The word alliance may conjure up ideas of armies or international pacts of defense and aid. But a quick Google search of the word provides a much more holistic and even grassroots definition.

“A formal or informal agreement between two or more individuals, groups, or nations to work together for a common purpose or mutual benefit.”

Alliances—partnerships, teams, federations, coalitions—are formed when people come together to solve problems, build something, or show strength and unity. Businesses are formed in a similar way for similar reasons.

For Christians, the idea of alliance is steeped in Biblical teaching. Usually referred to as covenants, there are many instances of God providing a formal agreement to individuals or nations. Take what could possibly be the most prominent scripture verse on this topic, Genesis 12:2, when God speaks to Abraham: 

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."

Though earthly alliances between business partners are not the divine Word of God promising to raise up a nation, the Bible’s use of alliances, whether between God and man or between God-fearing people, not only make such declarations familiar to Christians, but implore us to enter into collaboration with other believers. 

Matthew 18:20 stresses that Christians must be in relationship with one another.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Such affirmations carry beyond the church and, for Christian professionals, into business. When we take the definition of alliance—work together for a common purpose—and line it up with Biblical callings of being in relationship with other believers, making disciples in the world, and using God-given gifts, it stands to reason that Christians must prioritize working with other believers for the benefit of God's Kingdom and everyone in it. 

When looking to start or expand ventures and in networking, finding partners, employees, and sponsors who share your beliefs and values should be put before profit margins, popularity, and even industry expertise. 

2 Corinthians 6:14 says: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"

Gathering a team founded on mutual Christian values creates a trust and synergy necessary to kickstart growth. The alignment of fundamental beliefs will do well to bypass certain organizational and directional conflict and will no doubt result in similar ideas, visions, and goals among team members.

Such common ground creates a steady base of which to launch operations, as well as the declaration that partners and team members seek to travel together on the same vocational path to reach intended goals and carry out a spirit-driven purpose. When challenges arise—financial difficulties, economic struggles, competition—they will rise to the challenge and determine ways to press on rather than undermining their principles and veering off course.

Amos 3:3 speaks of God walking alongside Israel and gives spiritual context here. 

"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?"

While creating an alliance of mutual foundational values to steer the ship is essential to Christ-centred businesses, as Christian entrepreneurs we also understand that collaboration of skill and experience moves the venture forward. 

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken," Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us. 

Identifying believers who share your values but bring different skills and experiences with them will allow for collaboration, innovative thought and, at times, even constructive disagreement, all while incorporating the necessary assets to practically carry out a venture while remaining spiritually rich. 

While our competitive world of profit margins, awards, and material success may tempt Christian entrepreneurs to deviate from their belief system and follow the patterns of the business world, often partnering with those who affirm them, seeking out and creating a team of individuals who share the same values and have used them to guide their skills and expertise is not only a healthy alliance necessary to carry out the vocational mission of a venture and keep its integrity in tact, but also that of the Christian believers involved.