The Most Under-Discipled People in Your Church (And Why It Costs You)

Church Leadership & Stewardship Ministry

Sep 22

Written by CSN

Business owners and marketplace leaders often carry tremendous responsibility and influence, yet many churches lack an intentional discipleship pathway designed to equip them for their unique calling. In this episode of the Stewardship Leader Podcast, Leo Sabo sits down with Chad Everett, Co-Founder and CEO of Purpose Factory, to explore why business leaders are often among the most under-discipled people in our churches and what happens when we see them primarily as financial supporters rather than ministers in the marketplace. They discuss the biblical connection between ownership and stewardship, how churches can create meaningful discipleship environments for business leaders, and the impact these leaders can have on their families, businesses, and communities when they are equipped to live out their faith in every area of life.

Key Takeaways

Business owners and marketplace leaders are often underserved by traditional church discipleship programs, leaving many feeling isolated and disconnected from their church community.
Churches miss significant ministry opportunities when they view business leaders primarily as financial supporters rather than individuals who need intentional discipleship and spiritual formation.
Stewardship is about far more than giving. Business leaders are called to steward their companies, employees, relationships, influence, and God-given abilities for His purposes.
Understanding the difference between ownership and stewardship helps business leaders recognize that their companies are resources entrusted to them by God.
Business leaders have unique opportunities to reach people in the marketplace whom pastors and church staff may never encounter.
Healthy discipleship environments for business leaders require trust, meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and biblical teaching that addresses the realities of leading a business.
The Bible should be the foundation for business leadership. Churches can help leaders connect practical business principles with biblical truth and apply God's Word to their everyday decisions.
Developing a business leader ministry begins with identifying a spiritually mature leader who understands the business community and can help guide and disciple others.
The goal of discipling business leaders isn't to increase church giving. It's to help them grow in their relationship with Christ and become faithful stewards of everything God has entrusted to them.
When churches intentionally disciple marketplace leaders, the impact extends beyond the individual to their marriages, families, employees, businesses, and communities.
Business leaders are ministers in the marketplace. Churches have an opportunity to equip them to use their leadership, influence, and professional experience to advance God's Kingdom.