Pastor Dennis Wade shares why more Christian men should consider starting a business
Since my early teens, I have been fascinated by business and the call to entrepreneurship. Now, after more than 30 years as a Christian leader, and most of that time as a businessman and entrepreneur, I feel the same way about this calling as I did in my 20s, 30s, and even 40s. I feel strongly.
For many Christian men, the call to business and entrepreneurship is a powerful and enduring motivator, a lifelong journey. It is not just the pursuit of profit, but also an important path that includes stewardship, service, and self-actualization.
Why Christian Men Should Start Businesses and Side Hustle
The Bible clearly teaches that God has entrusted human beings with talents and resources, and invites us to multiply them and manage them wisely. Entrepreneurship can then be a powerful tool and vessel for manifesting biblical stewardship. Christian men embrace the call to bear fruit and expand not only in material wealth but also in impacting lives and advancing the kingdom of God on earth by establishing a business or side hustle. I can. Through entrepreneurship, men can express their creativity, use their skills, and become agents of positive change in society.
Advantages of running a business
Running a business is about more than financial gain. It provides a platform for embodying Biblical principles in the marketplace. Integrity, compassion, and excellence are the cornerstones of our work, and the character of Christ is reflected in all our endeavors. Entrepreneurship can also promote independence and resilience, while fostering traits essential for spiritual and personal growth. Through the many challenges and victories in business, Christian men can deepen their trust in God’s guidance and provision while cultivating faith that transcends circumstances.
Things to think about before starting a business
Before a Christian man embarks on an entrepreneurial journey, he must prayerfully examine his motives and align them with God’s purpose.
Integrity must permeate every aspect of business dealings, from day-to-day business practices to all relationships with stakeholders and associates.
In addition, a solid understanding of market dynamics, financial controls, and legal requirements is also important. Seeking advice from experienced mentors, coaches, and colleagues is also highly recommended. Seeking wisdom from God’s Word will also equip one to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with grace, insight, and humility.
How to ensure business success
It is important for Christian businessmen to remember that true success in business comes from a solid foundation rooted in faith, integrity, and good management. Christian businesspeople should develop a deep relationship with God and seek His wisdom and guidance in all decisions.
Sincere prayer should be the cornerstone of strategic planning and invite God’s guidance into every aspect of business dealings. Moreover, embracing a servant-leadership mentality is crucial and also helps in cultivating a culture of trust and empowerment within any organization. Christ’s humility and compassion are great examples for us as business leaders and these values, when practiced well, are often replicated by those who observe and follow our leadership. We must keep in mind that continuous learning, flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing conditions in the market are also important skills to master. These will enable us to stay relevant and continue to innovate in an ever-changing environment.
I believe that the journey of Christian businessmanship and entrepreneurship should be more than just the pursuit of profit. It should respond to the Biblical call to fulfill the Kingdom mission. It can be a means by which God uses humans to accomplish His mission.
As we embark on this worthy cause, may we approach it with a sense of purpose, integrity, faith, and compassion. And may the Lord be pleased with our efforts to seek His guidance, inspiration, blessing, and approval in all that we pursue.
A personal reflection on my experience in business
As I reflect on over 30 years of personal business experience in sales and marketing, real estate investing, and business management services, I realize that I have faced many challenges that tested my Christian values and character. But relying on God’s Word has always gotten me through and taught me the best ways to run a business, manage people, and overcome daily challenges.
I often found inspiration in the life accounts of biblical characters such as Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah, as well as contemporary Christian business thinkers, leaders, and authors such as Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Miles Monroe, and John Maxwell.
Their experiences and examples can show you how faith and sincerity lead to success in the business world and illuminate the way for you too. So when you are lost, always turn to God’s wisdom and let these examples guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.
I wish you success.
Pastor Dennis Wade is the lead pastor of Micah Community Church in London.visit www.micah.org.uk