Church for Entrepreneurs

This month marks the 5th anniversary of the Church for Entrepreneurs. We started as a daily podcast and have grown into a global church. To mark this anniversary, I am sharing seven lessons I have learned about entrepreneurship during my five years in ministry.

Registration is now open for our Q3 Gathering in July. Our theme is "Launching and running a successful ministry." God has given ministries as gifts to the body of Christ. Their job is to build up the universal church and equip believers to grow into the fullness of Christ, so they can accomplish their calling in this life. Using the word of God and Holy Spirit as our guide, this gathering teaches attendees how to launch and run a successful ministry that blesses the people it is called to serve. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask us detailed questions about how we operate and finance our ministry, so they can learn from our experience. Go here to register: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/q3

A misunderstanding of contentment is causing many of us to hold back the growth of our calling. Some think contentment means complacency. However, Biblical contentment means that during the ups and downs of pursuing your calling, you have an internal joy and peace that result in increased success in your calling.

After many years of working and talking with Christians, many times I am asked, "Why has prosperity not come to me yet?" They tell me how they love and serve God but just cannot seem to achieve prosperity. They see the pastors prospering, but their life looks nothing like what the pastors are preaching or living. Well, the reason is twofold. Take a listen to today's message, and receive the revelation to this question's answer.

We teach a lot about being focused in your calling. However, there are seasons that require you to divide your focus between a day job and your calling. In those seasons, it is not a lack of faith to do both—if it is directed by God. When God leads you to stay on the day job, it is because your day job is part of His strategic plan to get you to where you need to be. In today's message, see how the Apostle Paul used his tent-making business (a.k.a Day Job) to support and succeed in his calling.

As entrepreneurs, it is tempting to focus most of our thoughts on how our venture is going to make money. Yes, this is an important issue because money is required in our endeavors. However, we need to stop thinking about money and instead think about God if we desire to be successful in our entrepreneurial pursuits. Take a listen to today's message to dig into this concept.

Are you constantly checking your likes, hearts, and downloads? If so, are the stats leading you to make ungodly decisions in your entrepreneurial pursuits, or are they feeding a desire for self-reliance? We need to know the state of our affairs, but our success is not in the stats. Rather, it is in the specific mission God has given us to fulfill. To dig into this issue, guest minister, Darren Shearer, will be teachings us on the podcast today.

The messages this week were designed to give you the freedom to achieve all God has placed in your heart. Under false humility and bad bible doctrine, we hold back the gifts God has anointed us with. However, God is big and has big plans for us, so He needs us to walk in the freedom to "Go Big." In today's message, I am recapping the messages of this week to reinforce your freedom to achieve.

Under the banner of being humble, we hold back our ambition because we don't want to appear greedy or self centered. However, your ambition is the engine that powers your success. Without it, you won't achieve all that God has called you to achieve. In today's message, learn the power of your ambition and the anointing associated with it.

As Christians, at times, we are timid in declaring why our business is great for the job to potential clients. We do this because of a false sense of humility. We don't want to sound as though we are bragging or come off as prideful. However, when you have the opportunity to pitch your business (or yourself) to a client, don't hold back. Boldly present your credentials and how you will solve the client's problems. If Jesus was bold to declare that He was the way to salvation, we should boldly declare that our business is the way to solve a client's problems.

According to the Bible, the one thing that opens the door to all evil is the love of money. Now, most people think that this sin can only be committed by people with money. However, this is far from the truth. The love of money can be committed by anyone, believer or nonbeliever, and those involved in entrepreneurial pursuits need to be more careful than others not to fall into the love of money trap.

Today's message is a recap of the messages taught at our 2nd quarter gathering this past Saturday. Our goal was to allow Holy Spirit time and space to speak directly to attendees' spirits about profiting in their businesses and removing spiritual roadblocks about profiting in order for them to fully profit from the business idea God had placed in their heart. In this recap, hear about the major themes so you can also apply them to your profits in business.

Just because God instructed you to do something, it doesn't mean that He wants you to do it for all time. There will be many moments in your calling when it is time to shift. You are not changing the vision; rather, you are simply shifting how you implement it. These shifts are anointed and will take you to the next level of success. However, if we get too comfortable in the now, we will miss the shift.

Jesus talks a lot about the Kingdom of God. But what does that mean? How is it different from the kingdom of the world? How do we operate and live in God's Kingdom? In today's message, our guest minister Phil Bynes will answer these questions and more. He is teaching us all about the Kingdom of God.

I am continuing my teaching on how to correctly study the Bible. In today's message, I am looking at how to avoid creating bad doctrine from the Bible. If you study the Bible incorrectly it is very easy to build bad doctrine (instructions) that could derail your life and success.

Studying the Bible is not hard, but you could do it incorrectly and create a bad doctrine that weakens your faith. In today's message, we dig into how to correctly study the Bible.

Many of us debate back and forth in our mind if we should step out and do a particular thing. We come up with all kinds of reasons why we can't do it. However, the real question we should ask is how do we know that we can't do it? When you ask that question, you'll realize that you have a negative self image telling that you are not qualified. However, with God all things are possible for you to accomplish. We just need to take the first step of faith and get to doing.

What holds us back from entrepreneurial success is natural thinking based on our limited resources. For example, God calls you to open up a daycare, but you only have one hundred dollars in the bank. Your natural thinking says, "I don't have enough to do it." However, God's thinking says you have enough money; you just need to use your faith to get more. For us to prosper, we must think on God's level. Listen to today's message to learn more about this idea.​​

There are two economic systems on Earth - the world system and God's system - which operate entirely differently. Jesus told us that the children of this world are wiser than the children of light. This means that they understand how to get ahead financially within their own economic system, whereas God's children are unaware and don't make full use of their economic system. In today's message, learn how God's economic system works, so you can fully prosper God's way.

God's heart is to help people in this world who are financially poor. One of the ways He helps is through Christian entrepreneurs who create opportunities for the poor through their businesses. In today's message, learn about this concept and learn how your business can be a part of God's heart to help the poor.

In today's society there is backlash toward giving to ministries. Some think that ministers are wasting or stealing money, and that same money should instead be given to help the poor. This has led some Christians and non-believers to shame Christians who sow to ministries. They feel that these Christians are being led astray, brainwashed, and taken advantage of. However, what does the Word of God say about this? In today's message, gain a biblical foundation for giving to ministries.

Once a month, I am led to remind you about the Word for 2019, "Radical Giving and Receiving," so you can take full advantage of the harvest God has for you this year. Therefore, in today's message, let's look at how sowing a seed plus direction from God with diligent action produces an abundant harvest.

A faith project is when you go after something you currently don't have the resources to get. For example, buying a house or leasing office space when you don't have the money. In today's message, learn a six-step analysis process to think through and achieve your faith project.

There is a popular expression that says, "Fake it until you make it." Some people have applied this concept to faith; however, you can't fake faith until you get it. Pretending to be in faith doesn't give you the power to receive the things you desire. Instead, be honest with God if you lack faith, and He will help you.

Currently my family is moving to obtain a desire of our heart that we at the moment don't have the financial resources to get. Because we don't have the money in the bank to just go buy it, I was seeking God to determine if it was His will for us to walk in faith and go after this purchase. His reply was, (phrasing) "You don't need My permission. If you desire it, use your faith and go get it." Of course I was a little shocked because I thought I needed permission. However, after I analyzed this reply through the Word, I confirmed that I don't need His permission to use my faith in this way.

Are you living from paycheck to paycheck? No matter how much money you make, is it still not enough? If so, you may be living under the curse: working merely to survive but never having enough. This should not be because Jesus has paid the price to free us from the curse, so that we may live under God's blessing. Listen to today's message to learn more about this concept and learn the appropriate mindset to live under the blessing.

Do you pray because you are supposed to? Do you go to church because you have to? Do you tithe or give because you are robbing God if you don't? Well, I know I have done these things and felt these ways before. This is because I used to be a performance Christian. Meaning, I would do things out of obligation. If I didn't pray enough, or give enough, or go to church enough, etc., then I felt condemned. However, after studying the Word and gaining insight from Holy Spirit, I have since learned that performance Christianity doesn't produce faith or get me closer to God. Listen to today's message to discover how the grace of God brings the performance to an end and changes our motives from obligation to love.

There is a battle in the body of Christ that is occurring over the question, "Should Christians attend church?" Research shows that each year 3 million Christians stop attending their church, and only 15% of Americans attend a local church. Given that people are leaving church by the millions, I felt led to address this issue in today's message by examining the scriptures to bring light to the question of church attendance.

This week, I have been thinking a lot about decision-making. Many times, our success is held up because we are too slow in making decisions. As I was thinking, I realized that, in my life, the second decision was usually the better decision, which created success. However, I could not have reached the second decision if I did not make the first decision. Listen to today's message and discover why second decisions are where you find success.

God has many powerful promises in His word, like living without debt, in perfect health, and lacking nothing. These promises are accessed through our faith, but let's face it: Our faith may come up short. However, don't get in condemnation, because the promises of God are not all or nothing. God meets us at our current level of faith, so we can walk partially in His promises until we develop our faith to walk fully in them. Receive what your faith can receive now.

As I was reflecting today, I realized that there have been many times in my life when I was afraid to make a decision. Instead of deciding to go one way or another, out of fear of making a mistake, I would just decide to do nothing. After this had happened many times, I got into decision debt — the state of having so many decisions pile up that it was impeding my success. In today's message, learn more about decision debt and how to avoid this condition, so you can get your success unstuck.

There is an idea that we need to eradicate from our thought processes so we can experience God's best in our lives. It is the idea that healing and prosperity are rewards for good behavior. The truth is that healing and prosperity are part of our salvation benefits package, which is based on God's love for us, not our behavior.

On this Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so we could be reconciled back to God as his children. Jesus' calling was to save us, and He did it well, but to accomplish His calling, He had to "take up His cross." In like manner, in the scriptures, Jesus instructs us to "take up our cross" and follow Him. However, what does this really mean? Well, for those of us with entrepreneurial callings, taking up our cross represents going in a different direction than normal society and being considered foolish for following the dream God has given us. It is the complete surrender of our will to achieve the calling God gave us, until we leave this earth through death or rapture.

God has given you a great calling but it's taking way too long to manifest: bills are due, people aren't calling you back, family members are looking at you funny. You are getting frustrated and you just want this vision to hurry up and happen. Sound familiar? If so, the Word of God from me to you is to "stop trippin" on how long your success is taking. Take a listen to today's message to dig into this concept.

Many believers have a misconception about faith. They see faith as taking a giant leap into the unknown; however, real faith is simply following the steps God has laid out for us. This means that, nine times out of ten, your success in entrepreneurship will come in steps — not leaps — of faith.

On a regular basis, most of us face the "success dilemma," which is choosing between following our calling from God or doing something else "we think" will make more money. I know I do. However, this success dilemma is a trick of Satan to get us out of the will of God. But the truth is if we simply stick to our calling, we will be in God's will and achieve financial success.

One problem I am personally working to overcome is "success depression." Let me explain. I am a person who goes all out to reach a goal; however, I will feel somewhat depressed until the goal is completed. Once the goal is attained, I am happy again. But here is the real problem: that happiness is short-lived. This is because I will immediately set another goal, and the "success depression" roller coaster will start all over again. Obviously, this is not sustainable. If this feeling sounds similar to yours, then listen closely to today's message as I examine the Word of God to find the solution to get off the emotional roller coaster of success depression.

All this week, I have been teaching about our confession, which is speaking words of faith (or saying nothing when appropriate) to receive the things we desire. To wrap up this week's theme of faith words, in today's message, I am addressing the main issue that makes our confession powerless.

The words that come out of your mouth have the power to bring blessings and curses into your life. Therefore, you need to be careful about what you say. And in some cases you don't need to say anything at all. In today's message, learn why saying nothing is a powerful weapon that can be used to receive the blessings of God.

Do you want the things you desire to happen with less stress and faster? If so, instead of telling God how to bring about the results you desire, speak the desired outcome and let God handle the details. This subtle switch takes the pressure off you and allows God room to work on your behalf. Listen to this message to dig into this concept.

Idle words are words said in passing when you are caught off guard. For example: Someone may ask you, "How are you doing today?" and you may instinctively say, "I have seen better days." Or maybe your child may ask, "Could you buy me this new toy for me?" and you may say, "Honey, we cannot afford that." Well, saying idle words like that negate your words of faith for the great days or the financial harvest you are believing will come. In today's message, learn why your idle words have to align with your faith to receive what God has for you.

The key to manifesting all the things you desire is through words of faith. These words, powered by your faith, are your confession. A confession is something you continually say until you have the manifestation of the things you are saying. In today's message, learn how to get your confession to have the power it needs to receive the things you desire.

If you are in the startup days of your entrepreneurial calling, don't worry about saving money for the future (e.g., retirement plans, college funds, etc.). During this temporary startup session, focus on establishing your calling and relying on God for daily provision. Listen to today's message and explore the Word of God to learn more about this idea.

As an entrepreneur, your biggest asset is your focus. Consistent focus over a significant period of time will bring success. However, if you lose your focus, then success is slow or may never come at all. The biggest enemy to focus is fear. Fear will cause you to lose focus and thus, cause you to fail at your calling.

Yesterday, we learned that success happens by creation, not by chance. In today's message, we are learning from the Word that the success you desire to create through your entrepreneurial endeavors is created with words of faith. Yes we need to put in work, but success God's way starts with words. Take a listen to learn more.

Once a month, I am led to remind you about the Word for 2019, "Radical Giving and Receiving", so you can take full advantage of the harvest God has for you this year. Therefore, in today's message, let's look at the connection between receiving and expectation. You'll discover that without expecting to receive from your giving, you are cutting off your harvest.

As we approach the month of April, you may be feeling like things have not been fully working out like you had planned for 2019. Also, you might be a little confused about what exactly God wants you to do this year and beyond. If so, then my encouragement is to give yourself some grace. Clarity of vision requires patience, with small action steps based on the information you do have about your calling. Listen to today's message to dig into this idea.

Faith is required to receive the things we desire. Without it, we will not achieve our desires. Because faith is so important, it is vital to know the symptoms of not being in faith so that you can make the necessary adjustments. Therefore, in today's message, I am sharing five signs that signify you are not in faith.

You probably have heard ministers delivering sermons on the same topics from opposing viewpoints. Or you may have heard them teach something you didn't agree with. In today's message, I share how you can properly listen to a sermon from me and other ministers; in doing so, benefit from the sermon and not be led astray by wrong or confusing doctrine.

Whatever God has called you to do, he has given you an abundance of time to do it. We serve a God of abundance, which includes "time" abundance. Let's endeavor to remove the mindset of time scarcity and see time the way God sees it — abundantly and more than enough to complete our calling.