“Shakers and Movers”: Faith Businesspreneurs

By Michael A. Stanley-Raynor

God created man in His image and ordained work as part of His original design for humanity. But for some, work is more of a curse than a blessing. Furthermore, God assigned work as a natural extension of His kingdom for us to be in a coworker relationship where God is sovereign.

“Shakers and Movers,” FaithBusinessPreneurs gives people the opportunity to take off the golden handcuffs that allows one to remain in a dead-end job because of the benefits or the comfort level it brings. Free yourself and embrace
other options or assignments that God has purposed for your life. In this interactive and transformational book, you will enhance your knowledge skills and abilities to:
Honor God in the workplace.
Develop a growth mindset that will allow you to walk into your calling.
Assess your readiness to enter faith-based entrepreneurship.
Explore and determine the right business for you.
Learn what faith has to do with work.
Utilize sound budgeting and financial practices based upon godly principles.
Integrate faith-based practices in your business.
Start and operate your faith-based business.
Much, much more!

This educational and inspiring book is a road map that will prepare and equip you to enter business entrepreneurship using faith as your anchor.

This book offers a spiritual perspective on not being dependent on a job but branching out to start your own business whether full-time or part-time. Also, this book stands on the foundation of the Word of God as the principal source to assist the budding FaithBusinessPreneur and to those who desire to honor God in the workplace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669841302

Michael A. Stanley-Raynor

N/A

Book preview

Copyright © 2022 by Michael A. Stanley-Raynor.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from the New King James Version 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission, scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations (NLT) are taken from the New Living Translations © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the Holy Bible Eastern Standard Version copyrighted 2001 by Crossway Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/03/2022

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Book Statement

Introduction

When Opportunity Knocks, Jesus Will Take Action, Will You?

Work: A Curse or a Gift from God?

Answering God’s Call in the Marketplace

FaithBusinessPreneur™ - Not Your Ordinary Businessperson

FaithBusinessPreneur (FBP) Pledge

Faith and Work: "What Does Faith Have to Do with It?

Honoring God in the Workplace

Self-Assessment - Do You Have Potential to Succeed in Business?

Determine the Right Business for You

Starting and Operating Your Faith-Based Business

Business Plan: God’s Plan Will Prevail, So Why Not Start There?

Business Budgeting and Financing in God’s Economy

Marketing Your Business: Integrating Faith-Based Practices in Your Business

Mindset of the FaithBusinessPreneur

Effectively Operating Your Faith-Based Business

Networking by Faith

Entrepreneurship Resources

About the Author

Bibliography

Dedication

This book is dedicated in memory of my family and friends: Mary Alice Stanley (my loving mother), such a beautiful soul.

Edward Pearsall (uncle) so kind, loving, and generous; William Thompson (grandfather), man of integrity and strength; Mollie Applewhite (mother-in-law), such a gentle spirit; Albert Applewhite (father-in-law) soft-spoken and kind; Clarence Long (friend and spiritual leader); Norman L. Crews (friend and laughing buddy); Al Smith (kind and caring); Baxter Harrington (friend for life; big fun, big fun); John Earl Raynor (uncle, faithful friend, spirit of giving); Lemuel Gordon Raynor (fun-loving uncle); Ozzie Murphy (cousin), brave in heart, fun-loving with a big smile; Ozzie Monzino Murphy Sr. (strong and determined); Jewel Raynor (aunt), beautiful spirit; Leslie Raynor (uncle), you found your way home, and always sharp and clean as a board of health; Levie M. Darby, Msqt. (brother-in-law) a strong, kind family man; Robert Raynor (uncle), kind and always greeted you with a friendly smile; Annie Doris Smith (friend, mother figure), your influence in my life is immeasurable; Mary Jane Sherard—Wow! What a powerful mother figure. I carry many life lessons that you gave me and countless others.

Ambassador Frederick F. Hicks (role model), the impact you had on this nation is immeasurable. I am so proud to mention your name and accomplishments.

Pamela Musgrave (cousin), kind spirit.

Robert O. Hawkins (coach and mentor)—Wow! What a mighty man. Your support meant so much to me. Thanks for instilling the value of hard work in me. You saved a lot of us.

Norvelle Lee (coach and mentor), many motivating catchphrases still ring in my ears. You made us laugh so hard but also work so hard. Thanks.

Anthony Gilchrist (friend for life), man with many words; Yvonne Toomer-Bryson (friend for life), fun-loving; Claudia J. Phillips Johnson (beautiful spirit), mother of my daughter; Robert (Pig) Raynor, meek and long-suffering.

Bishop J. L. Melvin, thanks for creating an atmosphere for learning the Word of God. Your powerful and dynamic teaching and preaching style inspired me to seek all that God purposed in my life.

Also, this book is dedicated to all the FaithBusinessPreneurs and people of faith, who the Holy Spirit leads to organize, operate, and assume the risk for a business venture, and to those who boldly honor God in the workplace.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I give all the honor and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Even as a youngster, God has been paramount in my life. I often would say to my friends, There has to be a God. There has to be someone greater than man responsible for all the wondrous things in the world, from the ability to make flying machines, cars that transport, going to the moon, to major advancements in modern science and medicine. I also believe that God made you and me for His purpose and to do marvelous works.

I submit this book for the watchful eye and the listening ear, to be used as a tool to do marvelous works in His name, to move beyond the confines of working for someone else, and to take the plunge into business ownership. To those Christian workers who desire to make evangelism as evident in the workplace as it is in the places of worship.

I celebrate the life of my mother, Mary Alice Stanley, who raised and nurtured me in the admonition of the Lord. Thanks for believing in me when no one else did. You are still my greatest cheerleader.

I give much credit to others who have had a tremendous impact on my life.

Vanessa, I thank you for the support you have given me. Thanks for the numerous nights that you stayed up laboring on the many projects that God gave us. You are truly an inspiration to me, and to those who truly know you.

Jordan, my son, you are the inspiration that motivates me. I am ever so proud of the God-fearing man you are becoming. Your endurance to improve yourself is what we all should aspire to do.

Kristen, my daughter, I am truly the proud father. The unconditional love you give is a gift from God. You have accomplished so much as a young lady. Through the ebb and flow of life, God remains the solid foundation in your life.

Tre, my stepson, God will preserve and keep you in His care. Always turn to Him. You are always in my thoughts. So proud of the man you have matured into.

To my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, thanks for being instrumental in my life. Your strength, passion, and coaching have been an inspiration that allowed me to flow in my valley moments. God truly gives us what we need and when we need it. Thanks for coming along when you did. Your inspiration and passion are just what I needed.

Marilyn, thanks for all that you do. You have a good heart, and others will appreciate that tough love that you give. Continue to seek His will, and true peace will follow. So often misunderstood, but continue to press forward in the name of Jesus.

Aunt Shirley, your smile is always a joy to see. That is truly a smile from God spreading joy, joy, joy. The love that you give is so contagious.

Aunt Juanita, thanks for all that you did and continue to do. Your life inspired me to do more. Thanks for being there in time of need. Your strength continues to inspire many.

Cousin Jack, you always know what to say and when to say it. God has His loving arms all around you. Jack, thanks for being an example of family and utilizing all the talents that God gave you.

Cousin Nicole is strong; always abounding in love. You made us proud.

Cousin Sonja is always there in time of need. Thanks for being there for me. The trials of life were no obstacle for you to overcome.

Cousin Ricco, from boy to man. Hold onto God’s unchanging hand. I am so proud of you. The devil is a liar. You are destined to do great things in the name of Jesus.

Margaret, my friend and spiritual advisor. What a mighty woman of God. You not only talk the talk, but you walk the walk of faith.

Keisha, goddaughter, you have so much potential in the Lord. Listen to God’s calling and purpose in your life.

Cousin Latrice is such a kind spirit and God chaser. Continue to share that beautiful smile.

Brandon, my grandson. A spitting image of your mother. God has mighty things in store for you.

Monique, the spitting image of your father; you possess that same drive and determination.

Cousin Monte, I sense God leading you to do great things in His name. Your quiet, gentle nature is a sign of strength in Jesus’s name.

Angela Starrie, strong-willed and determined woman of God.

Jocelyn, such a beautiful and kind young lady. Excellence runs in your blood that is demonstrated in your achievements. Continue to use your talents for the glory of God.

John F. Jr., thanks for your pleasant disposition and always greeting with a smile. Your strength and thirst for excellence run deep in your spirit. Continue in excellence.

Bishop Alton Smith, thanks for all you do, but most of all, the strong and powerful preaching and teaching of the Word of God.

To the rest of my family, friends, and coworkers who are too numerous to name, thank you and I love you.

Book Statement

Basically, we are programmed to think Once I complete my educational goals, receive my degree, I’m going to work for a big company. However, it is important that we have some other options, as we are not all purposed to follow the same path. Although educational institutions are doing a better job now, we were not always taught to plan for going into our own business that God purposed for your life—the business that is part of His purpose for you to bring Him glory. Ask yourself, what new adventure does God want me to start for His purpose? Our responsibility is to take God wherever we go and to glorify Him through our works, whether in your own business or working for someone else.

It was reported in a gallop survey that over 90 percent of today’s youth have an entrepreneurial mindset. Also 77 percent of both middle and high school students desire to work for themselves. Each of us have a unique calling to count for good, to draw from resources at our command, and to contribute something of value. Those who respond and who take it on as a venue of faith, embracing the risk for the sake of good, are the faith workers and FaithBusinessPreneurs of the future.

Initially, our educational system’s primary focus was to teach and give you the knowledge and skills to either work for someone else or to further your education. However, educational institutions now offer entrepreneurial classes; that was not always the case. It is important to get a quality education that includes an introduction to entrepreneurship. One of the ways this is evident is the opening of the center of developing entrepreneurs in Charlottesville, Virginia. I simply view education as perquisite to starting a business venture. In the same fashion, a quality faith-based entrepreneurial education is paramount to starting a faith-based, owned, and operated business.

This book offers a spiritual perspective on not being dependent on a job but branching out to start your own business, whether full-time or part-time. Also, this book stands on the foundation on the Word of God as the principal source to assist the budding FaithBusinessPreneur and to those who desire to honor God in the workplace.

Legendary basketball coach of the UCLA Bruins, John Wooden, once said, Things work out best for those who make the best of how things turn out.

I encourage you to develop the growth mindset rather than the fixed mindset that paralyzes your ability to grow. If you feel the business ownership tug or desire to honor God in the workplace, this book is for you. It is not a book to be read and placed on the shelf; it’s a resource, reference, advertisement, and historical document for spiritual and educational purposes. This book is complete with interactive exercises that build upon your entrepreneurial spirit for generations to come.

So if you’re interested, let’s get started on this journey together to honor God in the workplace and beyond, and embark upon business ownership.

God-Ordained Work—

It is mentioned

more than 800 times

in Bible Scriptures.

Introduction

As a young Christian boy growing up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, I always had a desire to earn my own money.

I did not know it then, but I had a deep desire to control my financial destiny; to use my knowledge, skills, and abilities that God gave me. Genesis 1:37 tells us that God created man in His own image and likeness. We were placed here on earth as God’s coworkers, so to speak. Additionally, we were created for God’s glory (Isa. 43:7). No matter what vocation we find ourselves in, we can glorify God. For me, it is not a matter of what we do, rather what God does in and through us. Yes, I