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Introduction To Faith Driven Entrepreneur

“Entrepreneurship is an act of faith,” said Henry Kaestner, co-author of Faith Driven Entrepreneur. I’ve learned that this is absolutely the epitome of living the Christian life in the business world. In a world where  success is often measured by profit margins and market dominance, faith-driven entrepreneurs are motivated by something much deeper—a god-given call to integrate their Christian faith into every aspect of their business ventures.

As much as I’de like to wish it weren’t, those of us that have chosen the entrepreneurial adventure will undoubtedly face mountains, false summits, predators and every other adventurous analogy I can think of. It is a path filled with risks, adventures, and the pursuit of authenticity, all while staying true to our core spiritual values. The reason for this is that these entrepreneurs are not merely seeking to build successful companies; they are striving to create businesses that reflect the image of a God who is both creative and sovereign. They are pursuing a calling greater than themselves. They care about people, and they care about the footprint they leave on the world through their business.

In this post, we will explore the journey of faith-driven entrepreneurs, outlining the good, the bad, and the ugly of pursuing business ventures guided by faith. We will delve into the challenges they face, the rewards they reap, and the ultimate conclusion that, despite the difficulties, taking the journey of entrepreneurship with God is worth it. My aim is to inspire you to consider entrepreneurship from a faith perspective, encouraging you to embrace the adventure and freedom that comes with following God’s plan for your life and business.

The Faith Journey in Entrepreneurship

The Foundation of Faith

The journey of starting your own business or venture is one that requires immense skill, dedication and, as noted above, faith. The faint of heart typically do not last very long in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Faith is the foundation that guides every business decision, providing a moral compass that keeps us aligned with our spiritual values despite all the problems and pain points we encounter. What I love most, though, is the idea that we stand on the one thing that cannot be shaken, the Lord’s wisdom, providence and sovereignty. 

Proverbs 16:3 encapsulates this concept beautifully: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” 

This does not just apply to our business ventures. We are instructed to commit everything we do, even in everyday life, to God’s ways so that He may establish our plans. I think this may just be the most seminal mindset and heart shift I’ve had over the last several years. 

We have massive dreams and, until recently, we had a plan to get there. The problem though is that we don’t know what the future will hold. Every time we attempt to establish our own plan or agenda, life happens. A family member passes away, and our world is rocked. We are called to move to a state completely counter to where we want to pursue our dreams. A business fails, or in our case, multiple businesses fail. 

Setting a firm foundation with Jesus as the mountain guide throughout the climb, we are able to align our business decisions to create ventures that reflect the image of a God who is both just and creative. This alignment provides a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that our work contributes to something far greater than ourselves. Our plans are good, but His plans are perfect.

Risk-Taking and Faith

When was the last time you truly took a risk? I’m not talking about riding a roller-coaster or attempting to sky-dive. 

I’m referring to a risk where a relationship, your personal finances, or even your reputation were at stake. 

Entrepreneurship is inherently risky, requiring individuals to step into the unknown with the hope that maybe you’ll find some sort of success along the way. For faith-driven entrepreneurs, this risk is compounded by the challenge of staying true to our spiritual values while navigating the uncertainties of the business world. However, our faith provides a unique and specific source of courage, empowering us to take bold steps even when the outcomes are uncertain.

In her book Dare to Lead, Brené Brown discusses the importance of courage in leadership, a concept that resonates deeply with faith-driven entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs understand that their faith is not just a passive belief but an active force that propels them forward, even in the face of potential failure. They take risks not because they are fearless, but because they trust that God is with them every step of the way. We tend to ask ourselves, “what is the worst thing that can happen?”. 

More often than not, our answer truly is not that scary. Maybe we file bankruptcy. Our reputation may be shattered. We may have to sell our home. While all of these situations are scary, none are too big that God can’t redeem them for something greater. 

Faith-driven entrepreneurs often view risk as an opportunity to grow closer to God through the climb. We don’t always understand what’s happening. In fact, very rarely do we understand the journey. However, this perspective transforms the entrepreneurial journey from a lonely, uncertain path into an adventure of faith, where every risk taken is a step of obedience to a higher calling. The stories of entrepreneurs who have taken such bold steps in faith serve as powerful testimonies to the rewards of trusting in God’s plan, even when the way forward is unclear.

3 Examples of Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs

Take, for example, the story of David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby. In the early days of his business, Green faced a critical decision: to either stay true to his Christian values or compromise for the sake of profit. Despite advice from business experts to adopt more conventional, profit-driven practices, Green chose to honor his faith by closing his stores on Sundays, a decision that many saw as a financial risk. Yet, his commitment to God’s principles paid off, as Hobby Lobby grew into one of the largest arts and crafts retailers in the world, demonstrating that God’s guidance can lead to greater success than human wisdom alone.

Another inspiring example is S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. From the very beginning, Cathy made the decision to close his restaurants on Sundays, a move that went against the norm in the fast-food industry. Many advised against it, arguing that it would hurt profits, especially in a sector where weekends are prime business days. However, Cathy’s decision was rooted in his desire to honor God and provide his employees with a day of rest. This bold step of faith became a hallmark of Chick-fil-A’s brand, contributing to its reputation for integrity and excellence. Today, Chick-fil-A is one of the most successful fast-food chains in the United States, with a loyal customer base that respects and appreciates the company’s commitment to its values.

Similarly, Henry Kaestner, co-founder of Bandwidth and Sovereign’s Capital, faced a crossroads early in his career when his faith-driven convictions clashed with the demands of the venture capital industry. Rather than conforming to the high-pressure, profit-at-all-costs mentality typical of Silicon Valley, Kaestner chose to integrate his Christian faith into his business practices. He co-founded Sovereign’s Capital with the mission of investing in companies led by faith-driven entrepreneurs who were committed to making a positive impact in the world. Despite skepticism from peers, Sovereign’s Capital has thrived, proving that businesses can succeed when they prioritize spiritual values alongside financial goals.

These stories highlight that, while the path of faith-driven entrepreneurship may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the promise of God’s provision and blessing. When entrepreneurs choose to trust in God’s plan, even when it defies conventional wisdom, they open themselves up to experiences and successes that far exceed what the business world alone can offer.

The Adventure and Freedom of Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship

Embracing the Adventure

If you’ve read this blog before, you know I like to use mountain references (probably a little too much). The journey of entrepreneurship is an adventure in and of itself. From the winding turns of economic change to the predators lurking in the darkness, starting or running a faith-based business can be downright dangerous and scary. 

That’s the beauty of it though! Embracing everything that is going to be thrown your way fully knowing God is in your corner makes for an amazing story!

Whether you are starting an online business or a unique cake shop (we watch Is It Cake all the time), starting your own deal opens up the means for your creative gifts to really shine. The fulfillment that comes from truly living out what you were put on earth to do creates this crazy adventure that you’re willing to jump through any hoop for and stare down every hindrance in the process.

Freedom in Following God’s Plan

With faith comes freedom—the freedom to trust that God has a plan for every aspect of their business. Entrepreneurs who operate under this belief experience a level of peace and creativity that can only come from following God’s direction. 

The FDM Foundation, a nonprofit ministry supporting faith-driven entrepreneurs, emphasizes that this freedom allows entrepreneurs to step out of the traditional business world constraints and explore innovative, God-inspired solutions. A powerful example of this is seen in the story of Peter Greer, CEO of HOPE International, a global microfinance organization.

When Greer took the helm of HOPE International, he was faced with the challenge of balancing the organization’s mission to serve the poor with the financial sustainability required by any successful enterprise. Traditional business wisdom might have suggested focusing solely on profitability to ensure the organization’s longevity, especially in the highly competitive and resource-constrained world of nonprofit organizations.

However, guided by his faith and the support of faith-driven networks like the FDM Foundation, Greer chose a different path. He stepped away from the conventional focus on profit maximization and instead embraced a holistic approach that integrated spiritual development into the organization’s microfinance model. This God-inspired solution allowed HOPE International to not only provide financial services to underserved communities but also to offer discipleship and spiritual support, addressing both economic and spiritual poverty.

Greer’s approach was innovative in that it did not fit neatly into the traditional categories of either a purely charitable organization or a profit-driven financial institution. Instead, it operated in a new space, one that recognized the importance of spiritual growth alongside economic development. Under Greer’s leadership, HOPE International flourished, expanding its reach across multiple countries and impacting millions of lives, all while staying true to its mission of serving in the name of Christ.

The Challenges – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Now, faith-driven entrepreneurs do not live cush lives filled with constant peace and joy. There are daily battles we have to face, some even so debilitating it’s difficult to get out of bed in the morning. In this section, I want to walk through the good, the bad and the ugly world of faith-driven entrepreneurs. 

The Good

Let’s start with the good! there are so many reasons why faith-driven entrepreneurs find joy in their day-to-day work despite the struggles they may come encounter. Let’s look at a few of them.

1. Purpose-Driven Work: Aligning your business with a higher purpose brings deep personal fulfillment as your work serves a god-given mission.
2. Community Impact: Faith-driven businesses often uplift and positively impact their communities, reflecting the entrepreneur’s spiritual values.
3. Personal Fulfillment: Running a business that aligns with your faith leads to a profound sense of satisfaction and spiritual fulfillment.
4. Ethical Leadership: Leading with integrity, faith-driven entrepreneurs set strong moral examples that foster trust and long-term relationships.
5. Legacy Building: The desire to leave a lasting, God-honoring legacy motivates faith-driven entrepreneurs to pursue excellence.
6. Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing a balanced life helps faith-driven entrepreneurs maintain peace and avoid burnout.
7. Spiritual Growth: The challenges of entrepreneurship provide opportunities for deepening faith and growing spiritually.

As you can see, these things cannot just be experienced by anyone and everyone. These are eternal effects of faith-driven entrepreneurship. In fact, it is for these reasons that faith-driven entrepreneurs are able to face their fears and obstacles head on. They understand they are serving a purpose greater than themselves. 

The Bad

Now, not to discourage you, but faith-driven entrepreneurship is really hard. Starting a business is hard enough. Starting a business based on faith almost never works. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that about 20% of businesses fail within the first year, 50% within five years, and 70% fail to make it 10 years or more. Throw in values, principles and unwavering integrity, and those numbers rise in many cases.

There are a few reasons for this:

1. Financial Instability: Entrepreneurs often face financial uncertainty, requiring perseverance and trust in God’s provision.
2. Pressure to Compromise: The business world may pressure faith-driven entrepreneurs to compromise their values for immediate gains.
3. Isolation: The journey of entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when values-driven decisions set one apart from peers.
4. Balancing Profit and Purpose: Maintaining a balance between staying profitable and adhering to ethical practices can be challenging.
5. Inconsistent Support: Faith-driven entrepreneurs may struggle to find like-minded investors or partners who share their values.
6. Market Limitations: Operating with a values-driven approach can limit market opportunities in highly competitive or secular industries.
7. Emotional Strain: The weight of maintaining faith and business integrity under pressure can lead to significant emotional stress.

The Ugly

Once you move past the unfortunate side of business, you veer into oncoming traffic. There are some downright ugly instance that may occur during your entrepreneurship journey. I never like to sugarcoat how easy something may seem without providing the cold, hard facts that nobody wants to talk about. To honor our approach of authenticity, here are ways that things can go sideways in a hurry. 

1. Failures: Despite best efforts, businesses can fail, but faith-driven entrepreneurs learn to see these as opportunities for growth.
2. Ethical Dilemmas: Navigating difficult ethical decisions can test the resolve and values of faith-driven entrepreneurs.
3. Moments of Doubt: Facing significant setbacks can lead to moments of deep doubt in both business direction and faith.
4. Criticism and Judgment: Faith-driven entrepreneurs may face criticism for their decisions, both from the secular world and within their faith communities.
5. Burnout: The combined pressures of entrepreneurship and maintaining spiritual integrity can lead to burnout if not managed carefully.
6. Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Faith-driven businesses may encounter legal challenges when their values conflict with regulatory or industry norms.
7. Disillusionment: Prolonged struggles without visible success can lead to disillusionment with both the business and its underlying mission.

If I was a betting man, I would argue that if you are in the business world of faith-driven entrepreneurship long enough, you will encounter everything listed above. Moreover, if you spend more than a decade in this world, you may experience everything twice. 

So What Now?

Now that we’ve discussed the beautiful aspects of the faith-driven entrepreneur, as well as the scary and not-so-fun parts, it’s time to consider taking action. 

If you’ve read through the good, the bad, and the ugly and are still committed to pursuing this path, here are some practical steps and resources to help you navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities:

1. Stay Grounded in Your Faith:
   • Daily Prayer and Reflection: Begin each day with prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in your business decisions.
   • Scripture Study: Make it a habit to study Bible verses that relate to business and leadership. Verses like Proverbs 16:3 and Romans 8:28 can be particularly encouraging.
2. Build a Support Network:
   • Seek Like-Minded Entrepreneurs: Connect with other faith-driven entrepreneurs through local business groups, online communities, or networks like the C12 Group. Sharing experiences and challenges with others who understand your perspective can provide valuable support.
   • Mentorship: Find a mentor who shares your faith and has experience in entrepreneurship. A mentor can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Organizations like SCORE and MentorCruise match entrepreneurs with mentors to provide wisdom and advice along the journey. 
3. Develop a Clear Vision and Mission:
   • Define Your Purpose: Clearly articulate your business’s purpose and how it aligns with your faith. Use this purpose as a guiding star for all business decisions. I utilize EOS for this. You should too. 
   • Mission Statement: Create a mission statement that reflects your values and vision. Ensure that all team members understand and embrace this mission. 
4. Prepare for Financial Challenges:
   • Financial Planning: Develop a detailed financial plan that includes contingency plans for lean times. Stay disciplined in budgeting and be prepared to make sacrifices if necessary. Kruze Consulting offers a great article on this here. 
   • Trust in God’s Provision: While planning is crucial, remember to trust that God will provide what you need when you need it. Maintain a balance between practical planning and faith.
5. Embrace Lifelong Learning:
   • Continuous Education: Begin consuming content that addresses the why, the faith and the impractical side of business. My recommendations include Start With Why and Faith-Driven Entrepreneur. 
   • Personal Growth: Invest in your personal development as a leader. Focus on areas where you can grow, whether in emotional intelligence, negotiation skills, or spiritual maturity. Coaching through organizations like Tim Hawkins Coaching and Stay Forth are perfect for ensuring you always have someone in your corner. 
6. Maintain Ethical Integrity:
   • Stick to Your Values: Even when faced with difficult decisions, remain committed to your ethical principles. Your integrity is your most valuable asset.
   • Transparency: Be open and honest with your stakeholders—employees, customers, investors—about your values and how they influence your business practices.
7. Prioritize Work-Life Balance:
   • Sabbath Rest: Make time for rest and spiritual rejuvenation. Protect your family time and ensure you’re not sacrificing personal relationships for business success.
   • Delegate Wisely: Learn to delegate tasks and trust your team. This will help prevent burnout and ensure that your business runs smoothly even when you’re not involved in every detail.

Resources for Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs

1. Books:
   • Faith Driven Entrepreneur by Henry Kaestner, J.D. Greear, and Chip Ingram
   • Start with Why by Simon Sinek
   • Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
   • Grit by Angela Duckworth
   • The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
2. Podcasts:
   • Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast: A weekly podcast featuring interviews with successful faith-driven entrepreneurs.
   • The C12 Group Video Library: Focuses on leadership and best practices for Christian CEOs and business leaders.
3. Networks and Organizations:
   • C12 Group: A network of Christian CEOs and business owners focused on integrating faith into business practices.
   • Institute for Faith, Work & Economics: Offers resources and research on the integration of faith and business.
   • Denver Institute for Faith & Work: They “prepare people to serve God and others in their daily work so that workplaces and cities are transformed.”
4. Conferences and Events:
   • Faith Driven Entrepreneur Conference: Annual event that brings together faith-driven entrepreneurs to share insights and inspiration.
   • Global Leadership Summit: A leadership conference with a focus on faith-based principles and practices.
5. Online Communities:
   • Faith Driven Entrepreneur: An online platform offering articles, videos, and discussion forums for faith-driven business leaders.
   • Christian Business Marketplace: An online community where Christian entrepreneurs can network, share resources, and support one another.

Conclusion To Faith Driven Entrepreneur

The journey of faith-driven entrepreneurship is not an easy one, but it is undoubtedly one of profound purpose, adventure, and fulfillment. As we’ve explored, faith serves as the foundation that not only guides every business decision but also infuses our work with a deeper meaning—one that transcends profit margins and market trends. This journey is marked by the freedom to innovate, the courage to take risks, and the resilience to face challenges, all while staying true to our spiritual values as christ-following entrepreneurs.

Though the road may be fraught with obstacles—financial instability, the pressure to compromise, isolation, and even moments of deep doubt—the rewards of this path far outweigh the difficulties. Faith-driven entrepreneurs experience the joy of purpose-driven work, the satisfaction of making a positive impact on their communities through nonprofit corporations or other entrepreneurial ventures, and the deep fulfillment that comes from aligning their business with God’s plan. They lead with integrity, build lasting legacies, and grow spiritually through the trials they face, knowing that their work is an active part of what God is doing in the world.

Encouragement

I want to encourage you to reflect on your own entrepreneurial journey. If you are already on this path, take heart in knowing that your work has eternal significance, and every challenge you face is an opportunity to deepen your faith and trust in God. If you are considering starting a business, I invite you to embrace the adventure that comes with following God’s call. Though the journey may be challenging, it is ultimately a path filled with rich rewards in this life and eternally.

Call to Action

Take some time today to consider where you are in your entrepreneurial journey. Reflect on your purpose, your values, and your mission. Are you operating from a place of faith, or are there areas where you need to realign with God’s plan? 

Whether you’re just starting out or are well along the path, remember that you don’t have to walk this road alone. Seek out mentors, build a support network through resources like educational websites or non-profit ministries, and rely on the guidance of investment professionals who share your values. Most importantly, trust that God is with you every step of the way! Even when things get ugly and you feel as if you can no longer go on, He is with you. Remember that. 

Closing Quote

As Henry Kaestner wisely states in Faith Driven Entrepreneur, “Entrepreneurship is an act of faith. It’s a journey that requires us to lean not on our own understanding but on God’s wisdom and provision. When we do, we find that our work is not just a means to an end, but a powerful way to live out our calling and glorify God in the process.”

May you find strength, courage, and joy in your journey as a faith-driven entrepreneur, knowing that the rewards of following God’s plan far surpass anything the world can offer. Let your work be a reflection of your first love—Jesus Christ—and remember that even in the lonely journey of entrepreneurship, you are part of a much larger faith-driven movement that is changing the world one step at a time.

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