Christian Salespeople Dealing with a Difficult Environment: First, Anchor Yourself

by Dave Kahle

           “This is going to be tricky.”  That what I thought when I was hired for my first B2B salesperson as a new Christian.

           Working with a recruiter, I had interviewed for a position I wanted. According to the recruiter, all that remained was a lunch with the hiring manager, and an offer would be forthcoming.

           At lunch, the manager indicated that the person in the position before me was fired for lying on his expense form.  “I’m a Christian, “ I said, “that’s not something I would do.”

           No offer came, and in a post-lunch conversation, the recruiter said the hiring manager was concerned about me voicing my Christianity, afraid that I would try to proselytize the customers.

           A couple of conversations later, I was hired, and it was then that I thought to myself “This is going to be tricky.”

           That was decades ago, and I have made my living since in the world of sales, first as a salesperson and later as an author, consultant, and sales trainer.  All of this time, I have been a born-again Christian and lived through the ‘tricky” stuff. I’ve learned a lot along the way, (Read my personal story in “The Heart of a Christian Salesperson”).

Sales Managers’ Course 

Our Sales Leader’s Excellence and Influence Course provides sales managers a simple, highly effective five-part system, enabling them to  provide more direction and feedback to the sales force and be in better control of their time.

Become equipped with the ultimate management system.  Take the next step in growing your business by attending our 28^th sales managers’ course, beginning January 9th, 2026. 

"Dave Kahle's course on the Sales Management System is a must for all sales managers. The process that is learned is for, not just the new manager but, those who have been in their profession for years. Since a sales manager will only achieve their goals through other people, this course helps take you through what every sales manager needs to know." 

— Rick Woltjer, Lumbermen's, Inc.

The cohort is limited to 12 people, so don’t delay.

For more information, click  here

           In this series of blog posts, I’m going to share some of the lessons I’ve learned in order to ease the way for Christian salespeople at any point in their career.

           The starting point for successfully navigating the tension of a Christian salesperson is absorbing a mindset.  How you think of yourself is the starting point.

           Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  (Romans 12:2) NIV

           You are not a second-class Christian.  You have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be hesitant to share.  On the contrary, you have selected by God for a very special ministry.  You are not a salesperson; you are a minister of sales.

           For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  (Ephesians 2:10) NIV

           God created your job and selected you for it.  He wants to salt the world with his love and grace and has selected you to help with that.  He sprinkled you in the marketplace because he wanted you there.

           This doesn’t mean that you are to preach to your customers or drop tracks in the waiting rooms.  But it does mean that you work to manifest the fruit of the spirit in your daily conversations, both with your customers as well as your manager and colleagues.

           It does mean that you refrain from those behaviors that would reflect poorly on Christ:  No lies to customers or managers, no exaggeration, no unfounded promises.  No strip shows with the customers, no lewd jokes or vulgar language.

           It does mean that you strive to be excellent in your job and take advantage of every opportunity to influence others. (see “Excellence & Influence”)
 

           It does mean that you have... CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Churchianity or Christianity?