God Called Me to This... But Should I Charge for It?

A Christian Entrepreneur's Guide to Balancing Ministry and Monetization

Many Christian small business owners wrestle with the same question: “Should I get paid to share the gospel?”

As someone building a faith-based brand and creating content around Jesus, I’ve asked this myself. Especially as I started thinking seriously about launching a YouTube channel, and later a Christian shop, and a brand that speaks to both faith and creativity.

Is It Wrong to Make Money from Ministry?

The deeper I got into building faith-based content, the more I felt this tension:

“Is this about ministry or money?” “Am I building for God’s glory or for my own?”

I had to pause and reflect. And what I realized was that my heart genuinely desired to create and share Jesus. That desire wasn’t tied to dollar signs or platform growth, but it was made clear that there was no other industry that would fulfill me the way this work does for the rest of my life.

What the Bible Says About Getting Paid for Ministry

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul says:

“In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”

—1 Corinthians 9:14

At first glance, this might sound like a clear yes: Christian creators, preachers, and ministry leaders should be supported through their work.

But Paul also makes it clear that he personally chose not to take payment. Not because it was wrong, but to protect the sincerity and credibility of his message. Even though he had the right, he didn't accept it.”

So it really comes down to one question: What’s your motivation?"

1. What’s Your Heart Behind It?

Paul says,

“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

—1 Corinthians 9:16

He felt called. It wasn’t optional. So even if he wasn’t rewarded financially, he still felt a deep responsibility to share the message of Jesus.

If you’re creating Christian content, running a business, or building a brand rooted in faith, ask yourself:

• Am I doing this out of love for God and the desire to "win souls" for Christ?

• Am I willing to do it even if it doesn’t "pay off" financially?
  

If the answer is yes, then keep going!

2. Put In the Work Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Later in that chapter, Paul compares ministry to an athlete preparing for the Olympics:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

—1 Corinthians 9:24-25

This metaphor is so powerful for Christian entrepreneurs, and note that there is an emphasis on the effort and not the rivalry.

We’re not just working for likes, sales, or recognition. We’re working for an eternal reward, to glorify God and bring people closer to Him.

Whatever you’re building—build it with purpose, excellence, and discipline. The effort matters. Not because you’re earning salvation (that’s already freely given through Christ), but because the fruit of your service has eternal impact.

3. So… Is It Wrong to Get Paid?

Short answer? No. Longer answer? No... if your motives are right.

The Bible never says it's wrong to earn money from faith-based work. In fact, Scripture supports financial support for those who commit their lives to ministry and the church.

But here’s the key: Your business isn’t bad. Your heart condition is what matters.

Some will serve through unpaid ministry. Others will build Christian businesses that thrive and provide for them. Both are valid.

Final Thoughts: Create From the Overflow

Whether you’re journaling, preaching, designing, or filming, let your work flow from your personal relationship with God.

Don’t build with the sole expectation of profit. Serve because you’re loved. Create because He created you to do good works.

And yes, if God uses your work to provide for you financially, receive it with both gratitude and careful stewardship.