Kevin had a post about Christian Brothers Automotive and their approach to their faith. Read the whole article here.
Buck Jacobs, founder of the C12 Group — a kind of Christian CEO roundtable with 700 members nationwide — said conducting business using the Golden Rule is a common strategy among Christian-oriented companies.
“You don’t have to be a Christian to recognize the value of applying the Golden Rule,” Jacobs said. “Do unto others, and chances are you’ll be successful. A lot of companies recognize that without being Christian.”
Susan Hunt-Bradford, a 48-year-old from Fenton who teaches at St. Louis Community College-Meramec, has taken her car to Christian Brothers three times — twice for oil changes and once to get her brakes fixed.
Hunt-Bradford was first attracted by the convenience of Christian Brothers’ shuttle service but said the company’s principles helped it retain her business. She ultimately paid less for her brake job than Christian Brothers’ original estimate, for instance.
“They were able to get the brake pads on sale, and they passed along the discount to me,” Hunt-Bradford said. “Christian or not, a lot of companies wouldn’t do that.”
First I must say that I’m a little uncomfortable with the overt marketing of “Christian” businesses. People will abuse that just like they abuse the name of Christ for the prosperity Gospel and more. We once saw signs for an exterminator that advertised how they were a Christian company. Did they pray over the bugs before killing them?
Of course, I’m not saying to be shy about your faith. I used to lead the Christian Employee Network Group at HP, so it isn’t like I’m in the closet with my beliefs. I just don’t think people should market their businesses with the message that “I’m a Christian — buy from me!”
Having said all that, Christian Brothers Automotive is an outstanding company. Their services typically cost less than half of what the local Honda dealer charges. And they once saved me $1,000 by pointing out how the repairs on our Ford would be covered under warranty by the dealer. I had no way of knowing that, and they willingly walked away from a big invoice. They offer shuttle service as well. It appears that they are very thorough in determining who gets a franchise.
In short, I trust Christian Brothers Automotive and highly recommend them. Hopefully they have an outlet near you.
Filed under: Christian living | Tagged: auto, business, car, Christian, Christian Brothers Automotive, faith at work, God, religion
I understand your concern regarding the advertising of a Christian business. But as in every other aspect of Christianity actions speak louder than words. It is one thing for a business to claim to be a Christian-based business, but it is another entirely for them to conduct business like Christians.
For instance, Chick-Fil-A. They still do not open for business on Sundays. They lose money every week because they stick to their Christian beliefs and refuse to open on Sundays to allow workers to attend worship services.
This auto repair shop sounds like they too conduct themselves like Christians.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Finally, if people are exploiting the name of Christ solely for profit, God will take vengeance on them in due time.
Neil – I agree with you re: the overt marketing of Ichthus-based businesses, just because it gets a little too close the the “marketing God” trend that drives my husband and me crazy. BUT, it’s great to see truly ethical businesses out there – I just had to have my brakes, pads and rotors changed last month, and I would have gone there if they’d been around here.
We once saw signs for an exterminator that advertised how they were a Christian company. Did they pray over the bugs before killing them?
That is seriously the quote of the month! I am definitely quoting that one on Facebook.
ROFL!!
Neil, I share your concern about “Christian” businesses. However, when I lived in Charlotte, NC, there was a “Shepherd’s Guide” – a kind of yellow pages for Christian businesses. Those who advertised there had to agree to certain standards of conflict resolution.
I used an auto repair shop that was listed (I found them through a friend – not through the guide) who helped me in many of the ways you described. When I had a part go bad that was covered under warranty, he did the other work I requested, then took the car to the dealer for warrranty work. Above and beyond in every step of the way..