From Atheist to Pastor: Building Businesses That Fund Mission and Raising Kids Who Think Like Entrepreneurs. Justin Mattera. Episode 21.

My new book, The Incongruent Professional, is available on Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback, and Kindle.

Episode Takeaways:

From Atheist to Pastor – Justin shares how he became an atheist at 15, moved to Ohio to explore the question of God’s existence, and experienced a transformative spiritual encounter that led him to return to New York to do ministry.

Entrepreneurship as Calling, Not Just Career - Justin launched Matera Management (a marketing firm) shortly after college and later co-founded City League Coffee. His ventures weren't just for profit; they were purpose-driven, providing funds for his church plant and serving as community hubs.

Ministry and Business Are Not Opposed - Justin critiques the false divide between ministry and entrepreneurship, especially in church culture. Drawing on his experience, he argues that pastors need to understand finances, profit and loss statements (P&Ls), and strategy, not only for stewardship but also to prevent organizational dysfunction.

Coffee Shop Ministry - The coffee shop he “accidentally” started began as a workaround to rent space (landlords wouldn’t lease to a church). It became a missional outpost: their first barista, who had joined as an atheist, later came to faith, was baptized, and started his own business.

Justin is the Founder of Zion NYC, Mattera Management and Co-Owner of City League Coffee.

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