PERM – On the final day of the ‘Business for God’s Kingdom’ Conference, Bishop Eduard Grabovenko, Head Bishop of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith, addressed participants with a message outlining the key principles of success for a believing businessperson: a balance between professional growth, obedience to God, and faith.
Speaking about the difference between worldly success and spiritual calling, he referred to the Gospel story of the rich young ruler. According to him, the main challenge for today’s entrepreneur is the willingness to let go of the familiar in order to follow Christ. “The rich young man had everything, but when the Lord called him to go further, he was afraid,” he noted.
Bishop Grabovenko urged the audience to reconsider their priorities, shifting the focus from accumulating wealth to serving people and God. He emphasized that the Lord expects not so much deep analysis of circumstances as sincere trust and decisive action.
Particular attention was given to the principle “obedience over understanding.” Reflecting on the story of the miraculous catch from the Gospel of Luke, he noted that even an experienced professional like Peter achieved results only when he obeyed the word of the Lord despite fatigue and doubt. “Understanding is not the point. Peter’s principle is obedience. It is obedience—not intellect—that leads to victory,” he concluded.
The bishop also addressed the issue of overcoming crises, reminding listeners of the biblical principle of sowing. Even in times of economic instability or personal difficulty, believers are called to keep moving forward. “During a drought, never stop sowing. God gives seed to the sower!” he encouraged.
In closing, Grabovenko called on entrepreneurs to think in terms of the Kingdom of God and to look to the examples of biblical leaders such as Gideon, Nehemiah, and Peter. These individuals allowed God to use their resources and professional skills to bring about significant change. “God wants to work with you. He has a plan for your life,” the bishop concluded, urging business leaders to become “catalysts of God’s transformation” in their cities and spheres of influence.
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals)
