In this series, we’re discussing ways that business can shape our faith. Throughout my years in ministry, there have been some lean seasons when advisors would recommend that I establish a line of credit. But when I became an entrepreneur and ministry leader I had to decide my stance on debt. Many small businesses use lines of credit, but as ...
In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments. The eighth commandment is one that is frequently violated in the workplace. Matter of fact, I’m embarrassed to say that it is one of the commandments that I violated on multiple occasions as a teenager. There is no way to sugar coat it, I was a thief. While working at a department ...
Recently, Terry Looper, CEO of Texon, shared with me about his early years in business. His drive for success resulted in working tireless hours. Exhausted and broken he eventually turned to God for help. Through that experience, he made a commitment to only work 40 hours a week. To grow what became a $6 billion business working only 40 hours ...
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes started this season proclaiming that the Kansas City Chiefs would be completely undefeated. It didn’t take long before that dream was shattered. As defeat after defeat happened, Mahomes seemed to struggle on and off the field. His confidence seemed shaken as well. Fortunately, Mahomes regained his confidence against the Las Vegas Raiders, miraculously moving from last place ...
For decades, retail stores counted heavily on Black Friday to meet their annual sales goals, especially small independent retailers. Covid, however, upended that long time business strategy. In 2020, according to the Washington Post, in-store shopping fell 37 percent on Black Friday from 2019. Although many might hope that Black Friday will return to normal, this is unlikely. Independent retailers ...
A young man recently called, desperately seeking any job that wouldn’t require him to be vaccinated. On the same day, Kathy and I spent time with a couple who refused to eat or drink at an event because it would require them to pull down their masks. The common denominator is fear. One is afraid of the vaccination, the other ...
One of the biggest reasons for business failure is due to being undercapitalized. Starting a business almost always costs more than expected. Starting a business usually costs more than many entrepreneurs have in available cash. This typically leads to the entrepreneur trying to borrow significant sums of money, often requiring more trust in the lender than in God’s provision. I’ve ...
Pastor Joe was surprised when the bank informed him that his bookkeeper was stealing money from the church. The bookkeeper was a recent widow struggling financially. When confronted with her crime, the Church’s bookkeeper was devastated with regret. She quickly agreed to a repayment plan. At great sacrifice, every month she made payments to repay the debt. Eventually the elders ...
In this series, we’re discussing how to inflation proof your business. With interest rates at all-time lows, company debt has surged. If inflation begins to rise, your debt could begin costing you significantly more when the Federal Reserve begins fighting inflation with higher interest rates. My very first, and last, small business loan was at 18% interest. That experience taught ...
While in college, I worked as a night custodian at an elementary school, where I became acquainted with Jim, the daytime custodian. I was surprised to learn Jim had previously built a very successful business and family, until his secretary began flirting with him. He eventually succumbed to the temptation and had an affair. Jim’s wife divorced him and gained ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
