Jesus, Friends, and Running a Small Business
Jesus, Friends, and Running a Small Business
A Faith-Based Lesson with Practical Business Insights and a Nostalgic Twist with thanks to our sister company SecondRidgeConsultingGroup.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
The One Where Business Gets Real (Introduction)
Running a small business isn’t just about products or profits, it’s about people. Whether you're behind the espresso machine or managing the books, you're in the business of service, decision-making, and relationships. It’s not unlike an episode of the beloved 1990’s television series, “Friends” - sometimes hilarious, sometimes chaotic, but always dependent on who’s in it with you.
As we dive into the story of Tyler’s coffee shop, Joe on the Run, we’ll find valuable parallels between Jesus’ teachings, practical business wisdom, and some nostalgic moments from Central Perk that might just help us run a little smoother.
The One with the Bottleneck (Improving Capacity)
“So no one told you life was gonna be this way…”
Tyler’s coffee shop hits its first wall: too many customers, not enough flow. It’s a classic capacity issue. Machines only produce so fast. A complex menu creates unnecessary slowdowns. And yet, in all of that chaos, there’s a way forward.
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (Mark 6:30–44)
In one of the most memorable moments of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus sees the hunger of the crowd, recognizes the disciples’ limited resources (they just had five loaves and two fish to offer) and still calls them to action. Jesus doesn't bypass their limitations; instead, He includes them in the miracle.
Jesus takes what little they have, blesses it, and multiplies it distributing them with their help. It’s a powerful reminder that capacity isn’t just about tools or resources, it’s about trust, teamwork, and a willingness to involve others. When we invite our people into the process, simplify where we can, and trust God with the rest, we create space for something greater than we could’ve managed on our own.
The One with the Rush Hour Menu (Improving Efficiency)
During the rush, it’s not about having more, it’s about using what you have wisely. Tyler’s team learns that limiting the menu and allowing early pickups can reduce stress and serve better.
“Sometimes it’s not about adding more staff, but rather training team members to multitask or support a second station during peak times.”
The Story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38–42)
Martha was distracted by much service. Mary chose what mattered. Jesus didn't rebuke Martha’s effort; He simply redirected her attention. Efficiency is godly when it serves people and preserves peace. Simplify. Delegate. And don’t lose the heart of your mission in the hustle.
The One with the Digital Timer (Improving Performance)
Smart business leaders don’t guess, they gather. Tyler installs alert systems, tracks sales data, and adjusts schedules based on patterns. But more importantly, he listens to his team.
“It’s little insights like that which can make a huge difference in keeping everything running as smoothly as fresh roasted coffee tastes.”
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:10)
In the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, Jesus said that those who are faithful in small things will be entrusted with more. Paying attention to peak times, customer flow, and employee ideas reflects spiritual maturity in leadership. That just goes to prove that faithfulness isn’t flashy, it’s consistent. Track what matters, listen to your people, and make wise, Spirit-led adjustments.
The One Where Ross Yells ‘Pivot!’ (Adapting to Change)
Sometimes, business feels exactly like Ross trying to get that couch up the stairs. You're doing your best, it’s not going to plan, and all you can do is yell “Pivot! Pivot! PIVOT!” while hoping your friends don't drop the load.
“Just like in that stairwell, the key to progress isn't brute force, but rather the willingness to pivot and adjust your approach, with the help of great friends.”
Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Growth requires flexibility. And friends. Whether you’re leading a business or navigating faith, you need people who’ll show up, speak truth, and help you pivot when necessary.
Practical Applications for Daily Victorious Living
Embrace the limitations. Like Jesus feeding the multitudes, God multiplies what we surrender to Him.
Simplify and focus. Jesus never drifted from His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He moved with purpose, spoke with clarity, and made room for rest. Efficiency flows from clarity. Don’t over-complicate your mission but rather stay focused on what truly matters.
Empower your team. Jesus didn’t just give His disciples tasks - He gave them authority, responsibility, and room to grow (Luke 9:1–2). Like Jesus, we must trust our people, not just assign them duties. Empowerment creates ownership, and ownership builds lasting impact.
Be flexible. Jesus was never thrown off by interruptions; instead, He healed on the way, changed course when needed, and pivoted with purpose. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Plans change. Pivot with grace, humility, and faith.
Invite God in. Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Whether it’s a slow Monday morning or a rush-hour scramble, He’s not a distant observer—He’s present, active, and willing to guide. So, invite Jesus into every shift, every challenge, and every decision. He’s in it with you, every step of the way.
One Final Thought
Running a small business is an act of service, a test of faith, and a daily opportunity to grow. Like the crew at Central Perk, you’re bound to spill some coffee, face some setbacks, and need a good pivot. But you’re not doing this alone.
Jesus walks with you through the chaos, through the laughter, and even when you’re stuck in second gear. He was, is, and always will be… there for you.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever.” (John 14:16) “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Even when the grind feels too heavy or the stairs seem too steep, remember Jesus didn’t leave you to figure this out alone. The Helper has come. And the One who called you will not abandon you. He’s with you in the business, in the team, in the pivot, and in the promise.
“I’ll be there for you…because you’re there for me, too.”
Experience a New Life in Jesus Christ
If you have not yet experienced the life-changing power of a relationship with Christ, we invite you to open your heart to Him today. Embrace the truth of His resurrection and embark on a journey of transformation, guided by His presence and fueled by His mission of love and redemption.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 10:9-10 that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation."
Do it today and start enjoying a new life in Jesus Christ.
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Scriptures for this Bible Study taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), © 2025 The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission. www.Bible.com
"Jesus, Friends, and Running a Small Business" is a Christian Bible Teaching presented by Second Ridge Ministries
06/04/2025 | © 2025 Second Ridge Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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