PERM – How to combine business and ministry, where to find a source of strength, and what the true calling of an entrepreneur is—these were the key questions at the “Business for the Kingdom of God” conference held last week in Perm.
The event brought together Christian entrepreneurs with varying levels of experience—from those just taking their first steps to established business leaders—so that they, as one of the organizers, businessman Andrei Gerasimov said, “could achieve stronger results in business while serving the church with their gifts.”
Besides four general sessions, the Conference program included 13 workshops focused on launching projects, systematic business development, and finding balance between work, life, and ministry.
Special emphasis was placed on networking. Interactive zones helped participants connect, find partners, present their projects, and share prayer needs. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about active regional ministries for entrepreneurs.
The practical value of the event was strengthened by focus groups involving experienced business leaders. In an informal setting, participants worked through their questions, received advice, and developed growth strategies.
The spiritual component was an integral part of the conference. Worship was led by the NTWORSHIP team from the New Testament Church in Perm.
The conference opened with a sermon by Pastor Anatoly Moklyak from Kazakhstan, who emphasized prioritizing ministry to people over financial outcomes:
“When you come to Jesus, you will not give an account of how much you earned. He will ask how much you shepherded—how many souls you served.”
He reminded attendees that God is our primary advisor and encouraged them to seek His guidance in decisions related to ministry, life, and business.
In his sermon, Bishop Vasily Evchik spoke about God as the source of spiritual fulfillment:
“If we leave God and rely only on ourselves, we begin to seek false sources that cannot hold water.”
He called for deeper relationships with the Lord, so that believers themselves may become channels of spiritual life for others, continually renewed through personal communion with God.
On the second day, Bishop Andrey Khoroshchenko addressed the issue of spiritual immaturity and consumer-mindedness among entrepreneurs, highlighting generosity as a reflection of God’s nature:
“All talents and gifts must serve God. The one who lives for the Lord and for people becomes a channel of God’s blessing.”
The closing service was led by Presiding Bishop Eduard Grabovenko. In his message, he emphasized the importance of obedience, referring to it as the “principle of Peter”—the experienced fisherman achieved results only when he obeyed the Lord’s word despite fatigue and doubt. He encouraged entrepreneurs to keep moving forward in any circumstances, to think in terms of God’s Kingdom, and to follow the examples of biblical leaders such as Gideon, Nehemiah, and Peter.
Participants отмечали both the practical and spiritual value of the conference.
“The conference became a strong catalyst for vision and action,” shared one participant, Alexander.
“After Bishop Eduard’s sermon, you don’t want to be like Gideon in fear—you want to act and fulfill God’s will,” said another participant, Maxim.
The conference concluded with a joint prayer for entrepreneurs and leaders of business ministries of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals).
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals)
