4 Things Marketplace Leaders Can Learn From Church Leaders

Business Leaders, here are a few things you can learn from the pastors and church leaders in the room.

1. Relational Currency is More Valuable than Actual Currency

In the church, relationships are the currency for getting things done. Often, in the business world, we focus so intently on execution, profit, and margin that we forget about the relational currency we are building—or not building. As someone who’s been both a pastor and an entrepreneur, I understand how these perspectives can clash. For instance, I once ran a property management business and realized that balancing financial responsibilities with pastoral compassion was a challenge. Ultimately, these experiences taught me the importance of maintaining relational equity. While businesses don’t have to sacrifice profit to maintain relationships, Marketplace leaders can learn a lot from pastors about building relational currency.

2. The Bottom Line Isn’t Always the Bottom Line

The most important thing I think Business Leaders can learn from pastors is this: the bottom line isn’t just about profit. Look for ways to create a “multiple bottom line”—a standard for businesses today that includes profit but also the impact on the community. We now recognize that companies are measured not just by revenue but by their contributions to the communities around them. The church doesn’t exist to make money; it exists to make disciples. This approach sometimes creates tension between Marketplace people on church boards and pastors, but it emphasizes that profitability isn’t always the highest goal. Yes, measurable success is important, but the real bottom line lies in purpose-driven impact.

3. Churches Have Outstanding Leaders

Some of the best leaders can be found on church staff, particularly those who lead volunteers. If you want to find true leadership, look for those who can motivate and guide teams who aren’t getting paid to show up early on a Sunday to serve. Leading volunteers is a unique skill, and those who do it well offer valuable leadership insights that can be applied in the business world. Learning from church leaders on topics like motivation, commitment, and enthusiasm for service can transform business leadership and inspire Marketplace leaders.

4. There’s No Substitute for Passion and Calling

Great ministry leaders serve with a strong sense of calling and purpose that is truly inspiring. Many give up other opportunities or higher salaries because they feel called by God to serve their community. Marketplace leaders, you should feel just as inspired about your calling in the business world. There is no division between sacred and secular; it’s all sacred work. You are not in a “second-class calling” because you work in the business world. Pursue your work with the same level of passion and commitment that you see in ministry leaders.

So, in closing, whether you’re the most powerful business person here, the pastor of the largest church, or even someone running for office, what do you do if you’re the most powerful person in the room? You serve others. And if you have all the power, you tell others to go and make disciples.