Ministry is a business. Although no one wants to look at it this way, your ministry still has to function administratively, from complying with tax laws, audits and making sure your staff is properly trained and productive in their position.

So many times we see ministries focus on one more than the other. Some ministries are so business–oriented that its leaders forget about the reaching people for Christ. On the other hand, some ministries are making a huge impact in people's lives yet don't quite understand the business side of it. 

God called us to reach the lost and to be a strong church with His power. There has to be a balance in obeying His command. It is easier done than said, but I believe it's possible.

So many times there is conflict within staff and many relationships end because of the business side of ministry. The reality is that we are human and not everyone can work well together. However, it is unfortunate that relationships can end badly while trying to reach the lost.

That's the unfortunate business side of ministry. We have to ask ourselves the questions, "How do we keep a balance and how do we handle relationships in ministry?"

Here are five ways to balance the aspects of business and ministry:

1. Go to the mountain. You cannot do anything without God's help and you will never be able to work with people in ministry without God's love. You can face a great deal of spiritual warfare, but you have a greater power within you to help you overcome it. There are so many decisions that must be made. Some may feel as if they are doing something they weren't trained for. In that case, they need God's wisdom.

2. Stay humble. The Bible says God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. Whether you are dealing with your issues or mistakes, or you may find yourself in conflict with those you labor with, you have to remain in a place of humility. Just know God's grace is sufficient.

3. Keep a pure heart. Being on the front lines, the enemy can contribute to conflict and disagreements, and you have to realize your enemy is not those with whom you work. If you have made mistakes or have offended your brother or sister in Christ, you must be quick to repent and clear your heart.

4. Be quick to forgive. You cannot work in the ministry and harbor unforgiveness. No matter how difficult the challenges in your ministry, you need God's forgiveness, power and anointing to do all that He has called you to do. You cannot stay offended, you must release the offense and forgive.

5. Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Recognize that everybody has their own challenges and they too have to fight through spiritual warfare. In spite of differences or challenges you must pray for one another.

God wants His church to be strong and to be a good example in this world we live in. It's so important to work toward the balance of business and reaching people. With God, all things are possible and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Depending upon how you handle the business of the ministry—working with those you co-labor with—your attitude can bring glory to God and your ministry can make a great impact.

Along with her husband, Pastor Luis Reyes, Tricia Reyes is the co-founder of The New Church Of Joy in Waukegan, Illinois. She is a blogger, author and helps manage her daughter Madison's (Maddie Rey) Music Ministry. She is a devoted wife and mother to Madison and Matthew and loves the Lord with all her heart! To learn more about Tricia's ministry or to book her for a Women's Event/Conference visit her website at triciareyes.com or thenewchurchofjoy.com.

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