Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you are a church leader, there will probably come a time when a member asks you about a church member’s business directory.
Salespeople are trained to make connections and look for sales opportunities everywhere they go.
Often, members will target people they go to church with because of the easy access to prospective clients.
This can create a challenge for church leaders because the question that inevitably comes up is whether the church is willing to provide a church member business directory.
This can seem like a good idea for businesspeople in the church because they have a passion for their product and want to share it with others.
However, creating a business directory can potentially create problems for church members and, ultimately, church leadership.
It is important to know how to handle this kind of request and establish a policy and procedure for your church.
4 Things to Consider
1. Confidentiality
Church leaders put a lot of emphasis on confidentiality in the church because they understand the complexities of dealing with the lives of people in their care.
We know that most business transactions require gathering some sort of personal information.
It may include information about finances, simple demographic, or family information.
Regardless, ensuring that personal information is kept confidential should always be the priority.
It is understanding that sometimes there is information that should not be shared with other church members.
2. Obnoxious Salespeople
People attend church to connect with God, strengthen their faith, and fellowship with people with shared beliefs and values.
Salespeople are trained to achieve sales goals. Unfortunately, sometimes, those well-trained, die-hard salespeople can be relentless in their pursuit of a sale.
This can create an awkward moment and annoying situation for people interacting with them.
No one wants to be badgered by a persistent salesperson, particularly when they are at church.
3. Church Endorsement
Be aware that a church business directory may be sending an unintended message.
No matter the business, the church needs to be cautious about sending a message or endorsing any business or person.
This misperception can lead to all kinds of problems so make a point of providing clear communication about the church not endorsing any member-run business.
4. Maintaining Current Information
Member directories can be complex and an administrative nightmare regarding collecting information and ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
Additionally, this may not be the best use of a church’s limited resources.
As church leaders, we want to assist our church members when we can, so it is important to think through solutions that can benefit all parties.
Possible Solutions
Create a Business Page on the Church Website
Add a church member business page to your website where members can create an account and a business profile page.
There should be a disclaimer and an agreement with all members using this page that if someone creates an account and completes a profile, they are basically giving permission for other members to view their business profile.
This means that if they choose to create an account, they are giving permission to be solicited from others. If they don’t want to be solicited, they should not list their business.
This would limit the solicitation of people within this group.
It is also important to make it very clear on the business page what its intent is and that the page is solely for the purpose of businesspeople networking with each other and make connections.
Create a Business Members Group
Another option would be to create a group for businesspeople and allow them to meet monthly or quarterly to exchange business cards, share information, and network.
You can also use this group to develop and train others in business skills.
Try to ensure that the group understands the expectation to keep to themselves and not impose sales on church members outside of this group.
It’s A Tender Balance
As church leaders, we don’t want to stand in the way of relationship-building.
However, no one wants to feel like they need to hide while at church from that annoying salesman.
Finding the balance can prove to be a win-win for both parties.
How does your church handle these kinds of requests?
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