Reflection: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

To approach business from a Christian worldview requires first a look at the responsibility of work. Coming to faith in Jesus Christ is a transformation of the human spirit, of which the effects are seen in every aspect of life. However, over the course of centuries of church history, this transformation has often been enclosed within the context of non-profit or church buildings. Wendell Berry writes of this, “The holiness of life is obscured to modern Christians also by the idea that the only holy place is the built church… The idea of the exclusive holiness of church buildings is, of course, wildly incompatible with the idea, which the churches also teach, that God is present in all places to hear prayers.” (Berry, 100). He continues:

“From Abraham to Jesus, the most important people are not priests but shepherds, soldiers, property owners, workers, housewives, queens and kings, manservants and maidservants, fishermen, prisoners… The great visionary encounters did not take place in temples but in sheep pastures, in the desert, in the wilderness, on mountains, on the shores of rivers and the sea, in the middle of the sea, in prisons… Religion, according to this view, is less to be celebrated in rituals than practiced in the world.” (Berry, 102).

Christian history is abundant with stories of God meeting His people in the midst of their daily life. It is in this encounter that the importance of their work, whatever it may be, is confirmed and given new purpose.  If the great work that God is doing in the world is bringing creation to fulfillment, how do we join His work in our vocations? If our belief in Christ is to be ever present in our ordinary routines, turning each place we enter into a holy place, how does that affect the way that we approach our work?

The entrepreneurial spirit is defined as “the uncanny ability to see the unmet needs in the market.”(Lee & Pederson, 2024). At its core, the process of business creation, sustainability, and innovation is rooted in community. How can the social, financial, and relational needs of those around us be met in a unique, efficient, effective way? Jeremiah 29:7 says, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (NIV). The transformation of one’s approach to the business sector from service of self to service of God and one’s neighbor allows success to extend beyond profit, to the community as a whole. It is this approach to business practices that sets impactful leaders apart.

Business management greatly impacts communities, and should be approached with a mindset of stewardship. Responsible and godly business stewardship is not only concerned about the financial success and flourishing of the company, but of the natural and human resources that are intertwined with business practices. One’s work is a reflection of the practical and tangible efforts of our physical labor and intellect. To have business leaders that are mindful not only of this reflection within their own work, but how that is demonstrated in the livelihoods of those whom they employ, is paramount. To approach business from a Godly worldview, success is measured not only by profit, but by community flourishing.

Having community-minded business leaders allows human affection and care for their community and its felt needs to remain center of mind. What is one of the great callings placed upon believers in Christ? “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). Love of your neighbor and of your community is the foundation that all work is built upon, and business leaders especially have a unique opportunity to set themselves apart with business principles that are rooted in this command.

Pursuing an MBA at Toccoa Falls College

Business as Mission is a model that provides teaching and resources to companies and individuals that are devoted to spiritual transformation, financial sustainability, social transformation, and environmental sustainability. Toccoa Falls College combines these principles with theological teaching in our MBA program in order to produce graduates who are transformed by the Gospel and biblical view of work, and can take these learnings into the business sector. Designed with working adults in mind, this fully online graduate program offers flexibility while maintaining academic depth and relationship learning through mentorship-based education and faculty-led coaching.

Grounded in a Christ-centered worldview, the MBA program at TFC differs from other faith-based MBA programs because it integrates Christian principles throughout all business subjects, including finance, analytics, operations and strategy. This helps foster students’ development of moral courage for complex organizational choices, preparing graduates to lead with clarity, integrity, and purpose in today’s complex marketplace. Through this program, TFC continues in our mission to develop character with intellect in each of our graduates, and to transform workplaces throughout the world with the presence of our alumni.

Sources

Berry, W. (n.d.). Christianity and the Survival of Creation. essay.Lee, M.-D. P., & Pederson, D. (2024, July 4). Business as Mission. https://businessasmission.com/the-apostle-paul-an-entrepreneurial-steward/