Stewarding Success: How Faith Shapes My Business Leadership

By | September 15, 2024

As a Christian entrepreneur, one of the most profound challenges I face is living out my faith while running a business in a world that seems to have its own set of rules. The world’s conventional wisdom often tells us to move fast, aim for instant results, and focus on profits above all else. But the path I’ve chosen, the one the Lord has called me to, is different. It’s slower, more deliberate, and rooted in biblical principles that sometimes feel at odds with the pace of modern business. Yet, it’s also far more fulfilling because it’s aligned with a higher purpose—one that goes beyond financial success and reaches into the very heart of why I do what I do.

From the very beginning, when I founded DataCorps, I knew this business wasn’t just mine. It was a calling from God to steward everything He brought my way, and that responsibility extends to every person, every opportunity, and every challenge I encounter. Early on, I believed my mission was primarily to serve clients and meet their IT needs. But as the Lord refined my vision, especially as He entrusted me with employees, I realized my role was much bigger. It wasn’t just about managing a company—it was about building people, leading them, and ultimately launching them into their own callings.

Take, for example, the conventional wisdom that says if someone isn’t performing, you should let them go and find someone better. The world values efficiency and quick fixes, but Proverbs 27:17 reminds me, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Instead of discarding people when they struggle, I invest in them. I see my employees as more than just resources—they are individuals with gifts and potential. I believe that with the right guidance and support, they can grow into the people God created them to be. This approach takes patience and a lot of energy, but it’s worth it. I’ve seen firsthand how lives change when we build people up rather than tearing them down.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Patience is key, and that’s where restraint comes in. Running a business means there’s always pressure to grow quickly, generate more revenue, and increase profitability. But I’ve learned that God’s timing is different from the world’s timing. Restraint is one of the hardest disciplines I practice because it requires waiting on the Lord, even when the demands of the business world are screaming for immediate results. The patience required to balance these two forces—God’s timeline and the world’s expectations—takes a toll. But every time I’ve waited on Him, He’s been faithful to deliver something far greater than what I could have achieved on my own.

“But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” – Isaiah 40:31

I’ve also noticed a pattern among many highly successful entrepreneurs—people who are celebrated for their financial success and praised for building businesses that make others wealthy along the way. But behind the scenes, I often see a trail of broken relationships, fractured organizations, and unmet promises. These entrepreneurs are popular for their success, but the companies they leave behind are often mere shells—hollow and unable to sustain the culture that once drove their growth. In some cases, those shells reflect something deeper about the entrepreneur. Beneath the veneer of success lies a fragile person, sensitive to criticism because their identity is tied to their achievements.

This realization has shaped the way I approach my own success. The world may value sales numbers and growth charts, but I’ve come to see that God values integrity, faithfulness, and how we treat others along the way. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That means my yes has to mean yes, and my no has to mean no. It’s not just about achieving results; it’s about doing so in a way that reflects God’s character. I can’t cut corners or make promises I can’t keep, even if it means slower growth. My success is rooted in honoring Him in every decision.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

At DataCorps, I’m driven by mission, vision, purpose, and calling. My personal calling is to make disciples in the marketplace—not necessarily in a religious sense for my employees, but in how I lead by example. I recognize that not everyone shares my faith, and that’s okay. What’s important is that the values I bring from my faith—integrity, treating people well, and doing the right thing—are values that transcend belief systems. These are universal principles that I strive to instill in our company culture because they create an environment where people are valued, respected, and supported. These values are what make DataCorps more than just a business; they make it a place where people can thrive.

This personal calling to live out my faith in the workplace extends beyond just today. It’s about building something lasting—a legacy that will outlive me. I want to leave something behind for my children, my children’s children, and their children. As I write this, my son Eli, who is only 10 years old, has already expressed interest in the business. His words were, “I want to keep DataCorps going because we help people.” He’s young, but he gets it. Eli understands that this business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference. Knowing that this legacy may be passed down to him and potentially to future generations motivates me to stay the course and build something worth inheriting.

When I think about legacy, it’s not just about financial success or the longevity of DataCorps as a company. It’s about the impact we make in the lives of the people we serve—our clients, our employees, and our community. It’s about creating something that reflects God’s values and shows the world that business can be done differently. The success I aim for isn’t measured solely by profits or growth; it’s measured by how faithfully we live out the calling God has placed on us, how well we care for those He’s entrusted to us, and how deeply we impact the lives of others.

In the end, my legacy isn’t about building a company for the sake of building a company. It’s about stewarding the people, opportunities, and resources God has given me in a way that honors Him. I want to build something that my children and their children can be proud of—not because it’s financially successful, but because it stands for something far greater. As long as I keep my eyes on Him and remain obedient to His calling, I know we’re building a legacy that will last, one that will bless future generations and reflect the heart of God in all that we do. And that’s the kind of success that truly matters.