Kingdom REI Podcast Ep.002: Full-Time Ministry To Million Dollar Growth Consultancy With Joey Gilkey

Which is the higher calling: ministry or the workplace? 

Now a successful Kingdom-driven entrepreneur, Joey Gilkey felt called to ministry right out of college. As he served, he felt a supernatural pull toward the business world. But he couldn’t serve the Lord fully and be a successful businessman, could he? 

After a season of struggling with this pull, Joey finally came to terms with his own misconceptions about business and the Gospel, eventually leaving ministry to pursue business.

The truth is Kingdom Capitalists are uniquely positioned and anointed to minister through their industry. They do this by reflecting Christ. 

But how does a Kingdom entrepreneur reflect Christ through business?

Perhaps the most obvious answer is through generosity. 

“A missionary’s purpose is to share the Gospel with the nations,” says Joey. “A Kingdom capitalist’s job is to send people to the nations. We are enablers.”

But that’s only the beginning. 

Kingdom capitalists also glorify God in their pursuit of excellence. 

“A Kingdom capitalist is someone who does exceptional work for the glory of God so that others see and ask about what we’re doing,” says Ellis.

Excellence sets us apart; this principle goes back to the book of Genesis. 

Joey shares some sound advice he received in college: One of God’s original commands to Adam in the Garden of Eden was to work the land and make it more beautiful than it was when He gave it to them. 

Kingdom entrepreneurs are gifted by God to use their position and skills for His glory. The goal is to give these God-given gifts back to Him “more beautiful than we received them.” 

So, what exactly does that look like?

“Strive to be the best at what you do,” advises Ellis, “and maintain integrity and excellence.”

Integrity in the workplace takes different forms. Fundamentally, it means not cutting corners, even out of convenience. It also means being socially conscious of how your business affects others. 

Proverbs 22:29 says that when a person is skillful in business, they will be elevated to stand among kings. This elevation expands one’s impact for the Kingdom, and so the cycle continues. 

Generosity, excellence, and integrity-- how can you maintain these principles in business?

This is where accountability comes in. 

“There is power in proximity to people who are doing exceptional work,” says Ellis. “Not only that, other people look out for you! If you’re not in a community like this, find one! We have a great Mastermind for individuals who are looking to impact the business world for the Kingdom of God.”

Along with countless nuggets of practical wisdom, Joey shares the three sources of accountability in his own life: Trusted people in his work and church, an advisory board of people above him, and The Kingdom REI Mastermind.

“‘A rising tide lifts all ships.’” Joey quotes. “We are all ships in this harbor, and a mastermind is like the rising tide: when one member does well, he brings others with him.” 

This episode is chock-full of powerful wisdom for those in the ministry of business. Interested in learning how to take what God has given you and grow it into something greater? Listen to this episode (and check out the Mastermind) here!