My Business Philosophy…in a nutshell

September 19th, 2006 by natalie

It is surprising how frequently I get e-mails from people, specifically other teachers, who question how I can be so “Christian” in the way I present myself and my studio, primarily through my website. Probably because the music teaching business isn’t suppose to be “Christian” in nature. Churches are suppose to be Christian. Christian schools are suppose to be Christian. Christian counseling services are suppose to be Christian. Christian book distributors are suppose to be Christian. But independent private businesses?

Rooted in the Greek philosophies of such men as Plato and Aristotle, the dichotomy between the “sacred” and the “secular” has had a profound influence on the way we view and live our lives. Though the term “Sunday Christian” sounds trite, many of us would be hard-pressed to convey how we have infused our “secular” jobs or businesses with a distinctly Christian philosophy and approach. We seek to let our actions “speak for themselves” as we hide behind our Christian smile and refrain from boldly proclaiming the glory and Lordship of God out of some misplaced fear of offending another or suffering rejection. But what good is it to live a life of godliness while by our very silence denying the power thereof?1 I know that I am guilty of this cowardly behavior more than I care to admit.

In light of these thoughts, I recently sent the following response to an inquiry containing the afore-mentioned line of questioning:

Thanks for visiting my site – I’m glad you like it! In answer to your question, I believe that one of the biggest advantages of running my own business is that I can do so according to my own philosophies and beliefs. Indeed, none of us can escape the fact that our belief system will influence the way we teach, the way we run our businesses, the way we live in general. I don’t want there to be any question in anyone’s mind as to what my beliefs are and how they are influencing my teaching. This way parents can make a decision based on that information and in light of what kind of a teacher they want for their child.

I have sent my policy (or referred to my website to view it there) countless prospective students over the years. There are those who never pursue lessons with me beyond that; there was one who called back and said that due to her religious beliefs she was uncomfortable with me as a teacher; there have been many others (Christian and non-Christian alike, though I would say a majority of my students have been Christian) who have been excited to pursue lessons with me because of my philosophies and teaching style. And this is exactly what the function of a studio policy should be – a tool to help people understand our expectations, philosophies, etc. before committing to study with us. There are many teachers of varying beliefs and teaching styles giving lessons, so if someone doesn’t agree with one, they can look for another – a great blessing of living in a free market economy!

Unfortunately, there are numerous instances now (other teaching situations included) where people are suppressed in the free practice of their religion, however, in our independent music studios that is not the case. As long as I have the freedom to do so, I will use the outlets I have to seek to glorify God and make Him known to others. That is the motivation behind my teaching and my business practices.

It is my prayer that for as long as the Lord calls me to teach and to run my business that He would show me how I can most effectively make His name known through it.

Sing unto the LORD, bless his name, shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 96:2-4

1see 2 Timothy 3:5

Posted in Life as a Music Teacher, To make you think |

6 Responses to “My Business Philosophy…in a nutshell”

  1. on 20 Sep 2006 at 6:14 pm   Naddy

    I agree! A man I know was recently told by his employer that his refusal to work on Sunday for religious reasons was him bringing his private life to work. He told them, “There is only one of me!”

    I sell breads at our local Farmer’s Market, and have a Bible verse on my labels. Not once have I had a complaint, and many times people comment positively. And it is a good reminder to me to be a good witness by my attitude and behavior!

    Great post, Natalie! :-)

  2. on 22 Sep 2006 at 10:24 am   Kara A.

    Thanks for posting this, Natalie. I have been thinking about this subject for a while, in regards to my own teaching studio. I have to ask myself the question, “how is my teaching different from the avervage non-Christian’s?” Sad to say, I fall short many times. I want to strive to be distinctively Christian in every activity of my life!

  3. on 24 Sep 2006 at 9:47 pm   natalie

    Naddy~
    I didn’t know you sold breads. Yum! That’s great what you’re doing at the Farmer’s Market! It’s so neat to see how God places Christians in all different places and gives us the opportunity to influence those within our sphere.

    Kara~
    That’s such a good question to ask ourselves. We should get together and brainstorm about this some more!

  4. on 04 Oct 2006 at 11:45 pm   Diana

    I agree with Naddy - a great post Natalie.

    I love the way you’ve addressed the issue so succintly. It is certainly inspiring for other aspiring businesspeople (like me!).

    I work for a Christian organisation and we are not allowed to mention Christ at all. Not even in internal e-mail messages! However, I just got off the phone with a client and when she said goodbye she said “Thankyou and God bless you”. It really made my day :)

    Your post has certainly given me food for thought Natalie - thanks.

    Diana (in Australia)

  5. on 05 Oct 2006 at 11:36 am   natalie

    Thanks, Diana! Do I understand you correctly - the Christian organization doesn’t allow you to mention Christ? Why on earth would they have a policy like that?

  6. on 05 Oct 2006 at 6:13 pm   Diana

    You’re welcome Natalie.

    And yes, you’ve understood me correctly - a Christian organisation that doesn’t allow you to mention Christ! My manager’s explanation for this is something along the lines of not wanting to offend anyone or make anyone feel uncomfortable (as we are not staffed entirely by Christians and not all of our clients are Christians either).

    I am so thankful that I have made a Christian friend here in my workplace - we e-mail Scripture and encouragement to each other during the day :)

    Diana

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