Stories Pastors and Entrepreneurs Need to Hear

This story for pastors and entrepreneurs may sound familiar

Jeff isn't his real name, but the story is true.  This video depiction of a true story is like hundreds that we've heard. One entrepreneur said, "I feel like I'm on the island of misfit toys" when it comes to church relationships.  They bring significant gifts and talents, but often don't fit the kinds of roles that churches are looking to fill. That leaves their faith unengaged and their talents focused somewhere else. It's also the reason that most ministry for business leaders is found outside the local church. 

Unlike other dechurched groups

Business owners and entrepreneurs believe that God has given them unique gifts and opportunities that they want to use for His glory- that's what Barna research has uncovered.  But they don't know how that practically fits into their church relationships, because all the regular boxes for involvement don't put their gifts to work. That leaves them essentially unengaged, their passion and talents idle on the sidelines of church activity.

What entrepreneurs and pastors need to understand

People will find a way to do the things they are created to do. The unique grace that God has given to business owners and entrepreneurs gives them a wiring to get things done. They are motivated to extend big ideas, build support around those ideas, and network into new opportunities.

That is the kind of work that we see in the Biblical accounts of the Apostle Paul and his teams. They were only engaged in preaching, but were also deeply involved in trade relationships and business that extended the Gospel. The mission sending the Ephesians church was started with marketplace teams, and sustained that way, too.

The relationship between the local church and entrepreneurs is a Kingdom necessity, holding the potential for extending His work into networks and groups that are far away from Christ.

How entrepreneurs can approach church differently

Business owners and entrepreneurs need to understand that the Western model for church is essentially focused on delivering care and content. When they approach church staff with a new idea or opportunity, or look at the kind of volunteer options available, they are probably not going to find something that fits. That means that they have to be committed to building trust and helping church leaders to see the same potential and opportunities that they see. 

One highly successful business owner told us that it took him almost two years to bring his pastor around to get business owners together for a discussion at church. When an entrepreneur is wired for action, that raises the question, "Why bother?" They need to have the same commitment to Jesus body that He does - what's at stake is the health and ability of the local church to become a movement and reach the culture. It's worth sticking it out.

Resisting the urge to just give up on working with the local church takes a commitment to the Bride of Christ that is born out of love. It's important to remember that the process of helping pastoral leaders come to understand the opportunity to partner and work in the marketplace will take time.

How pastors can create a space of belonging for entrepreneurs

Make space and encourage others to initiate

Churches can easily slip into the role of "program central." In this model of ministry, everything is initiated and managed centrally. The problem with this approach is that all of the other people who have gifts and vision have to initiate outside the church. Entrepreneurs are by nature stubborn self starters and making room for them to have vision that you can encourage and support changes the nature of the relationship.

The feeling that the pastor or staff has to start everything is a self-reinforcing idea. It leads to a reality in which no one ever steps up to lead because everything is being generated by the professionals. Platforming and celebrating people who initiate can foster a different kind of church culture.

See leadership development as both inside and outside the church

 When pastors shift their view from the development of internal leadership to viewing their role as developing leaders for the church and the marketplace, something big happens. The impact of equipping leaders for church and marketplace roles multiples ministry impact in a powerful way. Entrepreneurs are hungry for someone who will mentor them in the complex realities of expressing their faith in the marketplace context.

Explore Founder's Table

Founder's Table has a grant with all the resources and funds to kick off an intentional effort to reach and engage business owners and entrepreneurs. This includes leadership development resources and coaching.