Among the millions of workers who have decided to work either a full-time or part-time home-based business are Christians with strong convictions about their place and importance in today’s society.

The reasons Christians start home-based businesses are as varied as the types of home businesses they manage.

The most obvious reason for Christians with families to work from their home is their concern for the welfare of their children. With the moral fabric of society fraying and the ever-increasing danger of children attending public schools, thousands of Christians have decided to homeschool their children (the number of homeschoolers in America is now over 2 million). Since at least one parent must become the children’s educational mentor, finances can be strained to support a family on one income. Therefore, many homeschooling parents have opted to start home-based businesses, allowing them to monitor their children’s progress while at the same time manage their business in a home office.

Christians with no school-aged children may start a home-based business out of necessity, interest, age, or their desire to proselytize. With inflation rates soaring in an insecure economy, often both husband and wife must work to make ends meet. However, if the finances are stable on one income, the other partner might develop a home-based business just to see what happens. Many craft hobbies can turn into lucrative businesses as the creator of the craft wisely develops management skills, keeps accurate records, and uses promotional tools effectively. When considering age for both married and single Christians, the “mid-life crisis” years often draw those who have had successful careers into a complete shift in job desires.

Starting a home-based business offers not only a complete change in a person’s approach to business but also new goals. In a sense, a Christian can view it as a new lease on life, his new business salvaging him from what might have been a boring existence, punching a clock at an office or factory every day for decades. He might also view the change in professions as a reprieve from personal attacks by co-workers who have hostile reactions to his faith. Thus, the job change in itself could be initiated by the Christian’s desire to share his beliefs under more friendly circumstances.

Ideas for Home-Based Businesses

Home-based Businesses Can Involve On-the-Job Training for Children

Many Christian homeschooling parents see their home-based businesses not only as a way to make a living, but as a training ground for their children as well. Often Christian parents who send their children to school also have lucrative home-based businesses that are kept in the family after the parents retire.

With the proper licensing or certification, young apprentices can start learning the ins and outs of a home-based business, sometimes at early ages. As the family works together, years of training develop proficiency in highly-skilled offspring who are proud to carry on the family name.

Succeeding Family Home-Based Businesses

  • Farming
  • Lumberyard
  • Mass Production of Crafts
  • Insurance
  • Welding
  • Hatchery
  • Food Catering
  • Babysitting Service
  • Pet Sitting Service
  • Production of Own Line of Greeting Cards
  • Sewing
  • Car Repair
  • Landscaping
  • Lawn Mower/Small Tool Repair
  • Ebay Dealership
  • Cabinet Making

Home-Based Businesses For Degreed Christians

A Christian who is ready for a job change may find that he already has the skills to succeed at a home-based business. With encouragement from family or friends and a facelift to the house to convert a spare room into an office, any Christian can launch a new venture. College degrees or previous years of training are valuable assets in establishing one’s reputation. If a Christian leaves the work force with years of efficiency and frugality notched in his belt, he has all he needs to promote his new business. Even if his new “job” is in a completely different endeavor, his reputation will follow him home. Word-of-mouth will serve as a home-based entrepreneur’s best promotional tool.

A large amount of capital is not necessary to open a home office. Depending on the complexity or refinement of equipment needed, second-hand pieces are often available at yard sales, school auctions, and foreclosure sales. “Keep it small” is a wise slogan to remember when starting out. There is always room for growth as the business progresses.

Succeeding Home-Based Businesses of Degreed/Licensed Christians

  • Educational Consultant
  • Tutor
  • Free Lance Writer
  • Proofreader
  • Beautician
  • Barber
  • Dog Groomer
  • Accountant
  • Child Care Service
  • Floral Arranging
  • Foster Care
  • Counseling
  • Law
  • Chiropractic
  • Financial Planning
  • Fitness Training
  • Advanced Music Lessons
  • Candy Making
  • Martial Arts
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Bed and Breakfast Accommodations

Home-based Businesses for Non-Degreed Christians

Although it is not impossible, it is a great challenge for a non-degreed Christian to succeed at a home-based business. Motivation is the key word when trying to predict the success of a new home venture. Whether much training is required or not, the Christian needs to focus on the new business, spending long hours planning, promoting, and building clientele. Since experience is not a prerequisite, shifts in job interests are easy; however, a middle-aged or older person might find it extremely difficult to learn new skills that accompany the job. Up front monies are usually not budget breaking, and local banks should be friendly to a blue-collar work who has outstanding credit.

As with degreed professionals, non-degreed Christians need a place to start. A desk, computer, phone, and file cabinet and perhaps a basement for a workspace are adequate. As the home business prospers, the office or work area can be expanded and improved. Although it takes time, unwavering determination to succeed along with the support of family and Christian friends guarantees success!

Succeeding Home-Based Businesses for Non-Degreed Christians

  • Auto Body Repair
  • Music Lessons
  • Candle Making
  • Salesperson: (Jewelry, Health Products, Cleaning Products, Etc.)
  • Computer Repair
  • Writing
  • Painting
  • Quilting
  • Unique Crafts

How a Christian Home-Based Business Differs

Whether the person is a Christian or not, starting a new business venture is exciting yet unpredictable at any age. However, a supportive family and praying friends greatly enhance a person’s quest for a successful home-based business. A strong faith in God and a moral base that demands honest hard work also increase the chances for the business to succeed.

If a Christian is fortunate enough to attend a church where fellow members will support him not only in prayers but in patronization as well, he will find his new home-based business has a head start on the road to success.

Besides making money, a Christian may feel that God has given him a golden opportunity to share his faith while he works from his home. He may consider it as a direct calling from God. Mounting a framed Bible verse such as “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) on a newly painted wall will give any Christian the desire and encouragement to work hard and succeed at any business he tackles, all for the glory of God!