Part Two of an M3 Journey

Last week, we featured the first part of an interview with Tim1, who has years of experience in building businesses with a Kingdom focus. This week, we pick up where we left off, as Tim shares his advice for those just starting the journey of building a missional enterprise. The transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

M3 Weekly: What would you want people to be aware of if they are just beginning the missional enterprise journey?

Tim: I think the very first thing is that you need to find some way to have customers. If you don’t have customers, you have nothing. Spend time figuring out how you can offer something people are willing to pay for. You can have all the dreams in the world, but they’re just illusions if you don’t find a way to translate them into people actually paying you to do something.

The second thing I would point to is the importance of a team. Team. Team. Team.

Too many projects in business-as-mission have been done by lone entrepreneurs. In Isaiah 61:4, the word “they” is repeated three times: they, they, they. Don’t do this on your own. We serve the triune God. We are created in His image, for community. Do not do it on your own.

M3W: It’s been said that the only thing harder than building a team is not having one.

Tim: Exactly. It is just so much harder to be on your own. I’ve reached the point where I would tell anyone not even to start down that path unless you have a team. It doesn’t have to be a team in the sense that they’re in the same business as you, but they need to be in life with you. Not everyone in our business ecosystem is in the same line of work, but within the community, there’s an interconnectedness that amplifies everyone’s efforts.

You’ve got to have what I call SRT: Spiritual, Relational, Trust.

• Spiritual: If you’re not on the same page spiritually with key people, you risk being unequally yoked.
• Relational: Do you actually enjoy spending time together? Does your time together bring life to both sides? Sometimes you can be well-aligned spiritually but not have the relational chemistry needed.
• Trust: Do we trust each other? And if we fail or stumble, do we clear it up quickly?

M3W: What other advice do you have for people who are just beginning the journey of missional enterprise?

Tim: I’d say, take advantage of the resources that have already been developed by the Navigators and other organizations to help people. Get connected. Join a cohort. Participate in training opportunities. Expose your team to what’s out there.

Be like the verse in Proverbs that says, “Get wisdom.” (Proverbs 4:5-9) Spend what it costs to get it. If it costs you money, spend it. If it costs you time, invest it. If it means going to a conference, go. Go get wisdom!

Verse of the Week:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Let’s meditate on this familiar passage this week, and apply it to our lives, ministry, and work for God’s Kingdom.