In our state, more than ever before, entrepreneurship has been given importance and is being recognized as something which can bring about positive change in our society. One important aspect which has contributed to this realization is increasing unemployment among the youth – which the state’s chief minister recently described as a “ticking time bomb”. Lack of opportunities has also resulted in youth migration from rural to urban and from Nagaland to mainland.
But here is the catch – entrepreneurs cannot be mass produced – unlike skill training, where hundreds can be trained for a particular vocation or job. There is a need to create entrepreneurs with ethics, with a purpose, with diligence, with a sense of dignity of labour. This is where the church can step in and play an important role.
- Firstly, acknowledge the problem
What the church does not acknowledge, it cannot heal or transform.
When leadership says:
“We have a problem…”
It becomes:
“We have a responsibility.”
This, in turn:
- Breaks denial
- Invites collective wisdom
- Results in creative solutions
- Is it the church’s problem?
Solving unemployment and developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem is not only the government’s problem. It is a shared responsibility and the church can play a meaningful role. The government’s role is to introduce effective policies and initiatives – which they have been doing but as we can see – they have not been able to mitigate the problem effectively. The church cannot replace the government, but it cannot ignore the problem, because unemployment affects dignity, family stability, and faith itself.
The church needs to take moral and spiritual responsibility as unemployment is not just economic – it impacts:
- Self-worth
- Mental health
- Family harmony
- Faith and hope
“If one of you says…’Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing… what good is it?” – James 2:16
If the church only prays but does not act, its witness is weakened.
- Notable initiatives
Over the years, I have seen some notable initiatives by church based associations, organizations and individuals. These are examples on how stakeholders with a heart for positive change can make a difference.
- The NBCC’s Nagaland Development Outreach provides microfinance to entrepreneurs.
- The Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) deserves a special mention here for starting well directed initiatives like WSBAK Press & Publications which supports local authors and researchers, Canaan Yutech initiative to provide skill training and services such as Hair Cutting, Plumbing, AC repairs, Painting & Electrical to facilitate the skills and potentials of unemployed youths.
- Made in DABA initiative to showcase entrepreneurs.
- Self-reliant and Kenono projects of the Council of Rengma Baptist Churches.
- Hope café and livelihood development initiatives by Rev. Achu Chang and Rev. Chingmak Chang
- How entrepreneurship impacts communities
“Charity relieves poverty, but entrepreneurship removes it.”
- Entrepreneurship can empower communities when business is practiced as a calling, stewardship, and service.
- Entrepreneurship is not just about making profits — it is about discovering, developing, and deploying the gifts God has already placed in people.
Every person is created with abilities, creativity, and potential (Exodus 35:30–35).
- Small businesses generate employment and keep money circulating within the community.
- Many entrepreneurs solve problems within the community (social entrepreneurship).
- Entrepreneurship moves people from dependency to productivity and restores confidence and self-worth.
- How the church can make an impact
The church can:
- Bring Biblical perspective on work & entrepreneurship
Proverbs 14:23 – “All hard work brings profit”
2Thessalonians 3:10 – Encourages responsibility, not idleness.
- Build entrepreneur fellowships & mentorship
Churches already have a wealth of resource with them in the form of experienced entrepreneurs. Churches can create entrepreneur fellowships. Pair experienced business owners with beginners. Monthly prayer and problem-solving meetings can be organized.
- Utilise existing infrastructure
Churches may have infrastructure like buildings, halls and compounds which remain idle on week days. Buildings can be used for skill training and enterprise development programs. These initiatives will create jobs like trainers, administrators and support staff to run them.
Church halls or compounds can be market and business platforms. They can be used for weekend markets, product exhibitions and startup demos. This will help to develop micro-entrepreneurs.
- ‘Meaningful Buildings’
Many churches use their ‘extra funds’ to build buildings and give them out on rent. Instead, why not create spaces in the building and lease/rent them out to their church members/ entrepreneurs to set-up businesses like libraries/study spaces, retail outlets, paying guests, tuition centres, skill training centres, café/restaurant, co-working space and so on. This will empower the entrepreneurs and the church also gets their investment back- but more meaningfully.
- Create an “Entrepreneurship & Livelihood Fund”
For churches who wish to go the extra mile, they can set-up a dedicated fund. They can allocate a percentage of annual church income for this purpose. Special offerings or designated donations can also be organized. This fund can be used as seed capital for small businesses and training and incubation support.
In conclusion
It is time the church not only nurtures spiritual life but also to equip believers for meaningful and productive work. From the beginning, God entrusted humanity with work and responsibility (Genesis 2:15). Work is therefore a divine calling, not merely a means of survival. When the church promotes entrepreneurship, it helps people use their God-given talents in ways that bring dignity, purpose, and provision.
Rising unemployment will only continue if we do not share the responsibility. By using its resources and influence to support entrepreneurship, the church becomes a visible witness of God’s kingdom—where faith works through love, diligence, and service to the community.