Originally published in Thrive!News
Blending faith, obedience, risk, and global impact
When it comes to inspiring thousands of entrepreneurs to stay the course and obey the call of God, there’s no better way to do it than to share stories of those who have gone before them and accomplished the unthinkable and done the unimaginable. That’s what thousands of entrepreneurs experienced at last Friday’s Faith-Driven Entrepreneur (FDE) Annual Conference.
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The conference united over 7 000 participants from around the world in a virtual and in-person watch parties across 640 locations. Co-founded by Henry Kaestner (Bandwidth.com & Sovereign’s Capital) and Justin Forman (formerly of RightNow Media) — the event explored the fusion of faith, business, and impact under the theme “Righteous Risk.” A blend of storytelling, interviews, and case studies, the event brings together business leaders working to solve some of the world’s biggest problems.
Here are 10 key takeaways from the event that’s sparking a movement of faith and business.
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1. Entrepreneurship is rooted in biblical faith and worship
The conference opened with an invitation for business people to embrace the call to risk, obey, and create. Kaestner shared his journey as a Christian and business person and the tension in the workplace to hide your faith and the pressure at church to apologise for his ambition. “Have you ever felt like that? Like you had to choose between being faithful or being entrepreneurial. What I’ve come to learn, and what you’re going to see all throughout today, is that tension isn’t something to escape. That tension is actually something to embrace. You were made to build. You were called to create, to solve problems, to take risks, not in spite of your faith, but because of it. God wired you this way on purpose. That’s what this movement is about.”
2. Righteous risk means trusting the caller more than the cost
The theme “Righteous Risk” dominated discussions, defined as stepping into the unknown not for personal gain, but for faithful impact. Justin Forman explained it as “the risk you take not just to grow fast, but grow faithfully.” Biblical examples like Abraham’s journey and David’s stand against Goliath illustrated this, echoed in real stories of entrepreneurs risking careers, finances, and reputations. The movement encourages viewing risk and obedience as worship, trusting God’s leading over worldly security.
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3. Generosity unlocks true freedom and eternal impact
Francis Chan’s interview emphasised surrender over striving. He shared how proceeds from his bestseller Crazy Love went entirely to a donor-advised fund: “I told God, if you ever gave me money, I’m giving it all away because I’ve got to show people this whole love of money — there’s something so much better.” Chan challenged attendees to avoid coveting and instead invest in eternal rewards, promising “100-fold” returns.
4. Radical surrender often involves re-risking and re-grounding
Another story of ‘Righteous Risk’ highlighted how the Ayalas’ shift to solar energy in the Philippines showed repeated obedience. A former McKinsey & Co consultant, Jim Ayala shared how God called him to make an eternal impact for the Gospel. “Sell everything that you have and follow me,” Jim Ayala reflected on the rich young ruler, leading them to sell their home for Kingdom impact.
5. Business can be a powerful tool for redemption and human flourishing
Dan Reed of True Homes demonstrated how companies can address societal crises, like America’s housing shortage. True Homes builds 2 400 homes annually while providing affordable options and job training through Builders Bridge, targeting those with barriers like criminal records. Reed shared: “The greatest contribution we can make is not our money, it is our capacity and competency.” Solving problems like poverty and creating jobs reflects the purpose of God.
6. Community combats loneliness and fuels righteous risk
Networks combat isolation, with FDE groups in local churches. “This can’t be a movement of a few… We need you to carry the torch into your community,” Kaestner urged, emphasising spaces for prayer, strategy, and vulnerability. Stories from Lagos to London showed how these connections provide practical and spiritual support, turning lonely journeys into shared adventures.
7. Sustainable models scale faith-based impact in culture
The Wonder Project showcased innovative funding for faith-friendly media, raising over $75 million (R1.3-billion) to produce films and series like House of David on Amazon. Similarly, Sovereign’s Capital supports ventures like Bear Grylls’ Everest Fund for positive adventure content reaching over two billion people with positive content with an underlying God and creation message.
8. Overcome “holy handicaps” through dependence on God
Pastor Crawford Loritts addressed perceived obstacles, calling them “holy handicaps” like Paul’s thorn in the flesh. He advised, “Perfection is not your dream… but dependence is.” Weaknesses, when surrendered, invite God’s strength.
9. Global challenges breed resilient, faith-fueled innovation
In Nigeria, Beacon Power Services boosts grid reliability. “We want to be a beacon that businesses can spread out of Africa,” founder Bim Shonibare explained, impacting millions through data solutions.
10. The movement calls for action: join, lead, and multiply
Finally, the event called for participants to extend impact through groups and churches. “You’re part of something global… that’s just getting started,” Kaestner said, inviting participation in a movement aiming for one million Christ-following entrepreneurs.
The Faith-Driven Entrepreneur movement is issuing a call to weave faith into every business decision, transforming local communities and global markets. The movement’s heart lies in its local gatherings — where entrepreneurs find strength, share burdens, and spark change. As Justin Foreman closed out the day with: “Because by now you know, being a faith-driven entrepreneur isn’t about playing it safe or coasting to the finish line. It’s not about building a comfortable life and casually worshiping one-and-a-half masters. It’s about living with an open willingness to listen. It’s not about saying yes to God just once, but again and again. It’s about aligning your work, your team, your resources, and your influence with something that will outlast you.”
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