Week 1: More Than Just Side Hustles – Seeing Entrepreneurs as a Kingdom Force
If you lead a small church, you probably know the faces of your congregation well. You know the teachers, nurses, truck drivers, and small business owners. But have you ever thought about how many entrepreneurs are sitting in your pews—right now, waiting to be seen, understood, and empowered?
According to Barna Group’s research in partnership with Faith Driven Entrepreneur, up to 20% of churchgoers identify as entrepreneurial. That’s one in five members who see themselves not just as workers, but as creators, builders, and innovators.
And yet, many pastors—especially in smaller churches—haven't been trained to recognize or shepherd this segment of the flock.
Today, the gig economy, side hustles, and freelance work are exploding. More people are pursuing non-traditional paths to provide for their families and fulfill a deep internal drive to create something meaningful. The Church has an incredible opportunity to step into this moment—not just to tolerate entrepreneurs—but to affirm and commission them as Kingdom workers.
But it starts with how we see them.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just an economic activity. At its best, it’s an echo of God’s image in people.
When God created humanity, He gave the command:
"Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." – Genesis 1:28 (NLT)
This was not merely about family growth—it was a cultural mandate. God invited humanity to build, create, steward, and innovate.
Entrepreneurs, whether they realize it or not, live out this calling when they:
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See needs and meet them creatively.
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Take risks to build businesses and services.
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Steward resources, talent, and opportunity for the good of others.
When you affirm an entrepreneur’s work as part of God’s design, you’re not just encouraging their career—you’re acknowledging their calling.
Despite their contributions, many entrepreneurs feel isolated in church life.
Why?
Because churches often emphasize traditional ministry roles—pastors, missionaries, teachers, worship leaders—as the "real" callings. Meanwhile, business owners, freelancers, inventors, and side-hustlers often get relegated to the sidelines.
In some cases, churches have unintentionally communicated that business and faith are separate, or worse, that financial success is a spiritual liability.
But entrepreneurship, when surrendered to Christ, is not secular or sinful. It’s sacred stewardship.
When small churches fail to recognize entrepreneurs:
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They lose the chance to encourage some of the most missionally potent people in their midst.
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They miss opportunities to impact the broader community through Kingdom-minded business practices.
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They risk alienating members who are eager to use their gifts but unsure how they fit into the "church mold."
It starts with a mindset shift:
Entrepreneurs aren't distractions from the mission. They are part of the mission.
What would happen if your small church began to:
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Celebrate risk-takers as much as Sunday School teachers?
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Pray over new businesses launching just as passionately as new ministries?
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See start-up founders as church planters—planting seeds for the Kingdom in the marketplace?
Imagine how encouraged and unleashed your people would be if they heard from the pulpit:
“Your business idea matters to God. Your leadership matters to the Kingdom. We see you, and we’re with you.”
Throughout Scripture, God consistently partnered with people who built things, managed resources, and innovated for His purposes:
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Noah built the first "ship" without a blueprint.
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Joseph created an economic system that saved nations.
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Nehemiah project-managed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
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Lydia, a businesswoman in Acts 16, helped fund and host the early church.
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Paul himself worked as a tentmaker while planting churches.
These men and women didn’t wait for permission to lead. They didn’t separate their “work” from their “worship.”
They lived integrated lives of faith and function.
Entrepreneurs today are wired with similar DNA. The Church's role is to affirm that their ambition, creativity, and resilience can be sanctified for Kingdom purposes.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
The marketplace is not a godless battleground. It’s one of the greatest mission fields the Church has—and we already have soldiers planted there.
You don’t need a big budget or a fancy strategy. Small changes in how you approach your congregation can make a huge difference.
Here are four easy starting points:
1. Teach on Vocation Broadly
When you preach about calling, talk about all vocations—not just ministry jobs. Remind your people that they are “full-time ministers” wherever God places them, whether that's at a bakery, a boardroom, or a startup.
2. Highlight Entrepreneurial Stories
Invite business owners or self-employed members to share testimonies during services or small groups. Let them talk about how their faith impacts their work decisions, ethics, and perseverance.
3. Commission Entrepreneurs Publicly
At least once a year, pray over and commission entrepreneurs and business owners just as you would missionaries or teachers. A public blessing validates their calling and gives them spiritual encouragement for the battles they face.
4. Get Curious
Have coffee with entrepreneurs in your church. Ask:
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“What dreams has God put on your heart?”
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“What challenges are you facing?”
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“How can we pray for you?”
Sometimes, simply being asked these questions provides healing in ways you can’t imagine.
You might feel like your small church doesn’t have the resources to “do something big” with entrepreneurs.
But remember: entrepreneurs don't necessarily need flashy programs.
They need:
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Spiritual covering.
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Biblical encouragement.
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Authentic community.
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Pastoral understanding.
In fact, your smaller, relational setting might be better equipped to nurture entrepreneurial hearts than a megachurch.
You have the relational proximity to actually know them.
You have the spiritual intimacy to speak directly into their lives.
You have the pastoral authority to remind them they are not just building businesses—they are building the Kingdom.
If you don’t see entrepreneurs as part of your mission field, you’ll miss them.
If you do, you’ll multiply impact far beyond your sanctuary walls.
Your eyes matter.
Ask God today:
“Lord, help me see the builders you’ve placed among us. Help me shepherd them well.”
Because in God's economy, a single faithful entrepreneur can spark movements of renewal that reach neighborhoods, cities, and even nations.
And it all begins with a small church pastor who says:
"We see you. We believe in you. And we are with you."
We are here for you, Pastor! As your partner in ministry, we want to:
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