The Gospel of Work: Why Churches Are Teaching
By Kotobabi
Accra, Ghana — On a Sunday morning at Word of Purpose Chapel, the congregation doesn’t just pray for jobs — they learn how to create them.
Pastor Emmanuel Ofori stands at the pulpit, Bible in one hand and a projector remote in the other. His sermon today? “Building Business on Biblical Principles.” By 11:30 a.m., he’s presenting a PowerPoint on savings, seed capital, and startup strategy.
“Faith without works is dead,” he says. “And in this economy, prayer must meet planning.”
Across Ghana, churches are expanding their mission from spiritual guidance to entrepreneurial empowerment — offering training, mentorship, seed funding, and workshops on business development. In a society where religion holds profound influence and unemployment looms large, churches are stepping in to equip the flock not just for heaven, but for the marketplace.
Why Churches Are Taking On Entrepreneurship
1. Economic Urgency
Youth unemployment, underemployment, and economic hardship have hit many congregations directly.
“We were praying for job openings,” says Pastor Ofori, “but people kept waiting with no results. We realized we had to teach people to start something with what they have.”
2. Biblical Justification
Many pastors point to scriptures like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) or Proverbs 31 to promote productivity, investment, and stewardship.
“Jesus didn’t just preach — he worked,” says Apostle Grace Mensah. “Paul was a tentmaker. Joseph saved an entire economy. That’s the Bible’s business legacy.”
3. Congregational Resources
With access to venues, networks, and weekly gatherings, churches are uniquely positioned to reach people consistently and build community support around new ventures.
Inside the Church Business Movement
1. Business Cells and Fellowships
Some churches now run “entrepreneur fellowships” — small groups where members pitch ideas, share contacts, and support each other’s ventures.
At Kingdom Seekers Chapel in Kumasi, young adults meet every Tuesday for a business mastermind session. “We treat it like Bible study,” says member Beatrice. “Only this time, we’re studying how to grow a business.”
2. Skill Training Workshops
From baking and sewing to digital marketing and bookkeeping, churches organize practical workshops often taught by professionals within the congregation.
“Last month we trained 30 youth in shoemaking and branding,” says Deacon Kofi of Mount Grace Church. “This month, it’s soap making.”
3. Micro-loans and Grants
Some larger churches offer seed funding, zero-interest loans, or connect members with investors.
“I got ₵1,000 from our church’s ‘Dream Fund,’” says 25-year-old Samuel, who started a printing business. “No bank would give me that.”
4. Faith-Based Business Summits
Annual conferences now feature guest entrepreneurs, Christian CEOs, and workshops on ethics, customer service, and resilience.
Success Stories from the Pews
Esther Opoku, a former church usher in Takoradi, now owns a catering company that serves corporate clients and weddings. “I learned to cook in the church kitchen,” she laughs. “Now it’s my business.”
Kwame Yeboah, who attended a business development seminar at his Pentecostal church, used the tips to launch a phone accessories shop. “I tithe from my profits — God is my business partner.”
Gender Empowerment Through Faith
Churches have also become a safe space for young women to enter business, especially in conservative communities.
“Women here used to think money-making was only for men,” says Prophetess Nana Adjoa of a growing congregation in Central Region. “Now they’re running food stalls, selling ankara online, and starting crèches.”
Programs like “Daughters of Virtue Enterprise Clinics” teach financial literacy, negotiation, and leadership to women and girls.
The Fine Line Between Church and Commerce
Some critics warn of potential pitfalls:
- Prosperity gospel pressure, where success is equated with divine favor
- Unqualified business mentors, leading members into poor financial decisions
- Over-spiritualizing business risks, such as ignoring proper planning in favor of “faith moves”
- Exploitation concerns, where vulnerable members feel pressured to “sow seeds” they can’t afford
“We must remember that faith doesn’t replace due diligence,” cautions economist and lay preacher Dr. Amos Nyarko.
Government and NGO Collaboration
Recognizing the reach of churches, some government agencies and NGOs now partner with faith institutions for skills training.
The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) has sponsored church-based bootcamps. Some international NGOs offer grants to church youth groups with viable business plans.
“This isn’t charity,” says NEIP coordinator Maame Debrah. “It’s smart policy.”
The Way Forward
Experts suggest that churches deepen their role by:
- Creating incubators for promising business ideas
- Hosting mentorship programs with seasoned entrepreneurs
- Providing legal and tax guidance for startups
- Ensuring inclusion and transparency in how funds and training are allocated
“Churches should be centers of both worship and wisdom,” says Apostle Mensah. “If we equip our members economically, we empower their whole families — and their faith becomes more than Sunday talk.”
Final Thought
In Ghana today, the pulpit is evolving. It still delivers salvation — but now it may also deliver startup strategy and Excel spreadsheets.
As pews transform into training grounds, the message is clear: entrepreneurship, like faith, requires vision, discipline, and boldness.
And for believers like Samuel and Esther, business isn’t just a hustle — it’s a calling.