Its starts with a pitch, which starts with a few compliments. Hey Geoff, you are a really outgoing guy, you probably have a lot of friends and people in the Church really respect you. It sounds great so far until the words I fear the most come out , “I have an opportunity for you.”

He proceeds to remind me that I probably don’t get paid a lot working in ministry, but I have a lot of people that respect me that would surely get on board with this new business opportunity. He said you could make thousands of extra dollars a month by simply talking to and recruiting people who trust me, who would recruit their friends to sell a product to their families and friends. Its a win-win-win he said.

While the promise of increased income and being able to stay in ministry might sounds appealing, I can’t think of many things that would be more compromising my leadership than using my influence to promote or sell any sort of product or business opportunity. Our students and congregation trust that our intentions are to shepherd them into growing relationship with Christ. They also trust that we are not going to shepherd them into lining our wallets. If you are recommending a resource or book, be sure that it is beneficial to your people ahead being beneficial to you for them to buy it.

As a person of influence you will likely be approached at some point about a multi-level marketing opportunity, but I beg of you to not get involved. You are at risk of being tempted to abuse your authority and influence for your own financial gain. No only is it unwise, unfair, but really unethical.

These worlds can not collide, because when our motives become muddy and unclear, our authority and leadership will suffer for it.

Please don’t abuse your influence.

-Geoff @geoffcstewart