Who says we, as Christian entrepreneurs, harness wealth merely for personal gain? Who says we can’t use it to bring about positive change as well? How?
Let’s find the answer by examining the following:
- Wealth as a catalyst for positive change
- Historical examples of Christian philanthropy
- Maximizing the impact of your wealth
- Building a legacy of generosity
Let’s begin!
Wealth as a Catalyst for Positive Change
What is wealth?
Wealth is having abundant valuable resources or possessions. These resources can include money, property, and other assets that have significant value.
Wealth comes in the following classifications:
1.Financial wealth
This consists of money, stocks, bonds, real estate, and other similar investments. These are essential for economic stability and growth.
2. Material wealth
This comprises properties and physical assets that provide comfort and security. Examples include houses and cars.
3. Social wealth
This refers to the value found in your networks and relationships. These offer support, opportunities, and a sense of community.
4. Human capital
This involves the skills, knowledge, and abilities you possess. These can enhance your productivity and value in the workforce.
5. Emotional wealth
This pertains to a sense of well-being, contentment, and fulfillment in life. These come from positive emotions and mental health.
6. Cultural wealth
This includes art, literature, and other things that enrich life beyond material wealth. These provide personal growth and enjoyment.
Moving on, wealth provides you with the following benefits:
1. Financial security
Wealth acts as a safety net against financial crises. It provides a standard of living that includes necessities without strain.
2. Access to opportunities
Wealth provides access to opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth. These include superior education, healthcare options, and business ventures.
3. Improved quality of life
Wealth allows for enjoying luxuries, travel, and leisure activities, enhancing life satisfaction.
4. Generational impact
Wealth is inheritable. You can pass it down to support your future family members. Doing so ensures their stability and growth.
5. Philanthropy and giving
Wealth provides an opportunity to give back to charities and communities. In this way, you can make a positive difference in society.
Christian view of wealth as a potential force for positive change
Christianity considers wealth a catalyst for change. This is possible when you use it with responsibility and focus on serving others.
By handling it with honesty, wealth can support projects that lift communities. By serving others, it can also help promote fairness and equality.
Here are some theological and biblical principles that support the claim:
1. Stewardship
This principle emphasizes responsible management and accountability in acquiring and using wealth. It reflects the value of care and integrity.
2. Generosity
This value involves giving and sharing with those in need. It embodies compassion and selflessness.
3. Justice and fairness
These ideals highlight acquiring wealth through honest and fair means. These align with the principles of integrity and righteousness.
4. Hospitality and compassion
These refer to providing for the needy and showing concern for the less fortunate. Doing so promotes empathy and solidarity.
5. Leadership and influence
These values emphasize the use of positions of influence to promote justice. It involves ethical practices that inspire others to improve their use of resources. Doing so fosters leadership with integrity.
6. Impact on the community
Investing in charitable initiatives helps reduce poverty and suffering for the common good.
7. Humility and contentment
These principles center on spiritual values over material possessions. They encourage modesty and inner fulfillment.
8. Accountability
This ideal underscores the responsibility to use wealth with wisdom, ethics, and transparency. Doing so promotes honesty and trustworthiness.
9. Liberation and empowerment
These focus on empowering others through resources, opportunities, and education. They foster independence and growth.
10. Eternal perspective
This view recognizes that material possessions are temporary. It also prioritizes spiritual growth over material wealth, emphasizing lasting values and purpose.
Historical Examples of Christian Philanthropy
1. St. Basil the Great (330–379 AD)
St. Basil the Great served as a bishop in Cappadocia, modern-day Turkey. Here, he established the “Basiliad.”
This charity network provided quality care for the poor, sick, and marginalized. Services included shelter, healthcare, and education.
His efforts reduced suffering and established sustainable social support systems.
This enduring legacy reflects compassion, stewardship, and harmony, inspiring similar initiatives worldwide.
2. St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231)
St. Elizabeth was a princess of Hungary.
She used her wealth to establish hospitals and orphanages. She also built distribution centers for food and clothing in Germany.
Her work offered crucial services. It paved the way for better social welfare and healthcare in medieval Europe.
St. Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire acts of charity and care for the needy. This highlights the transformative power of giving, rooted in Christian faith and compassion.
3. William Wilberforce (1759–1833)
William Wilberforce was a British politician and evangelical Christian. He led the abolitionist movement in the United Kingdom.
His commitment to justice and dignity ended the transatlantic slave trade in 1807. And by 1833, he had campaigned to abolish slavery throughout the British Empire.
William’s advocacy laid the foundation for global abolition movements. His efforts influenced modern human rights and social justice frameworks worldwide.
His legacy highlights Christianity’s role in social reform and equality advocacy.
4. George Müller (1805–1898)
George Müller, a Christian evangelist, founded orphanages in Bristol, England.
He cared for thousands of orphans through prayer and donations. No funding from the government at all!
George’s philanthropic efforts resulted in improved care and education for orphans. These efforts demonstrated the efficacy of faith-based philanthropy.
His efforts inspired worldwide charity and still influence orphan care and faith-based projects.
5. Mother Teresa (1910–1997)
Mother Teresa was the founder of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India.
Her organization provided care for the sick, orphaned, and dying. This embodied compassion and devotion to the poorest of the poor.
Mother Teresa’s philanthropic efforts expanded global awareness of and support for humanitarian work. This resulted in the establishment of several charitable missions worldwide. It leaves a lasting legacy of love and service.
6. Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965)
Albert Schweitzer was a theologian, musician, and medical doctor. He founded a hospital in Lambarene, Gabon, Africa.
His humanitarian efforts delivered essential medical care to thousands. With this, he showcased the power of medical missions and compassionate service.
Albert’s “reverence for life” philosophy shaped global health ethics and policies. This earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.
His legacy inspires ongoing advocacy for global health equity and social justice. This reflects the lasting influence of Christian principles on humanitarian endeavors.
7. John Rockefeller (1839–1937)
John Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist.
He used much of his wealth for medical research, education, and public health. He did so through the Rockefeller Foundation.
His efforts led to medical breakthroughs, improved public health, and better education. He dedicated these efforts to marginalized groups.
With that, John’s philanthropy shows how wealth can improve society and empower communities.
8. Lottie Moon (1840–1912)
Lottie Moon was a Southern Baptist missionary in China.
She advocated for women’s education and care for orphaned children. This was especially true during times of famine and social turmoil. Her efforts empowered Chinese women and expanded Baptist missions in East Asia.
Eventually, Lottie’s legacy inspires global missions and charity work. It shows how faith-based efforts can address social issues and uphold human dignity.
9. Brother Roger Schutz (1915–2005)
Brother Roger Schutz was the founder of the Taizé Community in France.
He focused on fostering reconciliation and unity among Christian denominations. With this vision, the community offered hospitality and spiritual guidance to young people.
Brother Roger’s dedication to dialogue inspires global efforts for reconciliation and unity. It shows how Christian values promote peace and mutual respect among diverse communities.
10. Bob Pierce (1914–1978)
Bob Pierce founded World Vision, a Christian humanitarian group.
He dedicated himself to alleviating poverty and assisting crisis-stricken regions worldwide. His vision for compassion and justice led to global initiatives. These included poverty relief, emergency aid, and child sponsorship.
Bob’s legacy guides World Vision’s mission: community empowerment, sustainable development, and advocacy. This illustrates the enduring influence of Christian values on humanitarian work.
Strategic Giving: Maximizing the Impact of Your Wealth
Practical ways to strategically use your wealth in philanthropy
1. Identify your passion and mission.
Think about your experiences and identify areas where you feel a strong connection.
Based on this, focus on causes that deeply resonate with you and align with your values. Then, define a clear mission statement for your philanthropic efforts.
Doing so will guide your giving and make sure it stays meaningful and impactful.
2. Research and choose reputable organizations.
Investigate organizations thoroughly to ensure they have a track record of success and transparency.
Look for nonprofits with strong leadership, clear goals, and measurable results. Check their financial health and governance practices.
This due diligence ensures your donations make a difference.
3. Create a giving plan.
Partner with other donors, foundations, or organizations to pool resources and increase impact. Join philanthropic networks or groups focused on your areas of interest.
Set a budget for your giving and decide how to allocate funds across various causes. A structured plan helps you make the most of your philanthropic potential.
4. Focus on the long-term impact.
Support sustainable initiatives that provide lasting benefits and build organizational capacity.
Choose programs that address root causes rather than temporary fixes. Invest in infrastructure and training to help organizations grow.
Long-term support ensures your contributions have lasting effects.
5. Collaborate with others.
Work with other donors or organizations to combine resources and enhance impact. Share knowledge, expertise, and connections to strengthen your efforts.
Collaborations can lead to innovative solutions and greater reach. Working together amplifies the effectiveness of your philanthropic activities.
6. Engage in impact investing.
Impact investing aligns your financial goals with your values. This approach helps create sustainable change while generating returns.
With that in mind, invest in social enterprises or funds that create financial returns and social benefits. Support businesses that address social or environmental issues.
7. Measure and evaluate your impact.
Set objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs), and regularly assess and adjust your contributions for effectiveness.
Use metrics to track progress and outcomes. Get feedback from beneficiaries and partners as well.
Continuous evaluation helps refine your strategy and improve results.
8. Support education and research.
Education and research are powerful tools for long-term change.
With that in mind, take the opportunity to fund scholarships, educational programs, and research projects.
Promote access to quality education and opportunities for underprivileged communities. Invest in scientific research that provides new solutions to common problems.
9. Advocate and raise awareness.
Use your influence to push for policy changes and raise public awareness.
Support campaigns that match your mission and values. Teach others about the issues you care about.
Advocacy increases your impact and encourages broader societal change.
10. Plan for legacy giving.
Include philanthropic goals in your estate planning and involve your family to ensure continuity.
Set up trusts or foundations to manage your charitable giving after your lifetime. Then, discuss your philanthropic vision with your heirs.
True enough, legacy giving ensures your values and impact continue for future generations.
How to set up a giving plan that aligns with Christian values
1. Reflect on biblical principles.
Spend time in prayer and study Scripture to understand the biblical teachings on generosity, stewardship, and justice.
In the process, identify key verses that resonate with your mission and values. This foundation will guide your decisions about giving.
2. Establish core values.
Define the core values that guide your life and business, such as integrity, compassion, and community. Ensure that these values align with your philanthropic goals.
Doing so helps maintain consistency in all areas of your life and business.
3. Integrate giving into your business model.
Make charitable giving a core part of your business strategy. Consider setting aside a percentage of your profits for philanthropy.
This ensures that giving is a regular, planned activity.
4. Engage in community needs assessment.
Conduct a needs assessment to identify pressing issues in your community. Engage with local leaders, churches, and nonprofits to better understand community needs.
This ensures that your contributions make the most impact.
5. Create a mission statement for giving.
Develop a mission statement that captures your philanthropic goals, values, and desired impact. Use this statement to guide your decisions and communicate your intentions clearly.
Doing so serves as a reminder of your purpose.
6. Develop a philanthropic budget.
Allocate a specific portion of your income or business profits to your giving plan. Set clear financial goals for your charitable contributions.
This strategy helps you stay committed and organized in your giving.
7. Choose causes that align with your faith.
Select causes and organizations that align with Christian values. These values include supporting the poor, advocating for justice, and promoting education and health.
Ensure that the organizations you support operate with integrity and align with your faith-based principles.
8. Seek accountability partners.
Partner with fellow Christian entrepreneurs, mentors, or a church community to hold you accountable for your giving commitments. Share your goals and progress with them for mutual support and encouragement.
With that, accountability ensures that you stay true to your mission.
9. Engage in hands-on involvement.
Beyond financial contributions, consider volunteering your time and skills to support the causes you care about.
Get personally involved to understand the impact of your giving and build deeper connections with the community.
10. Regularly review and adjust your plan.
Periodically review your giving plan to ensure it remains aligned with your values and achieves the desired impact.
Be open to making adjustments based on new insights, changing needs, or personal growth in your faith journey.
This flexibility helps maintain the relevance and effectiveness of your giving.
Modern tools and techniques for impactful donations
1. Donor-advised funds (DAFs)
DAFs streamline charitable giving.
They provide immediate tax benefits and allow you to strategically distribute grants over time. They also offer flexibility in managing your contributions.
Here, you may involve your family members in decision-making. Doing so promotes multigenerational giving.
2. Charity evaluators
Platforms such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and GiveWell assess nonprofit organizations for effectiveness and transparency.
These tools help you choose trustworthy recipients for your donations. These ensure that your contributions make a meaningful impact.
3. Impact measurement frameworks
Frameworks like Social Return on Investment (SROI) or Theory of Change quantify the social impact of your donations.
They help you understand the outcomes of your contributions. Doing so enables you to invest in initiatives with measurable and sustainable benefits.
4. Crowdfunding platforms
Websites like GoFundMe and GlobalGiving connect you with specific causes and urgent needs.
They help you support grassroots projects directly. As such, you can make a direct impact on communities.
5. Blockchain for transparency
Blockchain technology ensures transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
By securely recording donation transactions, blockchain reduces the risk of fraud. It also enhances trust between you and your recipients.
This promotes greater confidence in charitable giving.
6. Data analytics
Analytical tools track the performance and impact of donations in real time.
By monitoring outcomes and assessing effectiveness, you can refine your strategies and allocate resources more efficiently. Doing so maximizes the positive effects of your giving.
7. Philanthropic advisory services
Advisors offer specialized guidance to donors seeking to optimize their charitable giving. They provide strategic advice tailored to individual philanthropic goals.
This helps you navigate complex philanthropic landscapes and achieve greater impact.
8. Impact investing
Impact investing aligns investors’ values with their investment portfolios. This drives positive change while pursuing financial goals.
As such, it’s good to invest in social enterprises that generate both financial returns and social benefits. Doing so integrates philanthropy with financial strategy.
9. Online grant management systems
Software platforms like Fluxx and Foundant streamline the grant-making process, from application to reporting.
These systems improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in managing grants. They also ensure that your funds reach their intended beneficiaries promptly and effectively.
10. Engaging in collaborative philanthropy
Joining collaborative funds or giving circles combines resources and expertise to amplify the impact of your donations.
By participating in these initiatives, you can address social issues and promote collaborative solutions.
Building a Legacy of Generosity
Building a Legacy of Generosity
The importance of leaving a legacy with your wealth as a Christian entrepreneur
1. Legacy fosters responsible stewardship.
Leaving a legacy as a Christian entrepreneur means managing your wealth with ethics and vision for the greater good.
It sets an example of integrity and accountability in business, building trust and respect in the community.
This fosters a culture where moral principles guide financial success. It promotes sustainability and long-term positive impact.
2. It serves as a testimony to your faith.
Legacy testifies to your faith by integrating biblical values into business and philanthropy.
This witness shows how Christian principles like love and justice shape ethical leadership, influencing society positively.
It also inspires others to explore spirituality in their careers, connecting faith and work deeply.
3. It influences future generations.
Legacy shapes future generations with a model for ethical entrepreneurship and compassionate leadership.
It imparts values of generosity, fairness, and social responsibility. These values empower young entrepreneurs to lead with integrity.
Through mentorship and shared experiences, you inspire the next wave of leaders to uphold the same values.
4. It ensures continuity of impact.
Leaving a legacy ensures that the good you do with your wealth continues to help others once you are gone.
By setting up sustainable projects and foundations, you can keep supporting causes like education, healthcare, and community development.
This provides future generations with better opportunities and resources. It also ensures that your efforts have a lasting and positive effect.
5. It contributes to community development.
Leaving a legacy with your wealth helps strengthen your community.
By investing in local projects and supporting organizations that help people in need, you’re improving their lives. This involves building schools, supporting healthcare clinics, and creating jobs.
Your contributions help build a thriving community where everyone can flourish and thrive.
6. It brings personal fulfillment.
Leaving a legacy with your wealth brings personal fulfillment. Specifically, you realize that your hard work and success make a positive difference in the world.
Seeing how your generosity and values shape lives and communities gives you a sense of purpose and joy.
This fulfillment comes from knowing that you’re using your blessings to honor God and help others. It’s a deeply rewarding feeling that motivates you to continue living out your faith through your business.
7. It honors God’s values.
Leaving a legacy with wealth honors God’s values. That is, you live out your faith in every aspect of your business.
When you prioritize integrity, compassion, and justice, you reflect God’s character to those around you.
Honoring God’s values through your legacy shows that you’re using your blessings wisely and responsibly. You glorify God with your resources and leave a lasting impact that aligns with His purpose.
This brings meaning and purpose to your entrepreneurial journey. It ensures that your life’s work reflects God’s love and goodness.
8. It promotes integration of faith and values.
Leaving a legacy with your wealth inspires the integration of faith and values. It means living out your beliefs in your business practices and interactions.
By demonstrating honesty, generosity, and humility, you show others how to weave their faith into their work. This integration fosters a workplace culture that values spirituality and guides decisions with biblical principles.
It encourages others to see their work as a calling from God. This leads to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in their professional lives.
Insights on how to incorporate philanthropy into your business models and personal estates
1. Integrate giving as a core value.
Allocate a portion of your profits or revenue to support causes that match your values and mission.
This strategy not only helps your communities and causes but also boosts your business’s reputation. It even attracts socially conscious customers.
More importantly, it shows your commitment to making a positive impact beyond profits. This reflects your personal values.
2. Create a culture of giving.
Encourage employees to volunteer and engage in charitable activities. Doing so promotes a sense of community and shared goals.
Provide opportunities for customers to contribute through purchases or donations. By making giving a part of daily operations, you inspire others to prioritize social responsibility and create positive change.
3. Join strategic partnerships and collaborations.
By teaming up with similar organizations or businesses, you can increase your impact and address larger social issues together.
Partnering with others lets you combine resources and knowledge, achieving greater results than working alone.
These alliances also encourage innovation and shared learning. They enable you to effectively support causes you care about while maximizing your philanthropic efforts.
4. Engage in impact investing and social enterprises.
Invest in ventures that aim to generate positive social or environmental impacts along with financial returns.
Supporting social enterprises aligns your financial goals with making a social difference. This approach lets you use your resources to tackle societal issues while growing your wealth responsibly.
Current Christian entrepreneurs who integrate giving into their business practices
1. Dave Blanchard
Dave Blanchard is the co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, a venture-building ecosystem that supports social entrepreneurs.
Through Praxis, Dave provides mentorship, funding, and resources to help startups with Christian missions succeed.
He has also facilitated ventures tackling global social issues. This built a network of entrepreneurs dedicated to making a faith-driven impact worldwide.
2. Bryan and Shannon Miles
Bryan and Shannon Miles are the founders of BELAY, a company providing virtual staffing solutions.
They prioritize giving by offering flexible work and supporting charities. They donate a portion of profits and encourage staff volunteering.
They also impact their communities positively by creating jobs and supporting charitable causes. This reflects their commitment to integrating faith and generosity into business.
3. Chris and Marlow Felton
Chris and Marlow Felton are the owners of Cultivate What Matters. This is a company specializing in goal-setting tools and resources.
They give back by donating a portion of their profits to support women and families in need. This helps empower women through education, resources, and community support.
Their efforts make a positive impact by promoting personal growth and community well-being.
4. John Ramstead
John Ramstead is the owner of Beyond Influence, a coaching and leadership development company.
His business model includes donating a significant portion of profits to charity. This is specifically for global leadership development and youth empowerment.
His efforts have impacted many by equipping leaders with the skills and resources to create positive change. His commitment highlights business as a force for social good.
5. Tyler Merrick
Tyler Merrick is the founder of Project 7, a company selling everyday products like gum and coffee.
Through this company, Tyler donates a portion of sales to critical global needs like clean water and education.
He also partners with nonprofit organizations to provide significant support to communities in need.
Tyler’s commitment shows how business can drive social change by integrating generosity into its core operations. It makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Final Thoughts and Appeal
“True wealth in the kingdom of God isn’t measured by what you have but by what you give. It’s about using your financial blessings to create a ripple effect of generosity across communities.”
With that, “every dollar you earn as a Christian entrepreneur has the potential to echo through eternity. Invest in causes that align with divine principles, and watch your impact multiply beyond measure.”
After all, “wealth isn’t just a resource—it’s a responsibility.” As such, we are to transform success into a tool for God’s work. We should leverage our prosperity to propel His purpose in the world.
In line with leveraging our prosperity, we are to leave a good legacy. It “isn’t about the wealth you accumulate, but the lives you change.”
So, dear Beacon, I encourage you to start today. Your financial stewardship can be a beacon of hope and a testament to your faith. Book a discovery call with me now and let’s work together to unlock your full potential.
Your partner in Christian leadership,
Tamara Jackson
