–– Tim Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

‘Pastor, should I start a business with an unbeliever?  Would it be wise for me to partner with this person or not?’  I’ve been asked this question many times, and I believe the Bible has answers.  

Right now in South Africa, about 29% of the workforce is self-employed.  Over 80% of South Africans believe entrepreneurship is a good career path, and there is a growing interest in starting new businesses, despite economic hurdles.  But for the believer, the first question must not be, ‘How much money will I make?  Will it succeed or not?’  

Christian decision-making always begins with, ‘What does God’s Word say about this?  What will be most pleasing to my Lord?’  To answer this question in relation to business partnerships, let’s ask three questions:  (1) What does it mean to be unequally yoked?; (2) How does that differ with employment?; (3) Will this partnership compromise my Christian witness?