Episode 342 - From Isolation to Impact: Connecting Entrepreneurs in Church | Carey Nieuwhof

Breaking the Silence: Why Pastors and Entrepreneurs Need Each Other

Join host Justin Forman for an enlightening conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, leadership expert and former lead pastor, as they tackle one of the most important conversations in the modern church: bridging the gap between pastors and entrepreneurs. From his unique perspective of having served in both pastoral ministry and entrepreneurial ventures, Carey reveals why there's mutual intimidation between these two groups and how churches can unleash the untapped potential of their entrepreneurial members.

This episode explores the crisis of community in entrepreneurship, why 50% of retired CEOs die within two years, and how churches possess the "convening power" to create lasting connections. Carey shares practical insights from leading churches that are successfully engaging their business leaders beyond "handing out programs and parking cars."

Key Topics:

• The entrepreneurial isolation crisis: Why there's "no default community" for business leaders
• Mutual intimidation: Why pastors feel inadequate around entrepreneurs and vice versa
• The spiritual gift of entrepreneurship: Learning from the Apostle Paul's business model
• Moving beyond volunteer tasks to meaningful engagement for high-capacity leaders
• How churches can serve as "incubators" for Kingdom-minded business ventures
• The difference between "real friends" and "deal friends" in entrepreneurial communities
• Practical steps for pastors to start entrepreneur-focused ministries

Notable Quotes:

"I think for entrepreneurs, there's no default community. You're on your own. It's sort of the hero's journey. You start by yourself, that pioneer spirit. Within two years of retiring as a CEO, 50% of CEOs are dead." - Carey Nieuwhof

"Pastors are thinking, I don't make a million dollars a year like I haven't got staff and employees like you do. I don't feel like I measure up, and I don't know, I've talked to so many pastors who are like, I know this guy or woman could give $3 million I'm terrified of making the ask." - Carey Nieuwhof

"You've got some in your church, and they don't know how to contribute, and they're feeling alone and they're feeling isolated." - Carey Nieuwhof