My father was a pastor, and I grew up participating in all of the available church services and programs (not much choice there), and I also saw the inner workings and relationships that shaped and maintained the church.
In the 60’s and 70’s volunteers made up the executive and finance committees, department heads, musicians, and teachers for a church of 750 attendees. These volunteer leaders were successful business and community service leaders, and they were like family to me. I maintain very close relationships with their children to this day. They are truly brothers and sisters in Christ, and the kind of friends that are “closer than a brother.” My father served these leaders as their pastor and friend, and they served him with friendship, and by sharing their leadership, business, and finance expertise. My father was paid a very low wage in the 60’s. We lived below the “poverty line” in annual income through most of my childhood. Yet, he and my family lived well, he retired on a beautiful lakefront property, and he left a substantial inheritance to his children. He was able to do this, in part, by having friends that knew how to make and manage money.
An entrepreneur’s value to the church is not limited to giving money. Joining with the local church starts by building relationships, and providing friendship and influential expertise.
The most dynamic, and culturally healthy, churches that I know have leaders in business and finance that are very active, and deeply embedded, in the church.
KEN helps you find your God-ordained place of leadership in the local church.