Seeing the success of other's bold strategies, we are left with the questions: Are we content to remain comfortable doing ministry the way we have always done it, with some positive but limited results, knowing in our hearts that we aren't making much of a dent in our culture? Or will we take the risk of boldly trusting God for a fresh vision, powerful strategies, and incredible results? I've been working for the last several years to develop my own sense of God's calling and vision for ministry.

As I have shared my vision for change with a number of pastors, some have called this "an entrepreneurial strategy for churches." It combines the aggressive goals of business with God's heart for people. I later merged these ideas and coined the term pastorpreneur. A pastorpreneur is a pastoral innovator, a creative dreamer who is willing to take great risks in church ministry with the hope of great gain for Christ and his kingdom. Like any good entrepreneur, this kind of leader isn't wild-eyed and foolish. He assesses goals, opportunities, and risks very carefully, but he is willing to attempt great things for God. His path is checkered with successes and defeats, but his successes touch many more people than if he had chosen to play it safe, and he learns from his failures so even they are stepping-stones to future gains.

We'll learn to become effective in faith and the marketplace together. Let's impact our world for God!

In His Grip!