Do what you love, and the money will follow
by Cathy Conrad, Albuquerque, N. M.
As a business person, I must take issue with Ernest Hershberger's statement, "The business of business is to return a profit for shareholders or owners" ("The Business of Church," May 5). In fact, the business of business is to produce goods or deliver services for sufficient reward that the business remains viable. A business that loses focus on its primary purpose will not survive. For example, if I am in the business of making pies but focus excessively on making money, I will forget the pure ingredients, time and attention necessary to make a delicious pie—and likely will cease to be profitable.
"Do what you love, and the money will follow," is a much more reliable precept for business success than, "Focus on the bottom line." After five years of running a hospice that is highly successful—in terms of providing compassionate care to dying patients and a congenial working environment for dedicated professionals but only minimally successful in terms of financial rewards to the owners—I am inclined to say that my business is no less an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit than is the business of church.
Associated Issue: The business of church - May 5, 2009
Associated Article: The business of church
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