The Elephant in the Church

You've probably heard the quote,"the elephant in the room." Well there is an elephant in our churches and it's called "Network Marketing." The question is how should we address it?

It seems like every year I get somebody calling me regarding some new fabulous Network Marketing company. They talk about all the benefits it will have for our church. They talk about how it will raise funds for the church and they talk about how I can be the biggest beneficiary. Now don't get me wrong, I actually think Network Marketing is a viable profession and I think there is some truth to what the people say to me who want me to join their Network Marketing company.

Here's a challenge I face. What if..., just what if somebody in our congregation is in another Network Marketing company and they just haven't approached me? Get this. What if they were with the same company as this unknown person pitching me on their opportunity? This could open up a can of worms that could lead to a lot of chaos.

Now let me share a few of my thoughts about the "elephant in our church."

1. I am not amazed of the number of people who have at least dabbled with Network Marketing in our church over the years and still do. My prayer them is to be bold about their opportunity just like they would about any other business they would be involved with.

2. I've even taught a special class on"Networking God's Way" for business owners. The goal was to give Biblical instruction about how Jesus built the biggest network in the world and how they could use networking as a tool to evangelize the world.

3. I openly welcome people to talk to me about their Network Marketing business. It gives me an opportunity to minister to them and help them discover God's purpose for using them in business.

4. I don't mind Network Marketers approaching congregation members. It gives the opportunity for iron to sharpen iron...lol.

5. I am an "Entrepreneurial Pastor" and I am also a Network Marketer. The only person I've ever sponsored in our church is my son. I am very open about my business to those who inquire but I don't seek to promote it to our congregants. It would be a rare congregant I would consider being involved with as their pastor and their business partner.

In closing let me say that as the economy has slumped, people are praying for God to give them a way to increase their financial situations. They are not so sure even if their present job/career situation is stable. They are not sure what companies they should consider approaching. Some people think about starting a business but they lack the thousands of dollars to get started.

The elephant in our churches is not going away. Network Marketing is moving more and more to the main stream. People from all segments of society are involved from high dollar executives to laborers. They are the same people in our churches. The reality is that people are considering various options and Network Marketing has become one of those options. My belief is that in appropriate situations, just like we would refer a member to a "job" we know about, it would be okay to refer member looking for a business opportunity to a Network Marketer.

We have a unique opportunity to be a great blessing to our congregants when we look to help them in ways beyond their spiritual growth. If pastors or their delegated leaders take the time to learn the truth about Network Marketing, the "elephant our churches" will no longer be a "side bar issue" in our churches.

Stay blessed,

Ced Reynolds, Entrepreneurial Pastor
Network Marketing Professional