Community and Kingdom Impact – Why Your Business Needs it

In today’s society, businesses of all sizes are almost expected to have “community impact” as one of their core business values. It is important for businesses to clearly communicate to consumers, employees and the general public how they plan to give back to the community, and if this is not a priority or part of the business’ DNA, the likelihood of that business thriving is slimmed. 

Sometimes business owners may view “community impact” as something they must do, rather than a true value for their company and leadership. When a community impact plan is developed out of mere obligation, lack of integrity and authenticity will inevitably impact the overall health of your organization as well as its impact on the community.

If you are Christian business owner, community or “Kingdom” impact should be a natural part of your life and reflected in your business model. Christ does not want you to hold business in one hand and your faith in the other. Instead, your faith should be reflected in the values of your business, and through that, you will naturally impact your community in a positive, Christ-centered way. 

An authentic, godly desire to help positively transform your community should be the primary reason behind building meaningful relationships, making business decisions that consider the needs of others, and a foundational value to direct your day-to-day activities. Entrepreneurs who understand they are “more than a business” will naturally prioritize making a positive impact on their surrounding community. Relationship building is not only necessary to a profitable business, but is also a significant force to bringing positive change to a community. When business owners intentionally value and focus on their relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders,  a flourishing business with community support is more likely.

Many small business owners inaccurately believe that meaningful community impact is not possible until they become a larger enterprise. The truth, however, is that small businesses are uniquely positioned to impact the lives of their customers, staff, stakeholders, and broader community. Reflecting your core values through your business operations can impact your community in unimaginable ways.. Do not underestimate your influence as a small business owner. 

Although community and Kingdom impact may include prioritizing the social needs of your community and proactively addressing local needs, community impact also comes in many other forms, such as how you treat your employees, your level of customer service, and the way you steward your resources towards positive community impact. 

How Can Your Small Business Have Positive Community Impact?

#1: Excellent Customer Service

Christ values people, and as a Christian, you should too. Valuing people should naturally result in stellar customer service, and this will make you stand out from your competition in authentic ways! 

#2: Participate in Community Events

Purposefully look for ways to partner with your community. Charitable events or holiday giving is a great way for you to bless your community. Participating in community or charitable events doesn’t always have to cost money. You can provide a small discount, a giveaway, or volunteer your time at the event which will help you business gain more exposure, and will allow the public to see the type of business owner and company you are.! Community and charitable events are a great way to meet more people in your community as well as build up your rapport as a company who genuinely cares about investing in the community!

#3: Treat Employees With Kindness and Fairness

Again – Jesus loves people, and if you are a Christian, you should too. As a Christian business owner you must remember to celebrate and recognize your employees, helping them feel known and appreciated. This will surely result in less turnover, higher levels of motivation, and increased job satisfaction. 

#4: Model Integrity

As a Christian, people are watching you and how you act. And as a Christian business owner you have an even greater responsibility because you are a leader, both in your community and business. With this authority and the world watching, you must avoid any temptation to act in dishonorable ways, both personally and professionally.. This includes repaying loans to investors on time, keeping honest financial records, maintaining transparency in the midst of challenges, and paying your corresponding taxes. The reputation you have as a business owner will affect the reputation of your business too. 

#5: Steward Your Resources Well

As a business owner, financial responsibility, including paying your bills and employees, and making sure your business has enough funds to operate well is a must. But, as a Kingdom-driven business owner, you are also called to care about the people around you and invest in your community. You will probably face competing priorities that will result in you having to say “no” to a community need, and that is okay! The point is that you navigate this tension with wisdom and purposefully think through how you can better steward your finances, time, talents, and efforts in a way that leads to greater community impact.

If you need help starting or growing your business, check out our Business StartUp course! Through this self-paced, online course, you will identify your personal values, strengths and assets, and learn what makes a good business idea, how to conduct market research by using our simple and clear step by step market research guide, and even how to write a strong business plan by using our business planning master tool and templates. But that’s not all,  you will also learn how to create a purpose-driven company, how to maintain a healthy life/work balance, time management, goal setting, leadership skills and vital financial management tools. Don’t miss this opportunity! Start today!