Redempt. Entr. Blog #1

After learning some basics concerning the topic of “redemptive entrepreneurship” during our first couple of classes, I have realized just how many places entrepreneurial and ministry minded human endeavors are prevalent in our world today. One example of redemptive entrepreneurship that I have observed and worked for is Chick-fil-a. I find it interesting that although I was able to recognize significant differences concerning the characteristics of Chick-fil-a as opposed to other major fast food chains such as maintaining a higher standard for principals, I never really took time to consider the effectiveness of their mission.

As most of us certainly know, fast food chains are not always known to be the most sanitary, customer friendly, and/or healthy places to go when wanting a bite to eat. So, with this being said, finding a fast food chain that not only meets these standards but makes it there intentional desire to do so is surely appealing to the eye. I believe the fast food chain called Chick-fil-a does an incredible job at embodying the mission of the Church within the context of food. How does the company manage to do this, especially for the subject of fast food which is known majorly by its derogatory sense?

At first glance, Chick-fil-a may very well seem like just another one of these degrading fast food chains, but when looked at with more intent, it becomes clear the vast differences. I chose to work for Chick-fil-a because I love food and love the Biblical standards it seeks to live up to. Chick-fil-a’s founder, Truett Cathy, describes the identity of Chick-fil-a as being more than comprised of just selling sandwiches, but even more investing and serving the lives of their customers. For Chick-fil-a, their company is not just simply focused upon making money by selling chicken, but intend to live out the Biblical commission to love their neighbor above the value of their company’s success.

Another quite noticeable difference Chick-fil-a maintains which other fast food chains fail to do is “go the extra mile.” Chick-fil-a’s mission is to serve the community and do this to the best of their ability. This “extra mile” mentality is derived from Matthew 5:41, clearly displaying the call Christians are to live by concerning the people which they are surrounded by.

I think Chick-fil-a has done an incredible job at modeling just how effective human endeavors can be when the call to spread the glory of God’s Gospel is the reason for their mission and service.

 

Links:

https://www.chick-fil-a.com/About/Who-We-Are

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A41&version=ESV