Module 1: Understanding Your Mission and Purpose

Hello and welcome to Module 1 of "Building a Business with a Christian Kingdom Mindset"! During this module, we will delve into the biblical foundations of business and how contemporary entrepreneurs are advancing the Kingdom of Christ through their businesses.

As believers in Christ, we are called to use our talents and resources to honor God and make a positive impact on the world. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus urges us to "let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven." This verse serves as a reminder of our responsibility to be a positive influence on the world and make a beneficial difference in our communities.

In this module, we will explore how to align your business with your values and purpose as a founder, and develop a Kingdom-minded mission statement. We will also examine examples of modern-day entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated their faith into their businesses and made a positive impact on their communities.

By the end of this module, you should have a clear understanding of how to build a business that not only reflects your values and purpose as a founder but also contributes to the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ.

Biblical Foundations for Business

The Bible has a lot to say about business, and as a Christian entrepreneur, it's important to have a solid understanding of these principles. Here are a few key passages to consider:

• "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23).
• "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5).
• "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

These verses emphasize the importance of diligence, excellence, and doing everything for the glory of God. As a Christian entrepreneur, your business should reflect these values.

The Bible does not use the words "entrepreneur" specifically, but it does provide principles and examples that can be applied to these roles.

Here are a few key themes:

• Creativity and Innovation: In Genesis 1:28, God blesses Adam and Eve and commands them to "be fruitful and multiply." This can be seen as a call to creativity and innovation, as humans are called to use their gifts and talents to cultivate the earth and bring forth new ideas and products. Additionally, throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who use their skills and resources to create new businesses and ventures, such as the woman in Proverbs 31 who buys a field and plants a vineyard.
  
• Diligence and Hard Work: Proverbs 14:23 says, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This emphasizes the importance of diligence and perseverance in business, as success typically comes through sustained effort and hard work.
  
• Stewardship and Integrity: In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches that we are all given different talents and resources and that we are called to be good stewards of what we have been given. This includes being honest and trustworthy in business dealings and using our resources to bless others rather than exploiting them for our own gain.
  
• Service and Generosity: Jesus himself modeled a servant's heart, washing his disciples' feet and giving of himself sacrificially. As business people, we are called to serve others and use our resources to bless those in need, rather than seeking only to accumulate wealth for ourselves. Proverbs 11:25 says, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
  

Overall, the Bible affirms the value of entrepreneurship and business, but also emphasizes the importance of using our gifts and resources in a way that honors God and blesses others

In addition to these passages, there are numerous examples of modern-day entrepreneurs who have successfully built businesses with a Kingdom mindset.

One such example is Hobby Lobby, a chain of arts and crafts stores that has made headlines for its commitment to Christian values. Hobby Lobby has closed its stores on Sundays since its founding, in order to allow employees to have a day of rest and worship. The company has also been involved in legal battles related to religious freedom, such as the Supreme Court case in which it successfully argued against being required to provide certain types of birth control to its employees. There are also a number of non-Christian affiliated but positive worldly impact businesses that we can take inspiration from, such as Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, a company that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility while still delivering a high-quality product. Ben and Jerry's has been committed to using ethically sourced ingredients and supporting fair trade practices since its inception.

These examples demonstrate that it is possible to build a successful business that aligns with Christian values and has a positive impact on society. As you work through this module, you will gain a deeper understanding of these biblical principles and learn how to apply them to your own business. You will also be guided through the process of identifying your calling and purpose as a founder and developing a Kingdom-minded mission statement, which will serve as the foundation for everything you do in your business.