Many pastors ask the same burning question: How do I fund the work God has called me to do? At a ministry conference, I once heard a speaker offer a simple solution—start a business on the side.

At first, it sounded inspiring. But the more I thought about it, the more it felt like dangerous advice. In this article, I’ll share three reasons why most pastors should not start a business to fund their ministry.

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1. Business Will Always Demand More Than You Expect

Running a business is no small task. It’s not just about making money. It’s about managing employees, handling customer service, navigating economic uncertainty, and solving constant problems.

Here’s the real danger: when your business struggles, it will always take priority. If your business fails, so does your funding for ministry. You end up wearing two hats—pastor and entrepreneur—and both suffer for it.

A study in the Academy of Management Review found that role conflict—trying to juggle both ministry and business—leads to mental strain, time pressure, and burnout.

Let’s face it: most pastors are already stretched thin. Adding a business to the mix only increases stress and takes away from your ministry calling.

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2. You May Not Be Wired for Business—And That’s Okay

God gives different gifts to different people. Not everyone is called to be an entrepreneur, just like not everyone is called to be a pastor.

I learned this the hard way. I tried pastoral ministry out of college, and I quickly realized it wasn’t how God wired me. Today, I run a business that supports evangelism—and I love it, because it’s what I was created to do.

But if you’ve been called to preach, teach, and shepherd, your focus should be there. Studies show bivocational pastors (those juggling ministry and another job) experience significantly more stress and burnout. Don’t pursue business unless God wired you for it.

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3. Money Follows Ministry

Mark Finley, a mentor of mine at It Is Written, used to say: “Money follows ministry.”

Don’t chase dollars. Chase the mission.

When people see lives being changed—when they see your ministry making a real difference—they’ll want to support you. Donors give because they believe in the mission, not because you started a side hustle.

If God has called you to be a pastor, then go all in on that calling. Trust Him to bring the financial resources through the people He surrounds you with.

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Focus on Ministry. God Will Provide.

The truth is, you can’t serve two masters. Business might seem like a shortcut to funding your calling, but it will only split your focus and dilute your impact.

Instead of splitting your time, go all in on ministry. Stay faithful. Trust that the God who called you will equip and fund the work He’s called you to do.

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You are not alone.
The God who called you is with you every step of the way. So keep pressing forward—because He’s doing something powerful through your life and ministry.