PERM – “There is no money in heaven, but there are ideas, power, and glory,” — with these words, Anatoly Moklyak, pastor of the Harvest Church in Kostanay, opened his sermon at the first session of the “Business for God’s Kingdom” conference, calling on Christian entrepreneurs to rethink the purpose of their work and its spiritual meaning. According to him, the true value of labor is measured not by profit, but by service to people.
In his message, Pastor Moklyak recalled that in the early 2000s, Christian gatherings were not focused on successful businesspeople, but on those searching for work and direction in life.
“We held conferences for the unemployed. We brought together those who needed a job or an idea,” he said, sharing the story of a former pilot who, at one such meeting, received a vision to start a poultry farm.
Referring to the opening verses of the Book of Genesis, the pastor drew a parallel between the creation of the world and entrepreneurial activity. According to him, even in a state of “formlessness, darkness, and emptiness,” the Spirit of God rejoices because He sees potential and opportunity. “Rejoice if today you have nothing — you have opportunities,” he emphasized, adding that the ability to create something new is rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit.
The speaker also highlighted decision-making in business. He shared a story about a manager who began consulting God in everyday matters and, as a result, was able to protect his company from being acquired. “You can turn to God not only with spiritual questions — you can do business with Him,” the pastor noted.
Speaking about his personal experience, Moklyak admitted that he combined ministry with entrepreneurship and often struggled with the feeling that he was not dedicating enough time to spiritual work. However, the advice of an older minister helped him see work differently:
“The Heavenly Father loves those who work,” he quoted, addressing the audience, and added: “You carry an anointing because you love to work.”
According to him, entrepreneurs possess not only an anointing but also a gift of leadership that can be applied not only in business, but also in church ministry, including the development of home groups and communities.
Concluding his sermon, the speaker reminded the audience of what he believes will be the ultimate measure of a person’s life: “When you come to Jesus, He will not ask how much you earned. He will ask how many you shepherded — how many souls you served.”
Thus, the central message of the sermon was that, in the Christian understanding, business is not merely a tool for earning money, but a form of ministry in which work, responsibility, and spiritual life come together as one calling.
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals)
