temple – Worship Should Not Be a Marketplace
One of the most striking examples of Jesus’ view on profiting from religious services is in Matthew 21:12-13, when He drove out the money changers from the temple:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers!”
The problem here was that the merchants were exploiting people who came to worship, charging exorbitant fees for sacrifices and religious necessities.
The question for modern Christian entrepreneurs is: Are we genuinely helping people grow in faith, or are we using Christianity as a business strategy?
b) Freely You Have Received, Freely Give – The Gospel Is Not For Sale
Jesus said in Matthew 10:8:“Freely you have received; freely give.”
The Word of God was given freely, and many argue that selling Bible study plans, prayer journals, or exclusive paid Christian memberships contradicts this principle. Some concerns include:
1. Gatekeeping access to God’s Word – If only those who can afford it can join a Bible study, does this exclude lower-income believers?
2. Commercializing discipleship – If Jesus trained His disciples for free, should mentorship in faith have a price tag?
3. Shifting focus from God to profit – Does charging for faith-based content risk making ministry more about business than about service?
Finding a Biblical Balance: Is There a Right Way to Do This?
The key issue I believe is intent and accessibility. Paul, who had every right to be supported by the church, chose to work as a tentmaker so that he wouldn’t burden believers financially (Acts 18:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
There are several approaches that some Christian entrepreneurs use which they consider is the right way and they include:
1. Providing both free and paid options – Many Christian entrepreneurs offer free Bible studies and discipleship content, with the option to purchase deeper, premium content for those who can afford it.
2. Operate with transparency – If a Christian business is for profit, it should be clear and not misrepresented as pure ministry.
3. Give back – Many faith-based businesses donate a portion of their earnings to charity, making their wealth a tool for Kingdom impact.
The Biblical Perspective: What Should Christians Do?
While there is nothing wrong with Christian entrepreneurship, there is a moral and spiritual responsibility to ensure that faith is not turned into a business transaction. Here are a few things we should give some thought to as Christian Entrepreneurs.
- Examine the Heart Motive – Are we selling faith-based services for personal gain or to truly serve the Kingdom? (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
- Ensure Accessibility – Are we making biblical knowledge accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status? (Isaiah 55:1)
- Operate with Integrity – Are we transparent about the purpose of our business, and do we give back? (2 Corinthians 8:21)
- Remember the Priority – Are we more focused on money or on spreading the Gospel? (Matthew 6:33)
Ultimately, the Bible encourages generosity, servant leadership, and faithfulness in handling money. If Christian businesses prioritize serving God over making money, they can be a blessing rather than a barrier to faith.
What do you think? Should Christian services be sold, or should all faith-based resources be free? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Don’t forget to download our free one-year cover-to-cover bible reading plan HERE
Discover more from Biyai Garricks
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.