Faith and the Small Business Owner: My Journey and Lessons Learned

As a small business owner and faith-based business coach, I've experienced firsthand the significant impact faith can have on our entrepreneurial journey. I won't say that my path has been straight, easy, or how I envisioned it. But I can say unequivocally that it has been worth it. I've seen faith in action repeatedly, and I have found that there is assuredness and joy in the journey, even if the destination remains uncertain.

In this article, I will share my personal experiences and insights on how faith has guided me through the challenges of running a small business. I hope that by sharing my story, you will find inspiration and encouragement to lean on your faith as you strive for greater success and impact in your businesses and lives.

The Role of Faith in My Business Success

Guiding Principles and Values

My faith has been the foundation upon which I've built my company's ethical practices throughout my journey as a small business owner. From acting on odd or illogical ideas to making cross-country moves without solid footing or even a solid long-term plan, I've listened to God and relied on His understanding over my own. This has caused me to pivot my business (more times than I care to admit), my coaching focus (um, I never wanted to be a faith-based business coach), and my daily operations (are there any other recovering perfectionists in the room?)

It meant turning down opportunities and partnerships that would greatly benefit my bottom line but may have challenged my morals and purpose. None of these things have been easy, and I won't say I've entered into these situations with grace and unwavering faith. It's struggled. There have been days when I have questioned my path, sanity, understanding, and next steps.

I still struggle sometimes.

That said, having strong values has not only led to better decision-making but has also gained the trust of my clients. For a deeper understanding of how faith can shape branding and a company's values, I highly recommend this article from Forbes.

Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

My faith has been a constant source of strength during difficult times, helping me maintain a positive attitude and persevere. Believing in a higher purpose in business has provided the motivation and drive I need to succeed.

My entrepreneurial journey has been where I've seen my faith and resilience grow the most. I've questioned whether I'm on the right path. Whether I truly heard the promises and directions that I believe I've been given. I've questioned why I'm better suited to help people in this specific way, yet I'm not connecting with the people who need me or having the impact I know I should. "Why is it taking so long, Father?" I've been discouraged and have wanted to quit. Multiple times. And each time, I'm reminded through a devotional, a song, or random encouragement from a friend, that giving up is not an option.

I'm reminded of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16). And while this parable can have multiple applications depending on where one is on their faith journey, I'm currently struck by the workers who were gathered from the market at 5 p.m.

Imagine sitting in the sun all day long, watching people come and go—workers, some with less aptitude and poorer attitudes, being chosen over you as your hunger and thirst grow—and trying not to succumb to the pressure of feeding your family waiting at home or facing the tax man who turns up every morning. It's hard to put ourselves in their shoes, and I think many overlook that this is their reality as they wait, and they grow physically weary and wonder when their time will come.

I think of their faith, their unwavering hope that they will get work and that they can put food on the table that evening or pay the tax man in the morning—even as the day slowly ticked into the evening.

These tired souls were chosen at the last hour. But then! They were paid a full day's wages! They went home and fed their families that evening! They were prepared when the tax man arrived!

And for relatively little work compared to the time they had to wait. The pay was the same whether they got called into the vineyard at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. The vineyard owner knew this, yet he kept returning, calling more workers throughout the day.

Perseverance in business is paramount. Are you a worker still waiting in the market for the generous owner of the vineyard to show up and call your name? Or are you among the first to be chosen, who has worked the longest and hardest and is still waiting to get their pay? Whoever you are, persevere.

This study published in the Journal of Management, highlights the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.

Networking and Community Support

I have found immense value in connecting with other faith-based business owners and communities. These connections have provided me with valuable resources and a strong support system that have been crucial to my success. Iron sharpens iron, but in the business world, it can be easy to start following people who are on a much different path than the Divine has chosen for you.

I would like you to be proactive with your networking efforts while discerning whom you allow into your network.

It can be tempting to choose mentors, partners, and business coaches that promote what we think we want (fast cars, fancy vacations, seven-figure months, large social followings, international speaking engagements, delectable food aboard lavish yachts), which are all lovely but may be different from what we need right now.

Or, more importantly, what God's kingdom needs right now.

That's why aligning with those who share your faith is important. This is the ultimate cheat code to overcoming your desire to give up on your dreams, succumb to imposter syndrome, or fruitlessly seek that which is not yet in your season to receive. It is the key to getting all the abundance promised to you at the time, place, and space it is called for.

Remember, your vision for your business and God's vision for your business may be very different. You can network with those who understand this principle and will support you in these uncertain times.

To learn more about the benefits of networking, check out this insightful article from Business News Daily.

Balancing Faith and Business Responsibilities

Prioritizing Spiritual Growth

As a faith-based business coach, I can't emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong personal faith practice enough. I've developed strategies to incorporate faith into my daily business activities, such as starting each day with prayer and meditation. Additionally,

• I am intentional with my gratitude affirmations and praise reports throughout the day.
• I created a digital vision board that is the wallpaper on all my digital screens.
• I use a faith-based app to send me verses, prayers, devotionals, and encouragement throughout the day.
• I take a walk daily, sometimes twice, when I only focus on nature and music. There is no email, social media, or Zoom calls with the camera turned off. I talk to God, ask for clarity, thank Him specifically, walk aimlessly, and allow the quiet to envelop me and inspire me.

Serving God and seeking His counsel is not something I do outside of my business day; it's something I seek to incorporate into every part of my business day.

You can find some great tips for integrating faith into your work life in this article from Theology of Work Project.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

At times, I've encountered conflicts between my faith and business practices. I recall a recent meeting where a prospective client with a large portfolio of referral business advised me that they would work with me if I talked about God less. It didn't fit with their brand, and they didn't want to offend their business associates. I wanted to do business with them; the deal was poised to change my business trajectory in a profoundly lucrative way.

And so I tried to talk about God less. I tried to be more secular. I tried to be neutral and politically correct.

I really, really tried, but a few praise reports innocuously slipped through my social media before the deal was complete. Some tense weeks of intense anxiety, stress, anger, and disappointment over my perceived lack of self-control followed.

The partner ghosted me during this time, only to resurface a few weeks later after I had gone pretty quiet on social media. They were interested in talks again, but this time with a much less favorable deal and with more stringent stipulations that would greatly alter how I ran my business. I realized that by censoring myself to appease them, I showed them that I was willing to compromise my beliefs and ethics to make a dollar. I had set a pretty ugly precedent and the tone for our partnership's future.

Ultimately, I walked away from the deal, still in need of the influx of cash it would've given me, but strong in my convictions to stick with what I know to be true and right, no matter the temptation.

And in similar situations where the answers and lessons could have been clearer, I've sought guidance from faith leaders, colleagues, and mentors to make informed decisions. This is where the networking I previously mentioned comes in.

This piece from Harvard Business Review offers valuable advice on navigating ethical dilemmas in business.

Faith-based Decision Making

Incorporating faith-based principles into my business strategies has not only shaped my company's identity but has also had a positive impact on my long-term goals.

This article demonstrates faith in action when it comes to decision-making. I know I am called to write it, but I am also sure it will alienate some of my subscribers and cause some to disconnect from me. Is it a wise business decision to do something you know may decrease your reach? Likely not, but I know that faith-based decision-making means leaning on something other than my understanding. In fact, it sometimes means doing something that is counter to what is sensible, logical, or "proven to be effective."

I recommend reading this article from Faith Driven Entrepreneur to explore the importance of faith-based decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can faith contribute to the success of a small business owner?

Faith can contribute to the success of a small business owner in several ways. Firstly, it provides a strong foundation of values and principles that guide ethical business practices, leading to better decision-making and increased customer trust. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." By adhering to these principles, small business owners can establish a strong reputation for honesty and integrity.

Secondly, faith can offer resilience and help business owners overcome challenges by providing a sense of purpose and motivation. In the Bible, James 1:2-4 encourages us to persevere through trials, stating, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Lastly, faith-based communities can offer small business owners valuable networking opportunities and support. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide resources, mentorship, and encouragement, which are crucial for success. Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of community: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."

Are there any potential conflicts between faith and business practices?

There may be instances when conflicts arise between faith and business practices, such as ethical dilemmas, decision-making, and balancing priorities. As a business owner, you must be aware of these potential conflicts and address them immediately. One approach is to seek guidance from faith leaders, mentors, or other business owners who share your values. Additionally, reflecting on biblical principles can help inform your decisions and align your business practices with your faith. For instance, Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

How can faith-based communities support small business owners?

Faith-based communities can offer various forms of support to small business owners. These communities often consist of like-minded individuals with similar values and beliefs, fostering strong, supportive relationships. Some ways faith-based communities can support small business owners include:

• Providing mentorship and guidance from experienced business owners and faith leaders.
• Offering networking opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, potential customers, or partners who share the same values.
• Organizing workshops or events focused on faith and entrepreneurship to help business owners grow both personally and professionally.
• Offering spiritual support through prayer, encouragement, and shared faith experiences can help business owners stay grounded and resilient in challenging times.
• Providing resources or services specifically tailored to the needs of faith-based businesses, such as ethical investment options, marketing support, or legal advice.

In summary, faith-based communities can play a vital role in the success of small business owners by providing guidance, resources, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals.

You can join the discussion and find the motivation to strengthen your faith and your business.

#FaithInBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship