For over two decades, as I have been in the business world as a business owner as well as working in large non profit organizations, as well as international corporations, as well as serving in the non-profit sector, I have learned many lessons and observed many approaches and philosophies of the ways people conduct themselves in the marketplace and when in pursuit of business.

The lessons emerged through my relationships with other business leaders, government officials, customers while performing work for them, suppliers and additional lessons have been learned as I served in churches, Christian schools and universities, and para-church ministries.

The following principles guide the development of my business actions and relationships. I’ve carefully searched the scriptures and confirmed the biblical accuracy of the principles. Wiser persons have already discovered similar principles and the list is surely longer than the one enclosed, but this list is born by the path I’ve traveled.

I have shared these ideas with my children, family members, friends, partners and potential partners, with the hope that they may benefit from my experiences. And now, through a series of several articles and postings, I am sharing them with you, the blogging and internet world.

I hope that you will find the content helpful, encouraging, substantial, and that it will encourage you in your own efforts to integrate and live out your Christian faith in the marketplace.

The postings cover the following 7 Key Areas:

* Part 1: The PURPOSE of a Christian owned or ran company/organization

* Part 2: Guideline for Determining Personal & Professional Pursuits

* Part 3: Thoughts on PLANNING

* Part 4: Strategies for FINANCIAL MATTERS & DECISIONS

* Part 5: Advice on PARTNERSHIPS & STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

* Part 6: How to establish and determine AGREEMENTS in business

* Part 7: PEOPLE TO AVOID in business

Planning

1. Planning is a biblical mandate Proverbs 6:6-9, 16:9 Luke 14:28-29 and Nehemiah chapters 1-6 document a detailed planning process.
2. A godly person plans Isaiah 32:8.
3. Godly plans unfold step-by-step Isaiah 28:10.
4. Time management is a matter of stewardship. Therefore, I will manage my time as a gift from God Psalm 90:12 Ecclesiastes 3:1 Ephesians 5:15-17.
5. Organizations that follow God’s precepts are characterized by the absence of prolonged confusion I Corinthians 14:33 and such is also true for individuals James 1:5-8, 3:16. Though challenges and set-backs are an unavoidable part of life, and regrouping is necessary, chaos should not be a permanent condition.
6. A plan must give God sufficient freedom to be sovereign in His timing and methods James 4:13-15.