Identifying the best practices in church growth and ministry, and how that connects to redemptive entrepreneurship is a lengthy exercise, one that must have a clear jumping off point before digging further. As we begin this three-part series, we ought to define “entrepreneurship” and “redemption.” It is to the latter that we turn first.

Romans 8:28-30 (ESV) is as a good of a place to begin as any:

           ^“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[h] for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” 

Note the progression. First, we were foreknown and predestined, then called and justified, and finally, glorified. This is the progression of salvation. The focus is not on the action of the believer, but rather on God and his action and provision. John 15:16 (ESV) echoes this point:

             ^“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Isaiah 53 is well known for its messianic theme. In the entirety of the passage, no action is credited to man, except for the rejection of the Christ (verse 3). Even the implementation of the crucifixion is ascribed to God. It should become clear that we are not the catalysts for redemption. Rather, salvation is something that we receive. But what does it look like to be saved? In this life, that answer is beyond complicated. Salvation is a process, the ultimate evangelistic act. The exact details look different from person to person. But the most obvious indicators is the fruit of the spirit, mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, and the renewal of the mind, mentioned in Romans 12:2. In essence, the regenerated individual will think, feel, and act differently than the non-Christian. They will acknowledge truth where others see conspiracy, act in courage where others would follow blindly, and express humility where others would be consumed with a false sense of self-sufficiency.

The completed state of redemption, is, of course, the new heavens and the new earth. What that exactly looks like is not entirely clear, though John gives us a glimpse in Revelation 21. (Note that verse 3 is a flashing red sign harkening back to the Old Testament, as well as Hebrews 8.)

So when we speak of salvation and redemption, if we speak biblically, salvation comes not from man, but from God. We do not leverage the things of this World to bring about redemption, but rather stand ready to receive the blessing that God pours out on his covenant people and creation, making all things new (Rev. 21).

The definition of “entrepreneurship” can be somewhat allusive. If you ask, google will tell you that entrepreneurship is “the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking financial risks in the hope of profit.” For idealogues this is undoubtedly insufficient. To think entrepreneurially, they may argue, is to search out and find truth where others do not see it, to gain an economical advantage. To be an entrepreneur is to live a lifestyle around this approach. These latter definitions are far more accurate when one considers the fascination in certain circles with being an entrepreneur.

What does the redemptive arc of scripture have to do with the pursuit of entrepreneurship and what practices are most advantageous within ministry and within the church in relation to entrepreneurship?

First, we must understand the mission of the church, as seen in the personhood of Christ. Second, we must understand that the doctrine of creation is not merely about seven “days” in Genesis, but about the whole function of man’s day to day life and the history of mankind. And thirdly, we must understand that redemption and entrepreneurial thinking are compatible because of  the doctrine of creation, so long as we are careful to define their relationship to one another, and our relationship to God. It is these three matters that we will delve into, along with the practical implications for ministry, over the next two blog posts.