What is a Pastorpreneur?
A Pastorpreneur is a Christian business leader who integrates faith and work, using their business as a platform to make disciples, expand God’s Kingdom, impact society, and leave a lasting legacy. They embody the principles of entrepreneurship while staying true to their spiritual values, often finding innovative ways to serve their communities and uplift others through their ventures. By fostering environments of faith within the workplace, Pastorpreneurs are uniquely positioned to mentor fellow believers, provide job opportunities to those in need, and create products or services that align with biblical teachings. Their commitment to stewardship not only enhances their business success but also inspires a broader movement of ethical leadership that resonates within and beyond their immediate circles. Striving for excellence in both their spiritual and professional lives, they play a pivotal role in demonstrating how faith can transform the marketplace, leading to holistic growth that honors God.
Unlike traditional entrepreneurs who focus solely on profit and success, a Pastorpreneur sees their business as a calling—a means to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and to bring transformation to communities through Kingdom-driven business practices.
1. A Pastorpreneur Uses Business to Make Disciples
By integrating entrepreneurial principles with spiritual guidance, these innovative leaders leverage their business acumen to reach beyond traditional church walls and engage individuals in a meaningful way. Through their ventures, they create opportunities for discipleship that are dynamic and relevant to the challenges people face in their daily lives. Their unique ability to intertwine business success with spiritual missions empowers them to make a lasting impact, ultimately spreading the message of faith while encouraging others to embark on their own journeys of discipleship.
📖 Biblical Support:
- Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – “Entrust these things to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
✅ Application:
- Use your business as a discipleship hub, mentoring employees and customers in biblical principles by actively engaging them in meaningful discussions, providing resources for spiritual growth, and fostering an environment where faith and work intertwine harmoniously.
- Start workplace Bible studies or prayer groups to encourage faith growth, fostering community and support among colleagues while deepening their understanding of spiritual principles and teachings.
- Train leaders in your business who will carry out Christian values in their work, fostering a culture of integrity, compassion, and ethical decision-making that inspires others and enhances the overall mission of the organization.
💡 Example: John Maxwell, a well-respected business leader and renowned Christian author, integrates faith-based leadership into his comprehensive coaching programs, which are designed to empower and uplift aspiring leaders. Through his teachings, he meticulously mentors business executives, encouraging them to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. By fostering an environment that values ethical decision-making and transparency, Maxwell not only equips these leaders with the skills necessary for professional success but also instills in them a deeper sense of responsibility towards their teams and communities. His holistic approach ensures that they understand the transformative power of faith in the workplace, ultimately creating organizations that thrive on shared values and mutual respect.
“A Kingdom-minded business doesn’t just create employees—it makes disciples.”
2. A Pastorpreneur Expands God’s Kingdom Through Business
A Pastorpreneur expands God’s Kingdom through business by using their company as a vehicle for gospel impact, ethical leadership, and financial support for ministry. They see their work as a calling, not just a career, integrating biblical principles into their operations while creating opportunities for evangelism, discipleship, and community transformation. Through their profits, influence, and networks, they support missions, church planting, and outreach programs, ensuring that their business serves a higher Kingdom purpose. Like Paul, who used his tentmaking to sustain and spread the gospel (Acts 18:3), Pastorpreneurs leverage their businesses to bring God’s light into the marketplace, reaching people who may never step into a church. “Business is not just about making a living; it’s about making a difference for eternity.”
📖 Biblical Support:
- Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
✅ Application:
- Use business profits to support mission work, church planting, and evangelistic efforts, which can help expand the reach of the gospel, strengthen communities, and provide needed resources for sustainable development initiatives.
- Establish Kingdom-driven businesses that promote Christian values in society, fostering community engagement, ethical practices, and a commitment to service, while ensuring that all operations reflect the love and teachings of Christ.
💡 Example: Hobby Lobby, founded by David Green, supports Bible translation projects, Christian education, and missionary work worldwide, reflecting its commitment to fostering faith-based initiatives that empower communities. The company actively contributes to various charitable endeavors that emphasize the importance of biblical teachings, enabling them to reach diverse populations across different countries. Furthermore, Hobby Lobby promotes a culture of giving back, encouraging employees and customers alike to participate in volunteer opportunities that enhance their local communities, thereby inspiring a broader movement towards social responsibility and spiritual growth throughout the globe.
3. A Pastorpreneur Uses Business to Impact Society
A Pastorpreneur uses business to impact society by creating jobs, fostering ethical business practices, and addressing social needs through Kingdom-driven entrepreneurship. They see their business as a platform for justice, generosity, and transformation, ensuring that employees are treated with fairness and dignity while serving customers with excellence and integrity. Beyond profit, they invest in community development, education, and social outreach, uplifting the poor and marginalized (James 1:27). By integrating biblical values into the economy, Pastorpreneurs become catalysts for positive change, demonstrating that business can be a powerful tool for both spiritual and social restoration. “A business that serves people is a business that serves God.”
📖 Biblical Support:
- Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.”
✅ Application:
- Develop business initiatives that uplift the poor, create jobs, and provide economic stability by focusing on sustainable practices, fostering community involvement, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all stakeholders involved in the process, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life within the community.
- Use your business to fund scholarships, community projects, and social transformation programs that positively impact the lives of individuals and empower communities, fostering development and promoting equitable opportunities for all.
- Promote fair wages, ethical labor practices, and social justice within your company, ensuring that every employee is treated with respect and dignity, while actively encouraging a working environment that values inclusivity and equality for all.
- Partner with local churches and ministries to provide practical help to the needy in the community, ensuring that these efforts are well-coordinated and effectively meet the diverse needs of those who may be struggling.
💡 Example: Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, built his business on biblical principles, investing in foster care, scholarships, and community impact programs. His commitment to these values not only helped shape the company culture but also inspired countless individuals and families. By prioritizing the well-being of the communities he served, he established a legacy of generosity and integrity. Furthermore, Cathy encouraged his employees to engage in volunteer efforts, enhancing the bonds of service and compassion within the workforce. Through initiatives like these, Chick-fil-A has become more than just a fast-food chain; it represents a model of how ethical practices and community involvement can lead to sustainable business success.
4. A Pastorpreneur Leaves a Legacy of Faith and Transformation
📖 Biblical Support:
- Proverbs 13:22 – “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.”
- Psalm 145:4 – “One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
✅ Application:
- Build a business model that lasts beyond your lifetime, influencing future generations.
- Invest in young Christian entrepreneurs, teaching them how to lead with biblical values.
- Document your journey of faith and business to inspire future generations.
- Ensure your business has a lasting Kingdom impact by incorporating Christian leadership succession plans.
💡 Example: The Green Family (Hobby Lobby owners) established the Museum of the Bible, preserving biblical heritage for future generations.
💬 Quotable Statement:
“The greatest legacy is not in what you leave behind, but in who you raise up.”
Conclusion: Becoming a Pastorpreneur
A Pastorpreneur follows the example of Paul, who combined business and ministry to spread the gospel, make disciples, and impact lives. Instead of separating faith from work, Pastorpreneurs see business as a sacred calling—a means to fulfill God’s purpose and expand His Kingdom.
Final Takeaways:
✅ Use your business as a discipleship platform.
✅ Expand God’s Kingdom through business profits and influence.
✅ Serve your community and create social impact.
✅ Build a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime.