The Biblical Entrepreneur's Experience

By S. Leigh Davis

Are you a BEE or a FLEA?

What is a Biblical Entrepreneur's Experience (BEE)? It is a business model addressing entrepreneurial challenges through the personal application of biblical principles. In short, the Bible can, and should, be our foundational guide when building a business. The goal of the BEE model is to challenge mod

• Language: English
• Publisher: River Birch Press
• Release date: Dec 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781951561819

S. Leigh Davis

S. Leigh Davis grew up in a family of American entrepreneurs and philanthropists. He developed his own entrepreneurial ventures including distribution, executive management, international business expansion, and consulting. Davis served as professor and entrepreneurial lead in the MBA program at Cairn University, where students are asked to "walk a different path." Through direct and distance learning, students are challenged to develop and launch Biblical businesses into the real world. He also leads the prayer ministry a local biblical church.

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By virtue of the definition of BEE as presented by Davis, it is not only worth the effort, it is our obligation. Also, experiential teaching through teaching moments is often more effective than the more traditional classroom/academic teaching, especially when it comes to practical, real-world non-academic learning. I believe the litmus test of whether our project is a BEE or a FLEA lies in HOW our group goes about carrying out our project, more so than the product itself. —Senny L., Korea

The BEE method provides a structure and framework by which you can measure your decision. —Melissa B., Michigan

The best witness for Christ is allowing our craftsmanship, service, and generosity persist in such contrast to FLEA-managed products that the world is forced to ask what makes us different.

—Michael S., Pennsylvania

There are always temptations lurking to stand with the world and not on the Word. —Isabell C., Pennsylvania

"In China, most of the people are the first-generation Christians like me. Our education system is based on antitheism (no God, no judgment, no soul, no eternity; just the country and the people, just worldly gains and life). We are very thankful that God opens our eyes and ears so we can see and hear Him. We pray that in China, in His timing, this BEE business revival happens.

Having a solid belief structure and turning to the Bible for guidance is critical. No different from other aspects of our lives, blurry vision in business also can be made clear by relying on the Word from the ultimate BEE Entrepreneur. Rejection of the BEE model also indicates danger in our relationship with God. It indicates that we no longer put the Lord at the first place in our life and heart. Instead, something else becomes our dominant satisfaction or fear. Our business won’t last forever, but a serving and Godfearing heart does. —Janice L., China

After reading the first chapter of the BEE, I began to realize that it can be easy for us to separate God from business and compartmentalize our spiritual life from our work life.

—Jenna C., Pennsylvania

A prejudice is that a BEE project won’t and should not make profits, because it’s out of kindness so customers should not be charged. But this is so wrong. —Lizzy W., China

You will experience different issues and challenges in building a BEE project. I am trying to think of companies that have a biblical core but are not as strongly emphasized externally. The fact that I can’t think of any companies may highlight prejudices people may have to a biblical company. Ultimately, we will personally decide to follow a BEE format. —Jeffery S., Pennsylvania

I believe BEE exists because we fail to properly understand the dynamic of our relationship to God. —Marc D., New Jersey

The Biblical Entrepreneur’s Experience

by S. Leigh Davis

Copyright ©2022 S. Leigh Davis

All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit.

Unless otherwise identified, Scripture is taken from THE HOLY BIBLE: New International Version ©1978 by the New York International Bible Society, used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (GW) are taken from God’s WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of God's Word Mission Society. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible in public domain.

ISBN 978-1-951561-80-2 Print

ISBN 978-1-951561-81-9 Ebook

For Worldwide Distribution

Printed in the U.S.A.

River Birch Press

P.O. Box 868, Daphne, AL 36526

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Daily Prayer for BEE Projects

Section One: The BEE

Chapter 1: Foundations

Chapter 2: Biblical Versus Spiritual

Chapter 3: Coaching in the Real Game

Interlude

Section Two: The BEE Versus The FLEA

Chapter 4: Contrast through Revival

Chapter 5: Contrast through Action

Chapter 6: Contrast through Dependence

Interlude

Section Three: The Queen and the Swarm

Chapter 7: Home Base

Chapter 8: Help from Others

Chapter 9: Achieving Clarity

Interlude

Section Four: The City of BEEs

Chapter 10: The Pure Hexagon

Chapter 11: Calculated Risk through Grace

Chapter 12: Get in the Game

Interlude

Section Five: Royal Jelly

Chapter 13: Metamorphosis

Chapter 14: Strive

Chapter 15: The Recipe

Interlude

Section Six: Pollination and Honey

Chapter 16: Pollination

Chapter 17: Honey

Chapter 18: Servant Leadership

Interlude

Section Seven: FLEA to BEE

Chapter 19: Lack of Purpose

Chapter 20: Purposeful Behavior

Chapter 21: The Seven Process Steps

Summary and Conclusions

Epilogue: Another View

BEE Verse Diagram: The Hive

BEE Bible Quotations

Group 1: Who is Really in Charge?

Group 2: Testing and Retesting

Group 3: Salvation Drives Works

Group 4: The Enemy Will Attack

Group 5: Truth, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Satan

Group 6: What We Can Do

Group 7: The Christ Model

Group 8: Do This – for Him

Bible Verses

Bibliography

Preface

As we embark on this journey, some questions are quite natural. Why has the BEE concept been developed? Was there a leading that resulted in its genesis? Good questions. So, let’s discuss them in a synoptic way.

In October 2018, Dean Evan Curry scheduled a one-on-one lunch meeting with me at Cairn University. As was typical, I arrived early and (fairly) well-prepared for the meeting. That day was no different. The difference was the items discussed, ultimately extending beyond the typical MBA program’s teaching needs.

We sat in the corner booth of the university’s cafeteria, prayed, and then ate. The early conversation revolved around the teaching needs in the MBA program, opportunities for those students and for the university, and how to make a real impact for future student entrepreneurs.

I then pitched the idea of developing an on-campus, Christfocused, incubator program. He really liked the idea. (This idea was developed and became one of the first national, completely online programs for graduate student credit toward an MBA. I will add that the class has been successful, with students pitching projects to Manhattan, Silicon Valley, European- and Chinese-based venture capital, and high-level professionals. The program became known as the BEE-hive.)

Toward the end of the conversation, Dean Curry made a simple statement and asked a pointed question: My [adult] son has been searching for a biblically based entrepreneurial book with no luck. Do you have any suggestions?

After a pause, I responded, That is a great question. I have been searching for one myself and haven’t found anything I can recommend.

I went into a more detailed description of the literature that I had found and read. While some were solid for one particular area, none seemed to fit the dean’s needs. We agreed that there was nothing available that addressed historical, time-tested entrepreneurs who implemented their biblical belief structures into projects, ultimately turning into successful businesses and, through grace, achieving success.

We then discussed what some of the qualities this type of book would encompass. Given the data presented, I then went to work researching if/who/why/where these entrepreneurs existed. Through significant Bible study, meditation on the Word, prayer, and fasting, the BEE books have emerged.

Additionally, during the writing process, I sought professionals to read and to comment on a chapter-by-chapter basis. These professionals included multiple pastors, very high-level businesspersons, and laypeople who had a limited knowledge of the subject. With each chapter, some items needed clarification, and surprisingly, there were limited changes.

At this point, I sought out a solid grammar specialist to edit the manuscript. Barbara Anne Wieboldt served this role quite well. She had a solid track record of editing multiple books, articles, and even a pilot script for a future television program. Also, I trusted her—she is my mother! My Christian literary agent, Keith Carroll, even asked who my editor was, commenting that she had done an excellent job. The bonus was that the price was right!

The BEE book is a single entity with three individual parts, or roles.

We begin with a global perspective of the concepts to be presented and a look at contrasting ideas. Additionally, visualization is created through comparison. Think of the first section as a broad Father representation.

The middle portion of the book is a study, in general terms, of a servant-leader representation. This includes the ideas of getting in the game, gaining clarity, the pure hexagon, and striving for perfection. You may be able to consider this part to be a broad representation of the Son section.

The final portion helps readers to understand how to pollinate others, understanding the core difference between a FLEA and a BEE, while discussing process steps to move from FLEA to BEE behavior. This would be considered broadly as the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, which creates positive actions. Consequences of behavior in the entrepreneurial venture are also addressed.

At the end of the book, there is a pulling together of all the concepts presented into a single, understandable, biblical verse diagram, creating a cogent synopsis of all three books in one unit. All the pure, hexagonal pieces form the entire BEE-hive of activity, and honey is thus created.

In the first section, we move purposefully from broad, what some consider to be less Christian people and their experiences, to the middle section of the book, which provides a more complete picture of a BEE and moves teams to where great things can be accomplished and developed. In the final sections, we develop an individual perspective on entrepreneurship driven by the gnawing of the Holy Spirit in one’s mind—and how entrepreneurs have listened to and acted upon that directional message.

Thank you for reading, thinking, and developing your own conclusions on how your project will benefit by integrating the Bible and BEE principles. Through constructive feedback, I look forward to also learning from you.

If you carry compelling, solid reasoning for not following the Bible and the BEE method, I applaud your openness to at least consider the BEE concepts presented in this book.

One thing is certain—the Lord has been glorified through the Biblical Entrepreneurial Experience with real examples, real people, and their real entrepreneurial projects turning into real, lasting businesses.

To Monica:

For her endless support and

grace through our life

Acknowledgments

This book could not have been written without the significant contributions of a few steadfast people! Over time, they have provided influence and the needed drive to continue the journey.

First, thanks must go to the Triune God. The Father has provided the message: try to be as holy as possible; while Christ has provided the divine and human image of that holiness, showing how to do better; and the Holy Spirit has provided the inspiration and guidance of how to act better.

My wife, Monica, was also a driving force, as she kept pushing me to keep working to the best of my ability. Trusting in the process, she allowed time, without pressure, for my mind to expand. And she provided love, allowing me to feel as comfortable as possible to trust His guidance. Her mental and spiritual strength is astounding.

I cannot thank enough my initial editor (and mother), Barbara Anne Wieboldt. Through grace, she was able to take time and provide patience; she has been steadfast and kind in the process. While helping me to think through topics, some of which she questioned, she was able to set aside old baggage and plow through the work like the trouper she is.

My pastor and friend, Charles Wilson, has given significant and unending support for this project, while providing a current model of the biblical life. While he checked the accuracy of the biblical concepts presented, he also provided the inspiration for the line-by-line interpretations of key concepts. He is the kind of pastor who would spend six and a half years reviewing and preaching weekly on the books of Daniel and Revelation as the congregation went through this process, line by line, with Chuck for God’s glorification.

I must also thank my prayer team for their constant uplifting and supportive prayers. They provided a hedge of protection around both me and the process.

Also, I must thank Evan Curry, former dean of the School of Business at Cairn University, who fully supported the effort and encouraged the process while staying in the background. He is an excellent dean and friend.

Thanks to my students, who provided fantastic feedback, driving me to go deeper in understanding the impact future entrepreneurs will make for the world and for His glorification.

My friend Jan Haas provided the initial push and positive feedback while he helps to guide the financial operations for dozens of Christian universities around the country.

I could not have written this book without the testimonies of all the BEEs who were modeled in the book and those who wrote on their behalf. These Queen BEEs have been open about their faith, salvation, and journey. Without this openness, I would have never looked to the Bible to find the reasons for their excellent behavior.

Finally, a thank-you must go to all my friends and family who have supported me through the years, who stood by me through my own testimony, driving me to find Him and become a more biblical person.

I am thoroughly astounded at the grace and patience all have allowed for this FLEA to become a BEE.

Kindly and in Him,

S. Leigh

Introduction

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).

What is a Biblical Experiential Entrepreneur? The answer is quite simple: A Biblical Experiential Entrepreneur (BEE) is one who follows a business model addressing entrepreneurial challenges through the personal application of biblical principles. In short, the Bible can, and should, be our foundational guide when building a business. The goal of the BEE model is to challenge modern, worldly entrepreneurial concepts and practices by providing a framework for personal success in the human experience.

What is an entrepreneur? One simple way to define entrepreneurship is an individual’s ability to see situational possibilities and solutions where most others only perceive annoyances and problems. Another key difference is that an entrepreneur studies, tests, and finds the best solution, then acts.

Entrepreneurship is the execution of new and innovative solutions.

In the BEE model, there is a responsibility to respectfully challenge worldly behavior. As BEEs, we try to pollinate, and thus create new life, wherever possible. However, due to a biblical belief structure, we must prepare ourselves for harsh consequences, as some worldly people may go to extreme measures in their personal interest of keeping a job, getting a promotion, making money, or simply to feel better about themselves.

Our challenge, then, becomes biblical application. With all the worldly pressures an entrepreneur faces, is it possible to create a perfect biblically based business? Yes—and no. Yes: As we will explore, this is His expectation. No: We are not a god, nor are we God, and we will make mistakes. This BEE process can help avoid some basic business and biblical errors. Additionally, we will explore the impact of the process of biblical entrepreneurship on real issues, such as quality of life and profitability.

Through this journey, there is a broad comparison of a bee (the insect) to a BEE (a Biblical Experiential Entrepreneur), and a flea (the insect) to a FLEA (inFlexible Learnt Entrepreneurial Antagonist). These comparisons are used for visualization and the understanding of the presented concepts.

Please note: As you embark on this journey, there are nontraditional extended quotations. This is deliberate. This is done so the reader can understand the context of the quote and not take a quotation out of context by manipulating a verse or story to advance a personal agenda. The BEE agenda is quite simple: Understand that the Bible can be used to identify, support, or challenge principles and behavior, thereby creating a more successful entrepreneurial life experience. This is not an exercise in our interpreting the Bible, but rather in the Bible interpreting us. Scary, right? It seems that it should be, if we are honest with ourselves by owning our behavior. This challenge allows for growth and prosperity while encouraging process-driven results.

Several significant actions for success include reading about, meditating on, and praying for biblically driven guidance while placing a given verse in the context for one’s future business life. Some simple questions that may be asked during meditation include:

• Does this biblical principle apply to our project?

• How can we implement the idea?

• How can we improve upon and integrate the example in our business?

Please take note: Although you are an individual reader and may be the leader of the team, impressive small groups create the best investment opportunities. In other words, people who invest in early-stage companies do not invest in individuals—they invest in teams. One key to success is to be surrounded by people who share thinking and behaviors, while challenging each other to do better. Such actions create winners.

We are all growing, and we all make mistakes. As is often pointed out: It is not the act, but it is how you respond that matters. For example, we understand biblically that anger is not a sin; however, we are not to sin in anger.

Throughout this book, specific historic and current personalities, and their teams, are used as BEE examples. These examples are broad-ranging and have succeeded (from their own testimonies) because of, and through, His grace. Through published works and interviews, these leaders are incredibly open about their life histories and what led them to achieve success.

We will study BEEs from 2,500 years ago through today, including multiple current-day live examples. All have one common theme: the glorification of God for their success. Some have lost their way at times, but through grace, they have repented and regained their path.

At the end of the book, you will find a listing of all the biblical passages in the order in which they were used. This is provided as a direct answer to requests from readers and students to keep the work alive for reference after completion. This is a substantive compilation of Bible verses that may be committed to memory, helping the student during his or her prayer and meditation on the Word.

Additionally, a deep dive is taken to see the entire BEE project completely upside down, by taking all the Bible quotes in the book, in the order presented, to find another pattern. The result of this mini-project is compelling.

I hope you enjoy and grow from the examples of these BEEs. If you have not made the commitment yet to follow their example, I hope this work clarifies and enlightens your thinking as you change your behavior from FLEA-like, to BEE-like.

Through His grace, your business and your life will never be the same!

Daily Prayer for BEE Projects

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this life and this day.

Thank You that I can see, hear, speak, and move freely today.

I am blessed because You are a creative, forgiving, and understanding God.

I am thankful for what You have done for my family, for my church, and for me while bestowing Your