Beyond the Blueprint: Building a Kingdom Business on Faith, Not Fear

The Unconventional Path to Entrepreneurship

In a world obsessed with blueprints and predictable paths, Sterling Archer, founder of Benchmark Creative, offers a refreshing perspective on building a business: one rooted in unwavering faith and daily dependence on God. His journey from full-time ministry to successful entrepreneurship is a testament to the transformative power of trusting God in the uncharted territories of business.

For years, Sterling poured his life into ministry, serving in various roles from worship leader to church planter. Yet, a serendipitous encounter with a ghostwriter on his church staff unveiled a hidden talent: the ability to "put words together" and adopt an author's voice. This unexpected discovery led him down a path he never anticipated, ghostwriting for clients and even contributing to a nationally published devotional.

"I had no business being in that world," Sterling admits, reflecting on his lack of a formal English degree. But God had a different plan. This side hustle, born out of a need to supplement a minister's income, slowly began to blossom into something more.

The Leap of Faith: Leaving the Familiar for the Unknown

Two years ago, Sterling and his wife, Stacy, faced a pivotal decision: remain in the perceived security of local church ministry or step into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. Despite an attractive offer in fundraising, a clear conviction emerged: "I think God wants me to pursue this writing work." This calling, though accompanied by God's promise of presence, was not without its anxieties.

"It was really cool and really scary," Sterling recounts. "Just because he calls you doesn't mean it's roses and sunshine. His promises are good, but they're costly." The early days of entrepreneurship were marked by the familiar questions of financial stability and security, a common struggle for those daring to build something new.

Yet, through it all, Sterling held onto a profound truth: "It's trusting daily that as we keep walking in faithfulness, steadfastness, and doing the next thing he puts in front of us, he will sustain the business and grow it in ways I couldn't do on my own."

Faith in Action: Daily Dependence and Discernment

For Sterling, living out his faith in daily leadership and operations is not about compartmentalizing his spiritual life from his business. Instead, it's about radical integration and daily dependence.

His work, which involves helping individuals articulate their unique stories and understand God's work in their lives, is inherently pastoral. "Getting to do that is very pastoral work," he explains. "Sitting with people, going through the intake process... faithfully entering into that person's story again and again."

This approach extends to every aspect of his business, from client selection to conflict resolution. "We have not pursued certain clients and we've pursued other clients," he states, highlighting the importance of discernment. "It's easy as a first or second-year entrepreneur to say, 'Whatever work is available, let's go get it.' That's not always the correct course to take."

Instead of relying solely on his own understanding, Sterling prioritizes abiding in Jesus, asking questions like, "How do you want me to approach this meeting? How do you want me to approach this client? What are the questions I need to ask and lean into?"

Reorienting Priorities: Time, Talent, and Resources for the Kingdom

Sterling's faith has profoundly shaped where he invests his time, talent, and resources. A significant decision was stepping away from the traditional ministry pipeline, which often places immense pressure on leaders to be "cultural standard bearers."

"We knew for me, and the way I'm wired, it would be very easy for me to step into that same mold and become the guy where people think, 'What is Jeremy thinking about this? That's how I need to think,'" he reflects. This realization led to a reorientation of priorities, focusing on being present with his family first and foremost.

This shift also involved a move from the evangelical world to an Anglican church, a change that fostered a less consumeristic and more liturgy-focused approach to faith. "It's been a very different season of reorienting to ask the question, 'Jesus, how do you in all these different areas... '"

Advice for Christian Business Leaders: Obedience in the Details

Sterling's advice to other Christian business leaders is both profound and practical: "Where does calling intersect with your business? How can you be obedient to Jesus with the very specific details of your business, knowing that he's in the details of our lives? There is not a place where he is not."

He challenges leaders to move beyond the secular-sacred divide, applying biblical principles to every aspect of their operations, from employee treatment to contractor relationships. "Asking, 'Are we living out the Beatitudes in our business right now?' Start with those, and then go on to the other things."

Sterling Archer's journey is a powerful reminder that building a Kingdom business is not about following a rigid formula, but about daily surrender, courageous faith, and a deep commitment to integrating one's walk with Jesus into every facet of entrepreneurial life. It's a call to trust God in the details, knowing that His presence and provision are more than enough to sustain and grow a business beyond what we could ever achieve on our own.