Beyond Profitability: Pouring Back into Mission

On this episode of By His Grace, we explore the idea that work is a good thing, contrary to the negative view that society has about it. We delve into the fallen world's impact on this perception and discuss how Christians can model the idea of doing everything to glorify God, including their work. We also examine how some entrepreneurs are prioritizing their faith and mission over profits and the advantages that come with this model. Finally, we examine how companies' commitment to service and mission above profit makes a significant difference in branding and business success. Tune in to learn more about finding purpose, mission, and faith in entrepreneurship.

Podcast Timestamps

[00:02:05] Making profits is important for business, but having a higher mission is crucial to maintain a moral background and avoid unethical actions for the sake of money. Striving for a greater purpose, such as helping others, can lead to success and financial gain.
[00:04:57] Focus on mission over profit, reinvest money back into business, avoid financial stress, be confident in God's provision.
[00:07:38] Businesses are increasingly dedicating part of their profits to charity, with some even starting with a charity arm from the beginning, akin to tithing. The trend reflects a heart issue.
[00:08:48] Service and servant mentality are important for business success, but they have diminished in the current world. Christian businesses are incorporating tithe mentality into their businesses.
[00:10:55] The hospitality in restaurants is declining as they rush customers to pay and leave. One individual had a long business dinner with no interruptions until they realized they were the last ones there, yet the waiter didn't urge them to leave. This kind of service used to be commonplace, but now waitstaff seem more concerned with closing out than providing good customer service.
[00:13:34] Millennials and Gen Z prioritize pursuing their interests over work, which is seen as a necessary evil. However, it's important to find work that one enjoys and puts effort into doing well, whether it's physical or mental labor. The pandemic has exacerbated this issue.
[00:16:51] Work is rewarding, idleness causes misery, being helpful to others is joyful, servant-hood is a lost art, respect should match experience.
[00:18:01] People kept asking for more, including more money and special concessions, such as pet insurance.
[00:19:28] "My pleasure" customer service is like the hotel industry and changes how customers feel about the business.
[00:20:16] Chickfila prioritizes mission over profit, offering exceptional service while requiring strict qualifications for franchise ownership. Other businesses that prioritize profit over mission ultimately suffer from lackluster service and lose customer loyalty. Apple's clear mission is reflected in their successful products.

Key Topics and Bullets

Introduction to the Bible's view of work as part of God's plan for humanity
- The negative view of work in society and its origin in the fallen world
- Importance of modeling the attitude of doing everything for the glory of God
- The difference in business operations between those funded by investors and those that bootstrap or receive support from others
- The concept of profit as a reward for providing valuable goods and services
- The growing trend of kingdom-minded entrepreneurs who prioritize their mission over profits
- The Spark Influence podcast and its theme of mission over profits
- The promotion of the Spark Media Ignite Conference and Awards Gala as a premier Christian podcast conference
- The younger generation's view towards work and the importance of pursuing what you love
- The pandemic's impact on the decline in work ethic
- Examples of businesses that prioritize mission over profits, such as Chickfila and Apple
- The negative impact of prioritizing profits over mission and good service
- The importance of welcoming customers, even if it's close to closing time
- The significance of seeking first the kingdom of God and its mission
- The speaker's unique business model of prioritizing mission over profitability
- The impact of focusing on profitability on a business's ability to fully achieve its mission
- The importance of reinvesting earnings back into mission events and growth
- The notion of "active, lazy" and the lacking work ethic in society
- Commendation of a person's model of being mission-focused while also thinking about the bottom line.

Keywords

Bible, work, Adam and Eve, God's plan, tending, caring, fallen world, negative view, glory of God, contagious attitude, funding, investors, bootstrap, financial support, profit, valuable goods, services, faith, mission, kingdom-minded, Spark Influence podcast, purpose, mission over profits, financial goals, Ignite Conference, ...