For many years, I saw the traits of entrepreneurship as worldly because I believed that the end goal of an entrepreneur was to turn a profit by fulfilling humans’ carnal greed for more. Certainly, this conflicts with a Christian worldview. Today however, I understand entrepreneurial traits are essential for the Christian leader, in business, ministry, politics, or any sphere in which the Lord opens for us to lead.
Here is the common definition of entrepreneurship according to the dictionary: the activity of setting up a business or businesses; taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. As my understanding has grown, I would like to offer an expansion to the dictionary’s definition: Entrepreneurship is taking risks, seizing opportunities, often creating teams and organizations, to achieve specific results.
The results may vary from being ministry-oriented, profit-oriented, or even social justice-oriented. So from my expanded definition, if I were to select three traits that express the heart of entrepreneurship, I would choose: risk, opportunity, and creation.
Entrepreneurs make things happen. They create something out of nothing.
Never allow your entrepreneurial spirit to be all about you or for financial profit for its own sake. Rather, let us be connected and centered around the Lord’s purposes for our entrepreneurship. Leaders with entrepreneurial traits demonstrate a high tolerance for risk, a high antenna for spotting opportunities, and a high proclivity to create, develop, and build.
Whether you are a homemaker, a business person, a pastor, or a teacher, I pray that you let the Lord use your entrepreneurial skills for His glory. Go on and risk by faith, seize opportunities the Lord revels to you, and create and build with His direction.
Stay tuned this week for several articles about entrepreneurship.
How can I support you more as a Christian leader and entrepreneur?
