Hi Justin, 

I'm intrigued by your ministry goals, but I'm also struggling to understand them better.  Can you clarify a little?

What do you see as the need for focusing on entrepeneurship in the church?  I'm trying to picture this, but am only coming up with images of parachurch organizations like CityTeam Ministries (I'm a West Coaster). 

From other items posted on your home page, I had the impression this ministry's goal is to make money in order to support missionaries reaching the unreached and I thought, "Way cool!"  However, 'business' as a pursuit so quickly and easily can become an end to itself, or get mixed up with human thinking that may never have been God's (He tells us He works in mysterious ways, using the meek and lowly, etc.). 

I'm not trying to challenge these goals of entrepeneurship--in fact, I think you may really be onto something.  I would just appreciate it if you could help me out by articulating a little more how this all fits with Christ's kingdom prorgam, the necessary functions within a church, etc.

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

~Lynn, a.k.a. cascadeofwater

I'll second Joe's request for some insight on what you've seen if not sworn to secrecy. That effort sounds Worthy!

Dave

Lynn,

Very soon, meanining the the next day or two, I'll write another blog posting entitled "Why Churches Should Support Entrepreneurship" and do exactly what you've asked and answer how such efforts fall in-line with the gospel and advance God's Kingdom.

Joe and Pastor Dave,

Stay tuned for more detailed information, I'm not sure yet, but Redeemer may likely post some info on the Entrepreneurship Initiative website about the winners once they are announced.  I will say that we've gotten plans for web-based businesses, and ventures that relate to music industry, healthcare, community building, improving the environment, education, and theater.  As I said...its interesting.

 -Justin 

To respond to Lynn's question more directly...

There are many reasons to encourage this type of effort within the church. Here are some:

1. Some folks have creative skills that could be developed into a home-based business where they can make more money than their skills would earn them working outside the home. With a good business plan and a little financial backing, they can get started. I have found this exceptionally true for single parents.

2. Some people have an inate ability to create jobs. They may have never been to business school, but they understand the cycle of business. These folks can leverage their skills in a way that allows others to get jobs. If supported within the church, the jobs created can be for people who otherwise have a hard time being employed - maybe coming out of AA or similar background.

3.  Quite honestly, some people can just make more money having their own business than working for someone else. I have a friend who is a landscaper. For many years he worked for someone else and made an ok living. Then he decided to try it himself. By having his own business, he was able to make more money, buy a house, and eventually start employing others.

4.  Some of us, and my wife and I fall into this category, have a business simply to promote the kingdom of God. We own and operate a Christian Book Store. Every penny we make goes back into the church. We give things to missionaries. We have hired people who were unemployable, but had a solid recommendation from their pastor. We have trained up high school kids who ended up on the mission field.  We also make sure that there is a Christian influence in the local community by bringing in Christian performers and authors.  Yes, we have been stolen from, lied to, lied about, and hurt through it all, but who in the Kingdom hasn't. It is what we do.

Those are only a few of the reasons to promote entrepreneurship in the church.