This is part two in a series addressing myths about entrepreneurs in the church. If you missed part one, check that out here.
 

Myth #2: Entrepreneurs are Business People, Not Pastors

Most pastors do not see themselves as entrepreneurs. While it’s true, that most are not, if you are planting a church or looking to grow one that has existed for decades, you are participating in an entrepreneurial event. So, you will either need to be an entrepreneur or have some close at hand.

The Myth

Entrepreneurs have a loud mouth and lack a solid theological base because all they care about is business. Continue Reading

What do you think about, Pastor, when a person from your congregation walks up to you and says these three words, “I’m an entrepreneur.” Your thoughts may resonate with one or more of five common myths about entrepreneurs in churches:

1. Great, someone else that will just want to challenge my vision.
2. Here’s someone else with a loud mouth and no understanding of theology.
3. Terrific, now I have another strong leader looking to compete with me.
4. Why is it that every idea they have must conquer the world.
5. Somehow I’ll end up being the bad guy.

While it is true, some of these things can happen. Most people in your church just want to help. There will always be people within your reach that have selfish intentions; but, you cannot deny the human resources that God has dropped in your lap.

This is the first of five posts—each of which will dive into one of the top five myths pastors have about entrepreneurs.
 

Myth #1: We Will Have Vision Conflict

A potential threat to any organizational leader is the tension created when the organization gets pulled in two directions.
 

The Myth

Entrepreneurs only want to pursue their own ideas.
 

The Truth

Entrepreneurs have lots of ideas. They are very passionate about their ideas. That passion and determination to see them made real is something God put in their heart to drive them to make what does not exist become reality. It is part of who God made them to be.

That said, entrepreneurs can get equally emotionally attached to any good idea. At their core they are problem solvers. If you start the conversation presuming that they want to be a part of what you are doing, it is easy to reframe their ideas to be in alignment with your objectives.

No organization will survive with vision conflict.

You have to discern whether or not God is using this person to help you revision or stretch your vision; but, once you have discerned that, the vision you have is the one that must win out.

Your primary responsibility is to squarely set your vision. Do not be afraid to stand firm on it. God gave it to you. You will have to answer for it, not this other person. But, once you have established your ideation leadership, you are free to course correct the vision of any entrepreneur within your organization.

Entrepreneurs love solving problems. If vision conflict is the problem that you point out, they will be passionate and determined to help solve that problem.

Check back on Monday for the second myth: entrepreneurs are business people not pastors. Better yet, subscribe below, and the post will land in your inbox!
 
 

Elephants are some of the most amazing beasts on the planet. They are the largest land mammals currently roaming the earth. With the turning of their head they can destroy buildings, tear down trees and kill people. They possess titanic strength.

They are also known for their memories. These giant behemoths never forget anything. For example, when an elephant is a baby, handlers will tie a rope around their leg and to a nearby stake. After days and perhaps weeks of tugging against that rope, the elephant will eventually learn that it cannot break the rope. As it grows into adulthood, the handler continues to tie the same rope around its leg and the now stronger elephant will never again try to break the rope—even though it can, because it remembers that it cannot.
 

Mind Over Body

Our mind has incredible influence over our body. For many entrepreneurs the hardest thing to overcome is our past. My life story is riddled with failures, starts and stops, people’s disbelief, bullying, name calling and so many other things that would hold me back.

Continue Reading