This is an opinion post. For that matter — this is an opinion blog.
And, I have an opinion.
I think pastors should support their community.
When I was in business I supported the businesses in my community.
I shopped local — and small, independently owned business — whenever possible. I bought cars locally, for example, even though I might have saved a few hundred dollars down the road. I did the majority of my spending with local businesses.
That didn’t mean we didn’t travel — and purchase goods when we did — but when we shopped, we primarily shopped local. The Chamber of Commerce “shop local” campaigns worked for us. 🙂
If you own a local business, I think you owe it to support the community that helps to feed you. Even if your products are shipped elsewhere, your labor market is likely fairly local. The emergency services, roads, etc. to support the business. All local. Whenever possible — from cars to dentists, to groceries — the more you invest in the local economy the more it can invest in you.
<h3>And I think the same is true for pastors.</h3>
There’s nothing wrong with occasional online purchases, but for the bulk of shopping, we should support the community that supports us and that we hope to reach.
We should invest in the community — because as it prospers, so will the church. Not only for financial reasons either. It is difficult to engage people in the community in which I live when I’m shopping behind a computer or in a bigger city down the road.
That’s my opinion. Again, this is an opinion post.
And, there’s somewhat of a Biblical encouragement to do so.
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7
What do you think?
I like your view on the topic. Thanks
As a pastor I am very involved in my community and wouldn't have it any other way. From Chamber of Commerce meetings to local para-church boards and city zoning boards, I feel that it is my job to be out in streets, not locked away in my office.
Thank you pastor.Â
My grandparents owned a radio-television repair store and my grandfather would say that the reason they didn’t shop at the local big box retailer was that he didn’t fix radios and televisions from that big box retailer. He fixed electronics from local people, so he supported their businesses.
Yes. I've been a small business owner. I understand.Â