How Do I Know What to Charge? A Biblical Framework for Pricing Your Services Without Guilt

⚡ Quick Answer

Quick Answer: Your pricing should reflect the true value you deliver, cover your business costs, provide sustainable income, and honor both your expertise and your clients' transformation. Biblical principles support fair compensation for quality work. The worker is worthy of her wages (Luke 10:7, 1 Timothy 5:18). Guilt-driven underpricing isn't humility; it's poor stewardship of the gifts God gave you.

If you've ever frozen when someone asked "What do you charge?" or immediately blurted out a number you knew was too low, you're not alone.

Pricing paralysis affects Christian women entrepreneurs more than any other demographic. We've been taught that charging what we're worth equals greed. That pricing fairly means we're not serving from the heart. That if we really cared about people, we'd charge less or better yet, give it away.

So we say yes when we should say no. We discount before anyone asks. We throw in extras to justify our already-low prices. And we wonder why our businesses feel more like charity work than sustainable ventures.

The truth? Underpricing isn't godly. It's unsustainable. And it keeps you from the very people you're called to serve.

Why This Matters for Faith-Driven Women Entrepreneurs

Pricing isn't just a business decision. It's a stewardship issue.

When you undercharge, you're making three critical mistakes:

First, you're devaluing God's work in you. Every skill you've developed, every certification you've earned, every lesson you've learned through experience represent God's investment in your calling. Do you feel an ‘ouch that’s me’. Charging less than your services are worth suggests His investment isn't valuable.

Second, you're attracting the wrong clients. Bargain-hunting clients rarely value your work. They question your expertise, push boundaries, and demand more for less. They don’t value what you offer. Meanwhile, the clients who could truly benefit from your services, the ones ready to invest in transformation never find you. Your pricing signals you're not the expert they need.

Third, you're limiting your impact. You cannot serve from an empty cup. When you're overworked and underpaid, you burn out. You resent your clients. You cut corners. And eventually, you quit, taking your God-given calling off the table entirely.

The cost of underpricing isn't just financial. It's spiritual, relational, and vocational.

What the Bible Really Says About Pricing

Before we talk numbers, let's address the theology that's keeping you stuck.

Lydia Didn't Apologize for Premium Pricing

Acts 16 introduces us to Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. Purple dye in the ancient world was extraordinarily expensive because it was extracted from thousands of sea snails. This required specialized knowledge, and sold only to the wealthy.

Lydia didn't deal in cheap fabrics for the masses. She sold premium products to high-end clients. And Scripture celebrates her as faithful, generous, and worthy of honor. Her business success enabled her to host Paul and support the early church financially.

Notice what Scripture doesn't say: "Lydia felt guilty about her profit margins." "Lydia wondered if she should charge less to be more Christ-like." "Lydia gave discounts to Christians."

She charged what purple cloth was worth. She served her market well. And God used her resources to advance His kingdom.

Priscilla and Aquila: Professional Craftspeople, Not Volunteers

Acts 18 describes Priscilla and Aquila as tentmakers. Skilled tradespeople who charged for their expertise. That’s right. They worked alongside Paul, who also made tents to fund his ministry.

Here's what's significant: Paul didn't make tents for free to prove his spiritual devotion. He charged fairly for quality work, which gave him the freedom to preach without being a financial burden to new churches (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Priscilla and Aquila followed the same model. Their business success created margin for ministry. They could host church meetings, mentor other believers, and support Paul's work. Why? Because they charged appropriately for their trade.

Biblical faithfulness doesn't mean working for free. It means stewarding your gifts so well that you create capacity for generosity.

The Shunammite Woman: Affluence Without Apology

2 Kings 4 introduces a "wealthy woman" from Shunem who provides hospitality for the prophet Elisha. Scripture describes her as wealthy without qualification or apology. Her affluence enabled her to build a guest room, furnish it well, and offer consistent support to God's servant.

When Elisha asks how he can repay her, she doesn't say, "Oh, I should have charged less for my services to prove my humility." She demonstrates that wealth, honestly earned and generously stewarded, honors God.

These women weren't apologizing for prosperity. They were stewarding it for kingdom purposes.

The Worker Is Worthy of Her Wages

Jesus Himself established this principle in Luke 10:7: "The worker deserves his wages." Paul reinforced it in 1 Timothy 5:18, applying the principle specifically to those who labor in teaching and leadership.

This isn't prosperity gospel. This is practical theology. When you provide value, when you solve real problems, serve with excellence, and deliver transformation; you deserve fair compensation. Yes, yes.

Charging what you're worth isn't greed. Chronic underpricing is poor stewardship.

The Real Reason You Can't Name Your Number

Let's get honest about what's actually happening when you freeze at the pricing question.

It's not that you don't know what to charge. It's that you're afraid of what charging fairly will mean.

You're afraid they'll say no. You've tied your worth to whether someone pays you. Rejection of your price feels like rejection of you.

You're afraid they'll think you're greedy. You've internalized the lie that good Christian women don't care about money. Charging fairly feels spiritually suspect.

You're afraid you'll have to deliver. A low price gives you an excuse if things aren't perfect. A fair price means you're accountable for excellence.

You're afraid of judgment. What will other Christians think? What will your church friends say when they find out what you charge?

These fears are real. But they're not from God.

Fear of man is a trap (Proverbs 29:25). And God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Your pricing problem isn't a math problem. It's a fear problem.

And fear-based pricing keeps you broke, burned out, and bitter.

The Christian Entrepreneur Pricing Calculator: Finding Your Number

So how do you actually determine what to charge?

Not by guessing. Not by checking what others charge and going lower. Not by asking what feels "nice" or "fair."

You calculate your pricing based on real numbers, real value, and real sustainability.

Here's the framework I've developed specifically for faith-driven women entrepreneurs. Maybe you have seen something similar:

Step 1: Calculate Your Minimum Viable Price

This is the absolute lowest you can charge and still keep your business alive.

Add up:

• Your monthly personal expenses (what you need to live)

• Your monthly business expenses (software, tools, contractors)

• Your taxes (typically 25-30% of revenue for self-employed individuals)

• Your savings goal (at minimum, 10% for emergency fund)

Divide by:

• The number of billable hours you can realistically work per month (typically 40-60 hours, accounting for admin, marketing, and rest)

This gives you your minimum hourly rate just to break even.

Example: If you need $5,000/month personally, have $1,000 in business expenses, need $1,800 for taxes, and want to save $500, that's $8,300 total. Divided by 50 billable hours = $166/hour minimum.

This is your floor. You should never go below this number.

Step 2: Calculate Your Value-Based Price

This is what your service is actually worth based on the transformation you provide.

Ask yourself:

• What problem am I solving for my client?

• What is the financial value of solving that problem?

• What is the emotional/relational value of solving that problem?

• What makes my approach unique or superior to alternatives?

Example: If you help entrepreneurs create systems that save them 10 hours/week, and their time is worth $200/hour, you're creating $2,000/week in value ($8,000/month). A service priced at $2,000-3,000 represents massive ROI for them.

For services with emotional or relational outcomes (coaching, therapy, design), consider: What would they pay to solve this problem? What does NOT solving it cost them?

This is your ceiling. This is what your service is truly worth.

Step 3: Factor In Your Experience and Expertise

Where you price between your floor and ceiling depends on your experience level.

If you're newer (0-2 years): Price in the lower third of your range. You're still building testimonials and refining your process.

If you're established (3-5 years): Price in the middle third. You have proven results and streamlined systems.

If you're expert (5+ years): Price in the upper third or at ceiling. You're delivering premium outcomes with premium efficiency.

Add premiums for:

• Specialized certifications or training

• Demonstrated results (case studies, testimonials)

• Unique methodologies or frameworks

• Speed or convenience (done-for-you vs. done-with-you)

Step 4: Choose Your Pricing Structure

How you package your pricing matters as much as the number itself.

Hourly: Best for highly variable work or when clients need flexibility. Downside: You're paid for time, not results.

Project-based: Best for defined scope work. Allows you to charge for value, not hours. Requires clear boundaries.

Retainer: Best for ongoing relationships. Provides recurring revenue and client commitment. Requires consistent value delivery.

Packages: Best for systematized services. Allows tiered options and upsells. Requires clear differentiation between tiers.

For most Christian entrepreneurs, I recommend moving away from hourly and toward value-based packages. This allows you to charge for transformation, not time.

Step 5: Build in Margin for Generosity

Here's where biblical stewardship comes in.

Once you're pricing profitably, you can build in intentional margin for generosity:

• Pro bono slots for those genuinely in need

• Scholarship programs for specific populations

• Tithe and offerings from business income

• Kingdom investments in causes you care about

Notice the order: Price for sustainability first, then create capacity for generosity.

Lydia's generosity was possible because her business was profitable. Priscilla and Aquila could host church meetings because their business provided margin.

You can't be generous from an empty bank account.

What to Say When Someone Asks Your Rates

Now that you know your number, you need the confidence to say it out loud.

Here are scripts for common pricing conversations:

The Direct Ask: "What do you charge?"

What NOT to say: "Well, it depends... I'm flexible... What's your budget?"

What TO say: "For [specific service], my investment is [specific number]. This includes [brief value summary]. Would you like me to send you a detailed proposal?"

Why it works: You're confident, clear, and focused on value. You've named a specific number without apologizing.

The Discount Request: "Can you do it for less?"

What NOT to say: "Well, I guess I could..." or "Let me see what I can do..."

What TO say: "I price based on the value I deliver and what it takes to serve you with excellence. If my full program isn't in your budget right now, I have [alternative option] at [lower price point], or I'd be happy to revisit this when your budget allows."

Why it works: You've held your boundary while offering an alternative. You're not negotiating against yourself.

The Competitor Comparison: "So-and-so charges less."

What NOT to say: "Oh, I can match that!" or defensive explanations.

What TO say: "I'm sure they're great at what they do. My pricing reflects my [specific differentiator], [years of experience], and [unique value]. Clients choose to work with me because [specific outcome]. Is that the kind of result you're looking for?"

Why it works: You've redirected to value, not price. You're qualifying them, not justifying yourself.

The Ministry Discount: "Don't you offer a Christian discount?"

What NOT to say: "Of course!" or guilty backpedaling.

What TO say: "I price my services to be sustainable so I can serve clients like you with excellence for years to come. My faith informs how I work; with integrity, excellence, and genuine care for your success. The investment reflects the transformation you'll receive."

Why it works: You've reframed faith as quality commitment, not price reduction. You're standing firm without being defensive.

The Budget Reveal: "My budget is $X (way below your price)."

What NOT to say: "Okay, I'll make it work."

What TO say: "I appreciate you sharing that. At that budget level, you'd be looking at [scaled-down option] or [alternative approach]. My full [service name] starts at [your actual price] because it includes [value summary]. Which approach sounds like the better fit?"

Why it works: You've given options without dropping your price. You're educating them on the value difference.

Common Pricing Mistakes Christian Women Entrepreneurs Make

Mistake #1: Discounting Before Anyone Asks

You name your price and immediately follow with, "But I can work with your budget" or "I'm running a special right now."

The fix: State your price. Stop talking. Let them respond. Don't negotiate against yourself.

Mistake #2: Pricing Based on What You'd Pay

"I would never pay that much, so I can't charge it."

The fix: You are not your ideal client. Your financial situation, priorities, and needs are different. Price based on the value you deliver, not your personal spending habits.

Mistake #3: Throwing in Free Extras

"And I'll also include this bonus session and this additional deliverable at no extra charge!"

The fix: Build valuable bonuses into your pricing strategy, but don't give away services that should be paid. Free extras devalue your work.

Mistake #4: The Ministry Discount for Everyone

"Well, you're a Christian, so I'll give you the ministry rate."

The fix: If you want to serve ministry clients at reduced rates, create a specific scholarship program with criteria and limits. Don't make it automatic for anyone who claims faith.

Mistake #5: Pricing Based on Competitor Research Alone

"I looked at what three other people charge and priced in the middle."

The fix: Competitive research informs your pricing, but doesn't determine it. Your unique value, experience, and business model matter more than what others charge.

When to Raise Your Prices (And How to Do It Without Losing Clients)

Your pricing shouldn't be static. Here's when to raise rates:

Every 12-18 months: Regular increases account for inflation, experience growth, and market changes. A 10-15% increase annually is standard.

When you have a waitlist: If you're turning away clients because you're booked solid, you're underpriced.

When you've added significant credentials: New certifications, advanced training, or specialized expertise warrant higher pricing.

When your results have improved: Better systems, faster delivery, or proven outcomes justify premium pricing.

How to announce increases to existing clients:

"As of [date], my pricing for new clients is increasing to [new rate]. Because I value our relationship, your current rate of [old rate] is locked in for the next [timeframe]. After that, you'll transition to [new rate or slightly discounted rate]."

This honors loyalty while allowing you to grow your business sustainably.

What to Do After You Set Your Prices

Setting your prices is just the beginning. Here's what comes next:

1. Practice saying your prices out loud. Say them to your mirror, your spouse, your dog. Get comfortable with the words until they don't make you cringe.

2. Update all your materials. Website, proposals, consultation scripts, etc. Make sure everything reflects your new pricing.

3. Prepare for pushback. Not everyone will agree with your prices. That's okay. The right clients will see the value.

4. Track your confidence level. Notice when you want to discount. Ask yourself: Is this a pricing problem or a fear problem?

5. Celebrate when you hold your price. Every time you state your price without apologizing, you're growing in stewardship.

Why Charging Fairly Is Actually More Christ-Like Than Discounting

Here's the paradigm shift that changes everything:

Underpricing isn't generosity. It's poor stewardship.

When you charge fairly:

• You can afford to do excellent work

• You can invest in your own growth

• You can hire help and create jobs

• You can be generous from abundance, not scarcity

• You can serve clients for years, not months before burning out

Sustainable pricing allows sustainable ministry.

Jesus didn't tell the workers in the vineyard to accept lower wages to prove their devotion (Matthew 20:1-16). He told the landowner to pay them fairly—a full day's wage for a full day's work.

Paul didn't apologize for earning income from tentmaking. He used it as an example of providing for yourself with dignity (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

And Lydia didn't discount purple cloth for believers. She used her business profits to fund kingdom work.

You honor God when you steward your gifts so well that your business thrives. That thriving creates capacity for the generosity, impact, and longevity God is calling you toward.

Your Next Step: Find Your Number Today

Pricing paralysis ends when you have a number you believe in.

Not a number you're embarrassed by. Not a number you feel you need to justify. A number that reflects real value, covers real costs, and creates real sustainability.

Here's what to do right now:

Use the five-step framework outlined in this article. Grab a notebook or open a spreadsheet. Work through each step methodically:

1. Calculate your minimum viable price (your floor)

2. Determine your value-based price (your ceiling)

3. Factor in your experience level

4. Choose your pricing structure

5. Build in margin for generosity

Don't rush this. Take the time to get real numbers. Add up your actual expenses. Calculate your real available hours. Consider the genuine transformation you provide.

Then practice saying your number out loud. This is where the spiritual work happens. Say it until it doesn't make your voice shake. Say it until you can look someone in the eye and state your price without apologizing.

The pricing scripts in this article aren't theory, they're tested language that works. Choose the scenarios that apply to your business and practice them until they feel natural.

Stop undercharging. Stop apologizing. Stop letting fear dictate your business decisions.

Find your number. Say it with confidence. And watch what God does when you steward your calling with wisdom instead of guilt.

Want more practical guidance for building a profitable, faith-driven business? Subscribe to The Fempreneur Chronicles for bi-weekly wisdom delivered straight to your inbox. You'll get biblical frameworks, pricing strategies, and straight talk about the real challenges Christian women entrepreneurs face without the religious guilt.

About Sandra

Sandra is the founder of The Fempreneur Chronicles and a Certified AI Consultant who has spent 20+ years helping faith-driven entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that honor God. After years of undercharging and nearly burning out, she discovered that biblical stewardship isn't about charging less, it's about serving well. Through The Fempreneur Chronicles, Sandra provides practical, scripturally-grounded guidance for Christian women entrepreneurs who refuse to choose between their faith and their financial success.

Ready to finally set prices you believe in? Subscribe to The Fempreneur Chronicles for bi-weekly wisdom on building a profitable, purposeful business without compromising your faith. You'll get practical frameworks, biblical encouragement, and straight talk about the real challenges Christian women entrepreneurs face.

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