Many Christians wonder how they can partake in redemptive entrepreneurship to serve the Lord with their businesses while at the same time making a profit. There are many ways to engage in redemptive entrepreneurship with any business. A simple example of a business engaging in redemptive entrepreneurship is Cook-Out.
Cook-Out is a burger joint in the southern states. The restaurant was founded in 1989 by Morris Reaves in North Carolina. Today they have around 90 locations and they are well known for their hamburgers and barbecue. One might think, what could Cook-Out possibly do that is considered redemptive entrepreneurship?
One way that Cook-Out shows their redemptive entrepreneurship is by sticking to their roots and displaying Bible verses on their cups, bags, and wrappers that their food comes in. This allows their customers to have the opportunity to take notice of scripture and read some truth. This might seem like a minimal thing to do, and arguably it is. However, in today’s day and age, it takes a lot of courage to boldly display a profession of faith packaging. It is also important to keep in mind, that God is able to use the smallest of things to further His kingdom.
On top of displaying Bible verses, Cook-Out plays Christian music for their customers within their establishments. This too might seem like a minimal action. This is not so, to provide an atmosphere where Christians feel comfortable and at home outside of their church and immediate community is extremely important. It emboldens Christians to leave their immediate communities and still feel comfortable enough to share the gospel.
Cook-Out, although not raking in millions of dollars to donate to various charities or solving the world hunger problem, is still wonderfully involved in redemptive entrepreneurship. Their business shows that even just in small ways it is easy to point your business toward redemption and be influential to the kingdom of God.
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I'd never heard of Cook Out before reading this post, but now I'll definitely have to check it out! I agree with your point about the scale of redemptive entrepreneurship. Businesses don't need to be out evangelizing the world. Instead, they just need to firmly proclaim their identity and bless those in their community through their business. Through their packaging choices and store environment, Cook Out is doing exactly that.
Often times, I feel like when people try and make their company have Christian values they believe that they have to have some huge mission or support a cause. However, even playing music and having statements on packaging can change someone's life. The music aspect of Cook Out I had never heard before reading this. That is a unique aspect of trying to impact people but is awesome. If someone gets a catchy tune stuck in their head then they might look up the song and learn about Christianity through that.
It takes a certain amount of courage to openly call your business "Christian" in today's world. There has been and will continue to be a hostility towards Christians and their beliefs as Americans become more polarized regarding controversial social and political views. I give this restaurant a lot of credit for their confidence but also with how they present their identity. They are not forcing their beliefs on the customer, but rather, create a Christian atmosphere for the customer to dwell in as they eat their meal if they so choose. The problem is that many people won't necessarily want to eat a burger while listening to whatever they qualify as "Christian music." They will lose money because of this, but it seems that they are willing to pay this price.
I am going to have to try this place as soon as I go south to visit my grandmother. This sounds amazing and I love that people are bringing Christianity into businesses. While it mirrors In&Out and Chick-fil-A, this does not make it a bad thing. I love that they are playing Christian music and being intentional about their faith; while they may catch some flack for this, I would stand by them.
Cook-Out is so great, I love their milkshakes. It is so cool to see them taking every opportunity to share God's word with others. Truly something as small as a bag or wrapper can be used by God for His kingdom. There is nothing He can not do. I hope Cook-Out sticks to its roots and does not waiver.
As someone who has lived the past eleven years in NC, I can say beyond a doubt that Cookout is widely popular. In fact, at times, they have longer lines than Chik-fil-A! I can't say I've been to Cook Out to many times, but to hear of their Christian sympathies is very interesting. Thanks!
Personally, I have never heard of Cookout until I read this post. I love how they implement redemptive strategies into their business framework. It is also awesome how they can point people toward the kingdom of God in their own smaller ways.