Reading Time: 6 minutes

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

—Proverbs 16:9

A godly business plan is not just a document for securing funding or tracking progress—it is a blueprint that aligns with God’s will, reflects integrity, and seeks to serve others.

While creating a detailed plan is essential, it’s more important to submit that plan to God, allowing Him to guide and establish your steps.

Many biblical figures provide potent examples of planning, preparation, and following God’s direction, which resulted in success. Conversely, some ignored God’s instructions, leading to failure. By applying biblical principles and using practical tools like SMART goals and SWOT analysis, you can develop a business plan that honours God and positions you for success.

1. Writing the vision and making it plain

“Then the Lord replied: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'”

—Habakkuk 2:2

A godly business plan starts with a clear vision and requires clarity and purpose. It is about writing down the vision that God has placed in your heart and making it actionable. 

God instructed Habakkuk to write the vision clearly so others could run with it. A vision that is vague, inconsistent, or self-centred leads to confusion, but a vision rooted in God’s purpose will inspire action and bring clarity.

Example: Nehemiah 2:5-8 | Nehemiah had a clear vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah approached King Artaxerxes with a clear and specific plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He had assessed the situation, defined his goals, and requested the necessary resources. His preparation and clarity of vision resulted in the king granting him favour and provision.

Key lessons from Nehemiah:

• Clear goals: He identified the task and clearly outlined what needed to be done – rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.
• Defined resource: He calculated the materials and support required.
• God’s favour: His clarity and obedience aligned with God’s will.

Application:

• Start your detailed business plan with a clear and concise vision and mission.
• Ensure that your vision seeks to glorify God and serve others.

Just as Jesus clearly defined His mission and audience, a godly business must identify its target market and develop solutions that address their needs. Understanding your audience and their pain points allows you to craft products or services that bring real value and glorify God through excellent service.

“But when He heard it, He said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'”

—Matthew 9:12-13

Jesus’ model: Defining the target audience and mission

Jesus came to serve a specific audience—the lost, the broken, and those in need of a Savior. He understood that His mission was not for the self-righteous but for sinners who needed repentance and transformation.

How Jesus defined his audience:

• The spiritually kost: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
• The broken and hurting: He extended healing and compassion to the sick, outcasts, and marginalised.
• Those seeking truth: Jesus engaged with those who were hungry for truth and eternal life.

2. Setting SMART goals for your business

To ensure your vision and mission becomes a reality, your business goals should be SMART:

• S – Specific: Define clear and detailed objectives.
• M – Measurable: Create quantifiable targets to track progress.
• A – Achievable: Set realistic goals based on available resources.
• R – Relevant: Align goals with God’s purpose for your business.
• T – Time-bound: Establish deadlines to maintain accountability.

Joshua 6:2-5 | Joshua followed God’s specific, time-bound instructions to conquer Jericho. The plan to march around the city for seven days and blow the trumpets was not conventional, but because it was God’s plan, it succeeded.

How Joshua applied SMART principles:

• Specific: March around the city for six days and blow trumpets on the seventh.
• Measurable: Seven days of marching with exact steps and actions.
• Achievable: God gave the plan, ensuring victory.
• Relevant: Aligned with God’s command to conquer the land.
• Time-bound: Success came after completing the seven-day plan.

Application:

• Set SMART goals for each area of your business.
• Regularly review and adjust goals as God leads.

3. Conducting a SWOT analysis for strategic planning

A SWOT analysis helps identify internal strengths and weaknesses while considering external opportunities and threats. As a Christian business owner, conducting a prayerful SWOT analysis allows you to align your strategies with God’s purpose.

SWOT framework:

• S – Strengths: What are your business’s unique strengths?
• W – Weaknesses: What areas need improvement or growth?
• O – Opportunities: What opportunities has God placed before you?
• T – Threats: What external factors could hinder success?

Exodus 18:13-26 | Moses initially tried to handle all judicial matters alone, but his father-in-law Jethro identified a weakness—burnout and inefficiency. Moses conducted an implicit SWOT analysis by recognizing his weaknesses and restructuring his leadership model.

How Moses applied SWOT principles:

• Strengths: Leadership and knowledge of God’s laws.
• Weaknesses: Inability to manage all responsibilities alone.
• Opportunities: Delegation and training other capable leaders.
• Threats: Potential exhaustion and failure to govern effectively.

Application:

• Conduct a SWOT analysis to assess your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Pray for discernment and wisdom to address each area.

4. Counting costs and making wise financial decisions

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

—Luke 14:28

A godly business requires financial stewardship. Entrepreneurs must calculate the cost, assess the risks, and plan for sustainability.

Example: Solomon – Building with wisdom and resources

1 Kings 5:5-6 | Solomon planned and gathered resources before building the temple. He negotiated with Hiram, king of Tyre, for the best materials and ensured that everything needed was secured before construction began.

Key lessons from Solomon:

• Financial wisdom: He calculated the cost before starting.
• Resource planning: He secured high-quality materials in advance.
• Partnerships: He built alliances to ensure success.

Counter example: King Saul – Acting without counting the cost

1 Samuel 13:8-14 | Saul’s failure to wait for Samuel led him to offer a sacrifice that cost him the kingdom. His impatience and failure to follow God’s instructions resulted in devastating consequences.

Application:

• Evaluate the cost of starting and sustaining your business.
• Avoid impulsive decisions that could lead to financial hardship.

5. Seeking Counsel from Godly Mentors and Advisors

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

–Proverbs 11:14

Even the most talented business owners need wise counsel. God often places mentors and advisors in our lives to provide insight and experience. Seeking godly counsel helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures that plans align with God’s purpose.

Example: David – Consulting God and seeking counsel

1 Chronicles 14:10-16 – Before going to battle, David inquired of the Lord for specific instructions. When he followed God’s plan, he experienced victory.

Key lessons from David:

• Inquiring of God: He sought divine wisdom before acting.
• Listening to advisors: David surrounded himself with trusted counsellors.

Example: Moses – Delegating after receiving counsel

Exodus 18:24-26 | Moses took Jethro’s advice and appointed capable leaders to share his burden. This created a more sustainable leadership model that allowed Moses to focus on his divine assignment.

Application:

• Seek out Christian mentors or advisors in your industry.
• Regularly seek God’s guidance through prayer before making critical decisions.

6. Submitting the plan to God for approval

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

–Proverbs 3:5-6

After developing a detailed plan, the final and most important step is to submit it to God. Only He knows the end from the beginning, and His guidance ensures that the plan aligns with His divine will.

Example: Joshua – Trusting God’s plan for victory

Joshua 6:2-5 | Joshua followed God’s unconventional plan for conquering Jericho. His obedience and trust in God’s timing led to victory.

Key lessons from Joshua:

• Obedience to God’s plan: Success came from aligning with God’s instructions.
• Trust in God’s timing: Joshua waited patiently for God’s plan to unfold.

Counter Example: Jeremiah’s warning ignored

Jeremiah 42:19-22 | The Israelites asked Jeremiah to seek God’s guidance, but when they heard God’s plan, they ignored it. Their disobedience led to exile and destruction.

Application:

• Dedicate your business plan to God through prayer and fasting.
• Be willing to adjust your plans if God redirects your steps.

Final application: Putting it into action

1. Draft a godly business plan:
   • Use the SMART and SWOT frameworks to develop your plan.
   • Align your mission, vision, and goals with biblical principles.
2. Submit your plan to God in prayer:
   • Dedicate your business plan to God through prayer and fasting.
   • Be open to divine adjustments as the Holy Spirit leads.
3. Find a Christian mentor or advisor:
   • Seek out godly mentors who understand your industry and faith.
   • Remain accountable to trusted advisors for ongoing guidance.

Natalie Taylor is a member of the Win Win Networks Team.