THE CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNER’S

10 MOST COMMON MISTAKES

...and how to fix them
 INTRODUCTION

Back in 2003, God moved in my life and in my work. At the time, I was President of our family’s automobile dealerships
and thought I had things figured out. If you have ever been in that place (where you thought you had it all figured out),
then you know God does not let you stay there very long! The same is true here.

In my case, I had begun reading the Bible to learn more about God’s purpose for me. During this process, God made it
clear that He was, in fact, the owner of our businesses and I was simply the steward He had put in charge for a season1.
He also made it clear that He had eternal purposes2 for these businesses AND that I would be held accountable for the
results3 while I was the steward!

With this understanding, I began changing the way I ran our businesses. I did not know there was help available in this
effort, so I did my best to read the Bible and then apply it to the workplace. In many cases, the results were fantastic! In
other situations, not so much. While I was witness to many victories, I also have to admit that I made many mistakes.

Looking back, some of these were avoidable. Others were simply the inevitable result of taking risks in new territory.
I do not mention these mistakes to minimize what God has done (and continues to do) in our businesses. I mention
them in this ebook because I have a strong desire to help other business owners to avoid and/or correct them when
possible.

In some cases, what you read here may surprise you. You may even think you have already avoided some of these mis-
takes. While it may be true, I encourage you to prayerfully consider each one, focusing on the symptoms listed, to see if
they might actually apply to your situation. Gaining outside opinions from those you trust who know you well is often
helpful as well.

Once you have read through the Symptoms, read about the reasons that each particular mistake is a problem. Some-
times we know we are not doing something as well as we could, but we don’t see it to be that big of a problem. For each
of these 10 mistakes, there are multiple reasons they can be a big problem.

Finally, look at the recommended Actions. Some may not apply to your situation. Others might. Whatever the case,
if the symptoms fit and you acknowledge the size of the problem, then you need to take action. I have included some
potential actions, but I encourage you to seek the Holy Spirit for your particular actions to take.

As I talk to CEO’s across the country, I continue to find these mistakes being made at some level. That is why I label
them as “common”. For this reason, I felt that exposing them in some way might be helpful to others. I hope ebook is
helpful to you, whether you are just starting out on the journey of running a business God has entrusted to you or you
have been doing it for years now. If you find value in it, then I encourage you to pass it along to someone else you know
that is in a similar position.

I mention that I am sharing these mistakes to help other Christian business owners stewards and leaders to avoid or cor-
rect them. This is true. For many of you, just reading about these mistakes will bring enough clarity for you to be able
to choose a better path. For others, you realize you need more help. If that is you, I have good news!

In my new role with His Way At Work, I can tell you that the products and services we offer can help you in this effort.
What we offer is designed in such a way as to counter the mistakes listed here. While we certainly do not claim to have
every answer, I believe we can provide you with strategies and best practices that will eliminate the vast majority of these
mistakes from your future. Give us a call or email and start the discussion!

Chris J. Patton
CEO, His Way At Work 1
Psalm 24:1
2
Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:23-24
3
Matthew 25:14-30
 THE CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNER’S
10 MOST COMMON MISTAKES
...and how to fix them

Page 2

1Focusing on Short-Term ROI

instead of Eternal ROI
2
Fearing Financial Loss

Page 4

3Struggling with Declaring vs.

Displaying God’s Love
4
Failing to recognize your
whole life is an example

Page 6

5Feeling you are alone

in the struggle
6
Worrying about others taking
advantage of you

Page 8

7Believing ALL of your

employees see your vision
8
You are doing all
of the ministry yourself

Page 10
9Believing that Missions work
only happens on foreign soil
10
Fearing legal ramifications
of ministry
 NOTES

1 \ THE C HRI ST IA N BU SI N E S S OWN E R ’ S 10 MO ST C OM MON M I STAK E S

 1 Focusing on Short-Term ROI
instead of Eternal ROI
Symptoms
FOCUSING ON SHORT-TERM ROI INSTEAD OF ETERNAL ROI
• The company’s KPI’s, rewards,
compensation systems, policies, praise
and reinforcement are focused solely on
30/60/90 day financial results.
• The leadership team and other employees
would confirm this focus.
• The company’s allocation of resources
(calendar, business checkbook &
relationships) is focused on business
results.
• The strategic plan for the business is
much more mature than any strategic
plans for ministry or caring.
Suggested Scriptures: Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:24
Symptoms
• You are unwilling to take financial risks in
ministry efforts.
• You are hoarding personally and with the
business.
• You feel some (or much) resistance to
generosity.
• You believe that “Christian” businesses
are mediocre or weak.
• You have a mindset of scarcity rather than
abundance.
Suggested Scriptures: Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 6:38; Matthew 25:24-30; Ecclesiastes 5:10-12
Why is it a problem?
• You are not the owner of your business,
but only a steward of it for a (short)
season.  The actual owner expect eternal
results.
• You can “say” all you want about your faith
and your desire to impact others, but the
proof of your “faith” is in your focus.  No
one is listening if your walk and talk do not
match.
• You cannot serve both God and money.
• We are told to be storing treasures in
heaven, not here on earth.
FEARING FINANCIAL LOSS
Why is it a problem?
• Personal relationship with God suffers
without trust.
• Low risk = Low return
• Read about the 3rd servant in the Parable of
the Talents.
• You miss out on GREAT rewards.
• Your personal and business impact is
greatly reduced.
• Luke 6:38 - For with the measure you use, it
will be given to you.
TH E CH RI STIAN BUSI NE SS OWNE R’ S 10 MOST C OM MON MISTAKES \ 2
Actions
• Read suggested scriptures and pray for a
changed heart and eyes to see.
• Acknowledge God’s ownership.  Ask for
His will for the business and His guidance
in running it.
• Get your leadership team in alignment
with your words AND your actions.
• Shift your allocation of resources  and
business focuses (listed above) from
Short-Term to Eternal.
• BEWARE: Profit and Excellence are still
CRITICAL to the continued operation and
growth of the business.  Do Not Forget
This!
• His Way At Work can help with this if
you’re interested
2 Fearing Financial Loss
Actions
• Read suggested scriptures and pray for a
changed heart and eyes to see.
• Ask for testimonies from others with
similar experience in your peer advisory
group (and elsewhere).
• Test God in small ways to build trust in
His Sow:Reap principle.
• Execute a caring strategy to see business
improvement results through improved
engagement.
 NOTES

3 \ THE C HRI ST IA N BU SI N E S S OWN E R ’ S 10 MO ST C OM MON M I STAK E S

 3 Struggling with Declaring vs.
Displaying God’s Love
Symptoms
STRUGGLING WITH DECLARING VS. DISPLAYING GOD’S LOVE
• You = lean toward verbal, written
communication of your faith.
• There is no significant evidence of an
Employee Caring Strategy.
• Employees do not buy-in or own the
ministry efforts within the business... they
just participate.
• There is little fruit of changed lives among
employees.
• Higher turnover, lower engagement and
productivity.
• Big gap between resources allocated to
internal vs. external ministry.
• You are uncertain of the differences
between declaring and displaying.
• You are not sure HOW to display.
Suggested Scriptures: James 2:14-17; John 15:12; Matthew 25:37-40
FAILING TO RECOGNIZE YOUR WHOLE LIFE IS AN EXAMPLE TO THOSE YOU LEAD
Symptoms
• You know it in your gut.
• You are not being approached with
questions about “What” or “How” to grow,
improve, etc.
• You do not see any fruit from leading by
example.
• You have not recently asked those around
you (360 degree evaluation, Employee
Satisfaction survey, etc).
• You compartmentalize your business,
family and social lives - not allowing one
to mix or touch the other.
• Your friends at church would not
recognize your behavior at work.
• You would not hire someone from your
church to work in your business.
Suggested Scriptures: Psalm 1:1-3, 15:1-5; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 John 2:6; Colossians 3:12-17
Why is it a problem?
• People don’t care how much you know
until they know how much you care.
• Jesus modeled meeting physical needs
before moving to spiritual truth.
• You need ownership and buy-in from the
employees for many reasons, but will not
get it this way.
• Business is limited when employee metrics
suffer.
• Ministry efforts and results will rely on you
and your strength.
• Your personal and business impact is
greatly reduced.
Why is it a problem?
4 Failing to recognize your
whole life is an example
• People want to follow a leader, but only
one that is genuine.
• You’re “saying” you are a Christian leader,
but parts of your life are in conflict with this.
• Your individual and business impact is
greatly reduced.
• Your business suffers when leadership
lacks integrity.
• You are validating this behavior to others
(causing them to stumble).
TH E CH RI STIAN BUSI NE SS OWNE R’ S 10 MOST C OM MON MISTAKES \ 4
Actions
• Read suggested scriptures and pray for a
changed heart and eyes to see.
• Begin NOW shifting your resource
allocation from Declaring to Displaying.
• Announce this shift and ask for
accountability!
• Empower employees (with a budget) to
help develop, execute, and measure a
“Care” strategy and its results.
• Communicate the Wins! Declare what is
being Displayed!
Actions
• Determine to align all components of your
life with what you read in the Bible (on a
regular basis!).
• Start an annual 360 degree evaluation
process for yourself (and your leaders).
• Start an Employee Satisfaction survey
process or add specific questions to
current process.
• Choose someone to mentor, adding a
facet of accountability.
• Create or join an accountability small
group outside of work.
• Join or engage more in a peer advisory
group.
 NOTES

5 \ THE C HRI ST IA N BU SI N E S S OWN E R ’ S 10 MO ST C OM MON M I STAK E S

 5 Feeling you are alone
in the struggle
Symptoms
FEELING YOU ARE ALONE IN THE STRUGGLE
• You get frustrated when you hear others
mention their struggles (and you see
these as minor).
• You never talk with anyone else (even your
spouse) about your struggles, fears, etc.
• You make tough, critical decisions on your
own, without wise counsel from others.
• You feel the weight of the world on you
(and see no hope of relief).
• You think God has given this to you as a
burden to carry alone.
• You believe you are the only one who truly
understands the struggle (the call, the
dynamics, the conflict, etc.).
• You often see yourself as the smartest in
the room.
Suggested Scriptures: Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 Kings 17:1-19:18; Proverbs 27:17; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31-38
Symptoms
WORRYING ABOUT OTHERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOU
• You withhold because you do not want to
give to a bad cause.
• You struggle with how someone will use
or has used the assistance you give them.
• You are slow to trust the motives of others
when approached for assistance.
• You are quick to establish an extensive
set of rules, guidelines, or hurdles for any
benevolent effort.
• You hear comments from family or others
close to you - “I wasn’t sure if I should
even approach you about this...” or “You
probably won’t be interested in helping
with this but...”
• When you do give (time, money, etc.) you
often check back up on the recipient later
to see if the gift was used wisely.
• You focus on or get frustrated about the
current “freeloading” culture.
Suggested Scriptures: Matthew 5:38-42; Romans 12:17-21; Luke 6:32-42
Why is it a problem?
• You are NOT alone in the struggle.
• You are creating the illusion and
reinforcing it with your behavior.
• Your personal impact is greatly reduced as
others are not benefiting from your growth
and wisdom.
• Your business impact is greatly reduced.
• Your personal growth and development
is stagnated and capped as others with
godly wisdom are not allowed to pour into
you.
• The growth of your business relies solely
on your own gifts when it could benefit
from the variety of gifts possessed by
others.
Why is it a problem?
6 Worrying about others taking
advantage of you
• Too many opportunities for blessing
others are missed as a result of your rules.
• You miss opportunities for your own
blessings as a result of not giving more.
• It is not always your responsibility to
completely “vet” the recipient.
• God wants you to give more, but you are
hoarding. “With the measure you use...”
TH E CH RI STIAN BUSI NE SS OWNE R’ S 10 MOST C OM MON MISTAKES \ 6
Actions
• Read suggested scriptures and pray for a
changed heart and eyes to see.
• Open up to others in a small group or peer
advisory group. Create opportunities for
others to show an understanding and
sharing of your struggles.
• Recognize that God created us for
community and embrace that design.
• Choose a select few godly individuals in
which to confide fully - nothing held back.
• Pray for God to bring leaders around you
(both inside and outside of your business)
that will share the load of the call.
Actions
• Read suggested scriptures and pray for a
changed heart and eyes to see.
• Trust the peer pressure of fellow
employees to keep the violations to a
minimum.
• Trust the creativity of the employees
to structure the giving environment to
minimize violators.
• Pray for peach with the fact that it WILL
happen, but it is NOT your responsibility or
reason to worry.
• Pray for insights as to why others may try
to take advantage of you. Understanding
their motives may help you come to peace
with the overall idea.
• Take the risk and show them love first to
build their trust.
 NOTES

7 \ THE C HRI ST IA N BU SI N E S S OWN E R ’ S 10 MO ST C OM MON M I STAK E S

 7 Believing ALL of your
employees see your vision
Symptoms
BELIEVING ALL (OR MOST) OF YOUR EMPLOYEES SEE YOUR VISION
• You have not spent much time (if any)
as an employee, walking in their shoes.
(Watch Undercover Boss!)
• You forget that “vision leaks” and that it
must be over-communicated.
• You may have a chronic case of the “Shiny
New Object Syndrome” - always bringing
out a “New Program”.
• This new (recent) vision change may be a
fairly radical departure from your previous
approaches... they did not sign on for this.
• You have never taken the time to truly
explain it to them from your heart.
• You assume they think just like you do
and should automatically “get” it (and
support it!).
Suggested Scriptures: Proverbs 4:20-22, 24:3-4, 29:18
YOU ARE DOING OR LEADING ALL OF THE MINISTRY YOURSELF!
Symptoms
• You are WORN OUT and/or BURNED OUT!
You are exhausted from carrying the load
alone.
• You are angry at those who will not
engage the vision like you have.
• Whenever your focus turns from
the ministry work, it fades or loses
momentum.
• You get good feedback and praise for all
you are doing, but no one else seems to
want to help!
• You are (and enjoy being) proud of the
work you have done and do not see the
need for others to drive it.
• You do not have anyone else you can
assign this work due to staffing and/or
financial issues.
Suggested Scriptures: Exodus 18:13-26; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Why is it a problem?
• They are not you! They do not see things
like you do and most never will.
• Vision DOES leak and without constant
communication, it will not be retained by
those other than a select few.
• You will expect actions and behaviors
from them that are not reasonable based
on their lack of seeing and understanding
the vision.
• Employees that do not see or understand
the greater vision of the company will
often disengage from their work (quit and
stay).
• Your language, actions and expectations
around the vision will frustrate and
confuse them - especially where it is in
conflict with common business practices.
8
You are doing all
of the ministry yourself!
Why is it a problem?
• You cannot do it all alone. There is too
much to do and you cannot get to all of it.
• Your resulting attitude is beginning to sour
those around you regarding the vision.
• You do not have the time or focus
available to lead/drive the ministry work
where it needs to go.
• Employees that could otherwise learn,
develop and gain experience from
this work are instead stagnant and
disengaging.
• Your eternal impact (and that of your
business) is greatly reduced.
• Pride is a serious problem.
TH E CH RI STIAN BUSI NE SS OWNE R’ S 10 MOST C OM MON MISTAKES \ 8
Actions
• Communicate the vision. Communicate it
again. Repeat. Repeat again.
• Take the time to see the vision from the
perspective of the employee. Learn their
language rather than expecting them to
learn yours.
• WIIFM. Explain why the vision is (or
should be) important to them.
• Get creative with your communication
of the vision. If they do not understand it
after multiple repetitions, change up the
presentation!
• Find the “influencers” within your
organization and engage directly with
them regarding the vision.
• Pray for them and their understanding of
the call God has given you.
• ICYMI: Communicate the vision again.
• Reinforce the vision with policies and
compensation systems.
Actions
• If proud, acknowledge it and GET RID OF
IT! Enlist accountability for this.
• Engage the employees by giving them
ownership of the work and empowering
them to lead/drive it!
• Build the vision into your KPI’s and hold
your leadership team accountable for the
results.
• Reinforce the vision with policies and
compensation systems. Eliminate conflict
between these systems and your vision.
 NOTES

9 \ THE C HRI ST IA N BU SI N E S S OWN E R ’ S 10 MO ST C OM MON M I STAK E S

 9 Believing that Missions work
only happens on foreign soil

BELIEVING THAT MISSIONS WORK ONLY HAPPENS ON FOREIGN SOIL

Symptoms Why is it a problem? Actions

• You “give” to missions and feel you are
meeting this “responsibility.”
• You don’t see yourself as having the
“spiritual gifts” of missions or evangelism.
• Your church experience has trained
you to see missions as someone else’s
responsibility.
• You have not been trained in missions or
evangelism and would not know how or
where to start.
• You see evangelism as a guy on a street
corner with a bullhorn - and this does not
excite you at all!
• You often pray that God never “calls” you
to see everything and move to Africa as a
missionary!
• This mindset does not align with the Bible.
• We are ALL commanded to go and make
disciples as to be witnesses... AS we go.
• Your employees are your mission field and
the field is ripe for the harvest!
• You do not have to GO anywhere or
be formally trained to minister to your
employees right now.
• Evangelism does not require a bullhorn. It
simply starts with loving your employees
right where they are.
• Read suggested scriptures and pray for a
changed heart and eyes to see.
• Re-frame your business in your mind to
see your employees as the mission field.
Resolve to minister to them.
• Start with a “Caring Strategy” (and budget)
to meet their physical needs. Evolve to
add emotional, spiritual, etc.
• Add chaplaincy for professional care
giving and evangelism.
• Start with rehabilitative efforts and evolve
to add.

Suggested Scriptures: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Acts 1:8; Matthew 5:14-16; Colossians 3:17

Symptoms
10
FEARING LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF MINISTRY

Why is it a problem?
Fearing legal ramifications
of ministry

Actions

• You see frequent news stories about
Christian businesses being targeted for
their faith actions.
• You know the culture is growing more and
more litigious every day.
• You are not a lawyer and you are unsure of
your rights, so the prudent bet is to avoid
the issue by playing it safe (and silent).  and your business can have on other like-
• Even your attorney has advised you
against getting to “radical” with your
ministry efforts.
• The truth is that you actually have plenty
of freedom to exercise your Christian faith
in your business!
• Fear of the legal ramifications is keeping
you from doing ministry work that is
sorely needed.
• This fear greatly reduces the impact you
minded business leaders. 
• The loud minority wins against the silent
majority and continues to push the culture
away from God.
• Well-publicized and consistently-applied
anti-harassment policy.
• Allow religious expression to the same
extent you allow personal expression.
• Discontinue religious conduct directed
toward objecting employee.
• Emphasize voluntary nature of any
religious activity.
• Consider reasonable accommodation.
• AVOID: Disparate treatment, harassment,
denial of reasonable accommodation and
retaliation.

Suggested Scriptures: Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 10:16-20, 26-31

TH E CH RI STIAN BUSI NE SS OWNE R’ S 10 MOST C OM MON MISTAKES \ 10

We hope this guide will help YOU on your journey to
transform your company's culture with God’s Love!
Sincerely,

The His Way at Work Team

For more information about how to overcome these

common mistakes find us online at
www.hwaw.com

To take our organizational assessment for

recommendations on how you can transform your
company’s culture visit
hwaw.com/organization-assessment

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