reply

Discussion 1

3. Advise Shania on which of the interested persons she should include in her business, in what role(s), and why. Your analysis must include Biblical perspectives, such as Biblical considerations of marriage, and business relationships with non-believers. Thoroughly explain the reasons for your recommendations.

 

As we recall from Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness...” (Christian Standard Bible, 1999/2017), Shania’s husband Marvin, based on their Christian marriage, will be the perfect complementary member of her LLC. Shania and Marvin have made the commitment under God to form a life-ling partnership and “The Good Cup” could serve as an extension of that same commitment, each one fulfilling their desired role. Because Shania’s husband has indicated he would be more than happy to provide capital for the business, but would like to remain hands off, this aligns perfectly with the recommended LLC formation.  Shania and Marvin will need to establish their roles early on and determine how the business should be managed, member-managed or manager-managed.  As a mature Christian business owner, Shania would likely manage the operation, eliminating the need to hire someone else to manage her business. Nevertheless, women owners still tend to feel the stress of owning a business and have conflicting roles that emerge between running the business and being active in the family needs (Welsh et al., 2021).  It would be extremely important for Shania and Marvin to have this discussion early on to plan for conflicts that may arise pulling Shania away from home and spending more time at her business.

While Shania’s sister, Kelsey, has an interest in the business, it would be unwise to partner with her, as her non-Christian husband, may have issues in the future with his wife’s involvement that conflicts with their marital covenant. There are several options for Kelsey to be involved, while not operating as a primary member/owner. Kelsey should continue to uphold her stay-at-home mom commitment and could possibly assist Shania from home, working with Shania to manage some of the back-end parts of the business, such as marketing, social media platform advertising, and even scheduling, bookkeeping and payroll if she has these skills.  This would allow her to be home with her husband and children and offer her services to Shania in the new business.  If this arrangement is not in line with the roles she and her husband have established at home, at a minimum, Kelsey could provide much needed emotional support for Shania, as research shows she will likely need it as a female entrepreneur.  The study specifically showed the perception of role-conflict was higher for women owners of business than male counterparts (Welsh et al., 2021).    

Shania would be wise to consider the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (CSB) (Christian Standard Bible, 1999/2017) as she considers inviting others to join her business venture.  Carlos, Shania’s neighbor is interested in a way to earn extra income, however, as a non-Christian, Carlos may not enter membership with the same values Shania has and would like to uphold.  While Carlos has made an astute observation that there are large churches in the area, and certainly, the Mormon and Jehovah Witness populations are continuing to grow as religious entities (Lawson & Xydias, 2020), it would be prudent for Shania and Marvin to consider the implications of Carlos being a part of the business. Certainly, it would not be wise to involve Carlos as a primary member of the business, however, it could be a viable option for him to work in a smaller capacity for him, such as barista or cashier.  Shania must understand and familiarize herself with employment laws that she would need to comply with such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  This law prohibits, among other things, discrimination based on religious beliefs in any term or condition of employment, including the hiring process (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, EEOC). Shania can be discerning in the hiring process; however, she must base her decisions on individual values and complementary skills rather than religion or any other factor that is prohibited by law. In this case, Carlos could be a viable member of her team if he has the skills she may need for an employee. 

Shania has many decisions to make, however, with the correct guidance and prayerful thought, she can establish The Good Cup, LLC with her husband Marvin.  She can involve her sister, Kelsey in a minimal role that would allow her to uphold her marital covenant, and consider Carlos as an employee, so long as he upholds her values and mission she sets forth for her business.  Together, they can spread the light that can be found in a good cup of coffee.