ELO NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 19, 2013

Over the course of 2013 I had an opportunity to meet Christian entrepreneurs and marketplace leaders in Vancouver, Toronto, Hong Kong and Shanghai who hailed from those cities and from around the world. I highlight below a number of insights that were affirmed and/or learned that will hopefully encourage you in your thinking and planning for the coming year.

1. The Importance of Good Theology As Paul Stevens and I say on the back of our recent book, Entrepreneurial Leadership (IVP, 2013),“Good Theology leads to Good Entrepreneurship.” Good theology is a foundation for empowered practice of faith in the marketplace. Take creativity, for example. This is God-inspired not human-initiated. God is the first Creator. God created humans in his image. Creativity has been divinely-designed within us. When we engage in the creative process we have the opportunity to add to creation.
2. The Entrepreneurial Process not Person. Attendees at events are energized by the notion that they should not focus on the question, “Are they an entrepreneur?” This is the wrong question as the answer is typically guided by faulty assumptions. “I’m not Steve Jobs—I guess I’m not an entrepreneur.” Instead, focus on the entrepreneurial process, which is rooted in pursuing new and innovative ways of doing things to satisfy a market need. So the question is whether people can become more creative and innovative? The answer is yes.
3. You Are Uniquely Called. Each Christian has a calling. And this calling can be to the marketplace or entrepreneurial arena. Your calling is unique and specific to you and rooted in your specific education, work and life experiences and desires passions. You have a calling that can only be fulfilled by you. This is a subjective, rather than objective, approach—there is no basis for comparison to anyone else. Each Christian entrepreneurial leader need to understand passion, purpose and priorities.
4. Post-Denominational Thinking. Entrepreneurs think more in terms of “the body of Christ” (fellowship of all believers) rather than “the church” (i.e. a specific church or denomination). They typically respond to an opportunity rather than an institution. Entrepreneurs are not typically bounded by denominational initiatives. They will go for the best opportunity and fit with their passion and resources.
5. Cross-Cultural Learning. There is much to be learned by experiencing entrepreneurship in different cultures. There are significant differences between “East” and “West”—with lessons to be learned. The Hong Kong entrepreneurs, for example, reflected a boldness that was quite captivating. There is less traditional Christian environment in Asia as compared with Western countries where there is often a backlash against overt displays of faith. Professor Thomas Leung gave a captivating presentation at the Hong Kong conference on the differences between Christianity and Chinese belief systems and the interaction between foreigners and Chinese going back 100s of years.
6. Silo Busting. The ELO Conferences are about “silo-busting”—getting outside of established church, denominational, work and family relationships. There is natural inertia of people wanted to remain within relational comfort zones. Yet, the Conferences demonstrate that when people of common faith interact that there are endless opportunities for fruitful collaboration. I receive many accounts of new initiatives that were birth at the Entrepreneurial Leaders Conferences.
7. Being A Noisy Christian. Mark Burnett noted that we need to be “noisy Christians” if we are to have an impact within society. He noted that Christians are a significant but ineffective tribe on a global scale. There are reportedly 2.2 billion Christians—yet they don’t make their presence felt. An added dimension is the inability of Christians to unite on issues so that their collective voice is impactful. Mark Burnett used the phrase that the world will be “won” when we are “one.”
8. New Giving Paradigm. Innovation is gradually expanding in the non profit organization (NPO) sector through various forms of social entrepreneurship—using innovative skills to address pressing social problems. Entrepreneurs put a premium on supporting entities which are cost-effective in addressing social issues and they have increasing interest in social ventures which are self-sustaining through some revenue-generating activities. The NPOs that don’t adopt entrepreneurial practices of the new paradigm will be left behind.
9. Transferable Talent. Entrepreneurial talent is the key to addressing many issues in the Christian community. Entrepreneurs can transfer their abilities from the commercial sector to their church context. We live in an ever-changing world that requires a steady rethinking of ways of doing things and looking for new solutions. For entrepreneurs, “it’s never been done that way before” is an inspiration. “We’ve always done it this way” means it is time to run for cover. Churches can benefit tremendously from an infusion of entrepreneurial skill.
10. Business and Church Divide. Unfortunately the gap in understanding between businesspeople and the church exists throughout the world. There are exceptions, but they are just that—exceptions. The vast majority of pastors and churches are viewed as having little knowledge and even less interest in the business community—beyond seeking financial contributions. Meanwhile business people feel strongly called to the marketplace and strive to make a difference—yet they feel that they are not being supported by the church.