A couple months ago I attended a Christian Leadership seminar where some national brand-name authors were heavily promoted as the featured speakers. I don’t usually attend this type of thing, but a friend of mine had been involved on the advisory board, and I wanted to support him. It took place at a regional Bible College.
About half way through, a spot on the agenda opened up for one of the event sponsors to say a few words. Up to the stage came a gentleman who immediately proceeded to push all of us in the audience to buy ad space in his Christian Business Directory, because “we can’t trust the world and we should want to do business with those who share our same values.” I rolled my eyes. This sort of incestuous, insular thinking drives me crazy.
Here we are, Christian business people, in a Christian Bible College, listening to Christian speakers, with Christian music piped through during the breaks, sponsored by more Christian business people who want us only to do business with other Christian business people. It’s a vicious circle.
I leaned over to my friend sitting next to me. “This is a pet peeve of mine.” I whispered, obviously unable to contain myself until the break. He gave me a twisted look. I was not sure if I offended him or piqued his interest. The Christian-Business Clone on stage finished talking, and we were dismissed for a break. My friend and I stood up in the aisle and I continued with the conversation.
“I think we should earn business with our customers because we provide excellent services at a competitive price,” I continued. “Not because I happen to go to church with you.”
Don’t get me going.
“And if Christians can’t earn the respect of others who are leaders in the marketplace, then I don’t have any respect for them either.” I made my point. I noticed the large cross hanging over us as we spoke, reminding me of our Christian setting. “I’ll still love them in Christ, of course.”
I wasn’t sure if my friend was going to agree with me or not.
“I took my kids out of Christian school in sixth grade,” he started, “for the same reason. They started to believe that the Christian world was the only thing out there. I didn’t want them to get eaten up alive.”
Well. My point exactly. I think it should be the other way around.
Photo by nAncy, used with permission.
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