It is possible to be successful in business while also living out one's faith – in fact, Convene’s members are shown to outperform their competitors by putting their faith into action. By prioritizing values such as integrity, compassion, and social responsibility, Christian business leaders demonstrate that it is possible to build a successful business that is also consistent with one's beliefs.
These are just a few examples of Christian business owners who have put their faith into practice through their businesses. There are many more out there who are making a positive impact in the world.
Wendy’s
Dave Thomas was the founder of Wendy's, a popular fast-food chain. He believed in using his success to make a positive impact in the world and often encouraged other business owners to do the same. Thomas was also a devout Christian who believed that his faith should be an integral part of his life and business. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and often spoke publicly about his beliefs. Thomas also believed in treating his employees with respect and dignity, and he created programs to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth for his workers.
Dave Thomas's non-profits and faith were a significant part of his life and legacy. He believed that businesses have a responsibility to give back to their communities and make a positive impact in the world, and he lived his life in accordance with those values. One of the non-profits Dave Thomas founded was the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This organization is dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care. Thomas himself was adopted as a child and was a strong advocate for adoption throughout his life. The foundation has helped to place thousands of children in loving homes and provides support to families throughout the adoption process. In addition to his work with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Thomas was also a supporter of several other charities and causes, including the Children's Miracle Network.
TOMS Shoes
Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS Shoes, a company that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Mycoskie is a Christian who believes in using his business to make a positive impact in the world. The idea for TOMS Shoes came to Mycoskie during a trip to Argentina, where he was struck by the poverty he saw and the lack of shoes among the children he met. He decided to create a business that would not only provide shoes to those in need but also create jobs and sustainable economic development in impoverished communities. Mycoskie has often spoken publicly about how his faith has inspired his work with TOMS Shoes. He has said that his Christian beliefs influence his commitment to social justice and his desire to make a positive impact in the world. He sees his work with the company as a way to live out his faith.
Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey is a popular financial guru and founder of Ramsey Solutions. He is a devout Christian who has built his business on biblical principles. Ramsey e has written extensively about how individuals can apply these principles to their own financial lives. He believes that individuals should avoid debt, live within their means, and save for the future. He encourages people to live debt-free and manage their money in a responsible way. Ramsey also teaches his employees to put God first in their lives, and he supports various Christian charities through his business.
James Cash Penney
James Cash Penney, also known as J.C. Penney, was a businessman and the founder of J.C. Penney, the department store chain. His Christian faith played a significant role in his personal life and business practices.
Penney grew up in a Christian household and was influenced by his father's strong faith. He often spoke publicly about the role that his faith played in his life, and he saw his success in business as a way to honor God and help others. J.C. Penney stated, “Remember that all this effort to reach your preference in your life work and your further effort to perfect it within the scope of your ability is for just one purpose. And the purpose is to give service to the utmost of your ability.” This value of service made a huge difference in his leadership and success.
Penney was known for his commitment to his employees. He believed in treating his workers with respect and providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. He created programs to support employee training and development and encouraged his workers to live out their faith in the workplace. One of Penney's most significant contributions to his community was the establishment of the J.C. Penney Foundation, which provided support to a wide range of charitable causes, including education, health care, and community development. The foundation also provided financial support to religious organizations and missionary work.
These are the stories of the power of faith in action. Christian business leaders often use their success to make a positive impact on the world, whether through charitable giving, community service, or other initiatives. This demonstrates that faith can be a driving force for good in the world and can inspire others to live out their own values and make a positive impact in their own businesses and communities. If you are a Christian business leader seeking opportunities to bring your faith into your professional life, then check out Convene’s CEO Peer Groups. Convene’s members learn how to grow their businesses, become more profitable, apply God’s kingdom principles, and become culture-shapers.