How MLMs Can Harm Christian Witness and Damage Church Relationships
- Chad Fisher
- Aug 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 5
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
Quick Answer: MLMs often damage Christian witness by straining relationships, creating financial stress, and shifting trust from Christ to profit motives. Scripture warns against greed, exploiting others, and misusing community trust (1 Tim 6:9–10; Philippians 2:4).
The Church is meant to be a place of worship, fellowship, and encouragement — not a recruiting ground for business ventures. Yet in recent decades, some Christians have used their church connections as a source for MLM recruitment.
While the intent may seem harmless, the effects can be damaging to relationships, unity, and our witness for Christ.
Key Scriptures at a Glance
Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
1 Timothy 6:9–10 — A warning against chasing riches.
Romans 14:19 — “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.”
2 Corinthians 8:21 — Integrity before God and others.
John 13:35 — “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Church is a Family, Not a Customer List
Romans 12:10 says: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (ESV)
When church members start to feel like they are being valued for their buying power rather than their personhood, relationships suffer. A church family thrives when interactions are free of hidden agendas — when love is given without expectation of a sale or sign-up.
How Recruitment Can Undermine Trust
As Will Anderson warns in The Gospel Coalition, “For MLM to be profitable, aggressive recruiting is required… the church… is a networking utopia… But at what cost?”
(source: thegospelcoalition.org)
Recruiting within a congregation can cause:
Suspicion about motives (“Are they here to worship or to find prospects?”)
Reluctance to build friendships for fear of being pitched a business.
Divisions if some join the MLM and others openly disagree with it.
Proverbs 11:13 reminds us: “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (ESV)
Trust is fragile. Once members begin to question whether interactions are sincere, the bond of fellowship weakens.
The Witness of the Church Before the World
Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV)
When outsiders see the church as a marketplace rather than a ministry, our testimony is compromised.
If church gatherings are filled with sales pitches and recruitment conversations, it becomes harder for unbelievers to hear the gospel without distraction.
Why Pastors and Leaders Should Avoid MLM Involvement
Spiritual leaders carry a unique responsibility to be “above reproach” in both life and ministry.
1 Timothy 3:2–3 says: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (ESV)
When a pastor or church leader joins an MLM, it can create:
Conflicts of interest — congregants may feel pressured to join because of the leader’s influence.
Questions about motives — people may wonder if ministry care is tied to business opportunities.
Damage to credibility — if the MLM has ethical concerns or fails financially, the leader’s reputation (and the church’s) can be harmed.
Leaders are called to shepherd the flock, not to turn the flock into a downline. Guarding against even the appearance of divided motives helps protect the integrity of both the leader and the gospel. This is why some churches will not allow people who are part of MLMs to be involved in leadership.
Counting the Cost for the Sake of Unity
Even if an MLM offers real products and a legitimate income opportunity, the potential relational cost within the church must be weighed carefully.
Philippians 2:3–4 gives clear guidance: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)
Before joining or promoting an MLM in a church context, ask:
Will this create pressure in my friendships?
Could this cause division or resentment in the body?
Am I valuing this business more than the unity of the Church?
Choosing a Better Path
If you desire to start a business, consider ventures that allow for clear separation between ministry and marketplace.
Seek ways to serve others without financial entanglements that can cloud your motives.
As 2 Corinthians 8:21 urges: “...aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.” (ESV)
Practical Steps for Christians
Evaluate your motives — is this about serving God or gaining wealth?
Consider your witness — how will this affect your testimony to unbelievers?
Protect relationships — never risk spiritual trust for financial recruitment.
Seek wise counsel — talk with church leaders before making commitments.
Choose integrity — pursue work that builds trust, not suspicion.
Common Questions About MLMs and Church Life
Why are MLMs harmful in a church setting?
Because they mix spiritual relationships with financial motives, causing distrust and division.
Can promoting an MLM damage my Christian witness?
Yes—if others feel pressured or exploited, your testimony of Christ’s love can be compromised.
What does the Bible say about using relationships for profit?
Scripture warns against selfish gain and calls believers to serve others with love (Phil 2:4).
How can churches guard against MLM influence?
By teaching stewardship, encouraging transparency, and setting boundaries that protect fellowship.
Are all business opportunities harmful to witness?
No. Honest, transparent business can glorify God. The issue is when money overshadows ministry.
What should I do if my church community is divided over MLMs?
Pray, seek pastoral guidance, and work toward reconciliation with humility and love.
Conclusion
The Church should be a refuge from the constant noise of sales and self-promotion, not another venue for business recruitment.
Protecting trust, preserving unity, and guarding our witness should outweigh any potential income opportunity.
If you’d like a broader biblical perspective on MLMs — including their structure, costs, and spiritual implications — see our full guide on What the Bible Says About MLMs.
Related Reading on MLMs and the Christian Life:
MLMs vs. Pyramid Schemes: Understanding the Difference and the Biblical Cautions
Regular Business vs MLM: What’s the Difference for Christian Entrepreneurs?
The Financial Realities of MLMs: A Biblical Stewardship Perspective
Christians and MLMs: Why Faith and Multi-Level Marketing Often Don’t Mix
MLMs and the Danger of Selling the Dream Instead of the Product
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Written by Pastor Chad Fisher — Pentecostal Pastor & Bible teacher with 30+ years of ministry experience and author of several Christian books. Learn more →
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