Advice for Religious Entrepreneurs

Top Three Mistakes New Religious Organizations Make

Any new organization, whether it's religious or for-profit, makes mistakes during the startup phase.

Mistakes can be learning experiences.

But they can also be costly, so you'll want to avoid making the most common mistakes made by new religious organizations.

Launching too soon. Leaders of religious organizations frequently allow their enthusiasm to overshadow their common sense. A new organization requires planning and preparation. Although shortcuts may seem spiritual at the time, they can jeopardize your organization's long-term survival.
Refusal to apply basic business principles. Religious leaders often resist the application of basic business principles to their organizations. Marketing, planning and budgeting are sometimes seen as non-spiritual activities. In reality, these and other business activities are vital in helping your organization fulfill its spiritual mission.
Rapid growth. Inexperienced leaders usually don't realize that rapid growth isn't necessarily a good thing while seasoned veterans avoid extremely rapid growth at all costs. In a religious organization, lightning fast growth can overwhelm your staff, your resources and your membership.

Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

What other mistakes have you seen new religious organizations make? What mistakes are you concerned about and how will you avoid them?

Questions, Comments, Tips, and Advice