Is joy an underrated asset in your leadership? In our latest article, Matt Rusten explores why joy, much like humor, plays a vital role in building a thriving company culture. From increasing team engagement to fostering resilience, joy can transform workplace dynamics and inspire purpose-driven work. Discover three key ways to cultivate joy in your organization and why it’s essential for leaders who seek both results and fulfillment.
‘Do not worry.’ We’ve read Matthew 6:25-34 in the Sermon on the Mount, but what does that look like on a day-to-day, minute-by-minute basis? God knows our every worry, fear, and concern – and He can handle it. Many thanks to Darrell Passwater, Convene Forum Team leader, for his encouragement to think about how our lives might be different by truly living out this scriptural principle.
Got a quick minute to chat? I’ve been wanting to share something with you as you lead in the midst of the election cycle in the USA or when your political election takes place in your country. When the dust settles on the election and the new country leader is declared, one thing will still be as true as it is right now. You’ll still be the one leading your firm the day after the election. Your team members will still come to work the day after the winner is declared. They’ll still be looking to you for leadership, for a paycheck, for a sense of community at their workplace.
What do they want most that only you can deliver? It’s meaning. That meaning they’re looking for begins with you and your leadership. To be sure, what Washington DC does actually can impact your business significantly, however, the president of the United States or the leader of any country does not lead your firm. You do. It’s an enterprise entrusted to you to lead as a steward. It’s a place where people look to you for answers, where people want to be part of a team that cares about them and where people want to be valued, appreciated, and loved. The next president of the country will not show up this week at your office to encourage your team, fix a broken piece of equipment, hire the next team member, sell a big account, or cast a bold vision about how your team will reach your goals and impact the culture.
As we find ourselves mid-October and a blink away from a new calendar year, it is an opportunity to prepare for how we view transitions. Transitions allow for reflection and renewal, for letting go and beginning anew, and for learning from the past and creating the future. Instead of laying out trends for the next year, I would like to comment on a fundamental enabler of any transition: hope. Leaders who want to improve, CEO’s who work toward excellence, HR professionals who aspire to deliver more value, and employees who seek well-being all achieve their transitions by realizing hope.
Hope integrates many of the positive traits that shape transitions for others and matter to me personally: learning, patience, service, faith, humility, optimism, gratitude, and so forth. I send hundreds of formal and informal e-mails every month to invite people to programs, to thank people for attending programs, to check in on those I mentor, and to stay connected to those I care about. I begin almost every one of these notes with “Hope you are well.” Hope is one of my personal desires, tag lines, and biases and an enabler of any transition.
If I could implant one trait in my family, friends, and colleagues who are undergoing continual transition, it would be hope.
‘Do not worry.’ We’ve read Matthew 6:25-34 in the Sermon on the Mount, but what does that look like on a day-to-day, minute-by-minute basis? God knows our every worry, fear, and concern – and He can handle it. Many thanks to Darrell Passwater, Convene Forum Team leader, for his encouragement to think about how our lives might be different by truly living out this scriptural principle.
Inevitable business challenges constantly require leadership that prioritizes innovation and resilience. For Christian entrepreneurs, these challenges present unique opportunities to align their business strategies with God’s plan. By seeking Biblical guidance and maintaining a focus on faith, Christian business leaders can not just survive but thrive during times of change.
Understanding the Need for Change
Economic shifts, technological advancements, or evolving customer needs make change an inevitable part of business that we must embrace to grow. For Christian entrepreneurs, the key to thriving during times of change is by recognizing that change is often a part of God’s greater plan. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Each season of life, including the challenges we face in business, has a purpose.
In the face of change, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain but Christian entrepreneurs have the upper hand. We can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, guiding us through each transition. By trusting in His plan and seeking His wisdom, we can navigate change with confidence, hope, and clarity.
Steps for Adapting Your Business Strategies to Align with God's Plan Lay The Foundation
Before adapting their business strategies, Christian entrepreneurs should first ensure that their business strategies are rooted in biblical values. This means prioritizing honesty, integrity, and compassion in the workplace. Colossians 3:23 advises, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse reminds business leaders to approach their work with a sense of higher purpose.
Pray About Your Concerns
By bringing any concerns, hopes, and plans to God, entrepreneurs can gain clarity, insight, and direction. James 1:5 offers assurance stating, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Embrace Change as an Opportunity for Growth
While change can be challenging, it also presents growth opportunities (both spiritually and professionally). For Christian entrepreneurs, times of change can be moments of transformation, where your reliance on God deepens and new paths are forged. Romans 5:3-4 encourages us to view challenges in this light: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” By embracing change with a positive attitude and by building reliance on God’s guidance, Christian entrepreneurs can turn challenges into stepping stones for greater success. This growth might include expanding into new markets, adopting new technologies, or rethinking business models to better serve customers and communities.
Building a Resilient Business through Faith
Resilience is key to thriving in times of change, and for Christian entrepreneurs, faith is the foundation of resilience. A resilient business can withstand challenges and adapt to new circumstances while staying true to its core values and mission. Rock-solid faith in God provides the strength and perspective needed to persevere through difficulties.
One way to build resilience is by cultivating a strong, supportive community. Christian entrepreneurs should seek to build relationships with other believers who can provide encouragement, advice, and prayer support. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of community stating, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” To deepen your connection to fellow Christian business leaders, join Convene! Thriving in times of change as a Christian entrepreneur involves more than just adapting business strategies; it requires aligning those strategies with God’s plan. Mentors and peer groups at Convene can provide you with the support, counsel, wisdom, and experience to set you up for success as you take on the inevitable challenges business brings.
In business, our success is often measured by profit margins or growth metrics, but many leaders find themselves searching for purpose that is deeper than financial prosperity. This deeper purpose can be found by integrating your professional success with your faith. Convene’s members are proof that integrating your faith with your business practices can lead to better results both in business and life. Do your employees and customers know God’s hand in your life? Can you deepen your impact in God’s Kingdom by bringing your Christian values to work?
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Leading with a sense of purpose that aligns with your Christian values and beliefs can offer newfound fulfillment you may be searching for in your work. Have you intentionally incorporated values like integrity, compassion and stewardship into your everyday business practices? Is your company culture tethered to your faith? By integrating your faith with your business practices, leaders can create a work environment that fosters trust, respect, and long-term success.
If you were looking at Sara’s exterior appearance and demeanor, you might assume she would not be open to a conversation about Jesus or faith. However, what was hidden beneath her mask was crying out for everything He offers.
She was craving hope and longing for peace. She wanted to know she was valuable and that life would get better - and that was the doorway that led to a meaningful conversation about Jesus.
Sara didn’t wake us asking spiritual questions. She was in survival mode.
But, when someone connected with her pain and listened to her internal cry, she was willing to listen to her new friend share about the God in Heaven who loved her and had a plan for her life.
In that moment the God conversation became relevant...it wasn’t theology, it was practical, relational, and the benefits of everything Jesus offered were very appealing.
Sara prayed to receive Christ and excitedly began her new journey with Him.
