Beyond Tithing: The Entrepreneur's Call to Radical Stewardship

In the bustling world of Christian entrepreneurship, where ambition often intertwines with faith, the concept of stewardship frequently arises. But what if our understanding of stewardship, particularly concerning wealth, needs a radical re-evaluation? Joan Rhoade, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Personnel Partners, offers a compelling perspective that challenges traditional notions and invites a deeper, more transformative approach.

Rhoade, whose journey began with a childhood steeped in church attendance that later evolved into a profound personal faith, shares a pivotal moment from her early business days. She dedicated her nascent business to God, secretly hoping for exponential growth. What she received instead was a profound lesson in divine purpose: her business became a sanctuary for those who needed care and employment. "It wasn't about what was going to happen overall with Personnel Partners," she reflects, "but about taking care of certain people who needed to have a job working for me."

This experience laid the groundwork for Rhoade's unique understanding of stewardship. She acknowledges the inherent challenge of success, particularly the temptation of pride. "Pride is a real challenge to faith and success is a real challenge to faith," she admits, highlighting the constant need to remember the true source of all blessings. For Rhoade, true stewardship goes beyond mere financial contributions; it's about discerning and meeting needs as they arise.

Flipping the Script on Tithing: A New Perspective on Wealth

A recent insight from Jordan Raynor, author of 'Five Mere Christians,' profoundly resonated with Joan. Raynor suggests that tithing, while an Old Testament rule, shouldn't be the sole guideline for Christians. Instead, he proposes a revolutionary question: "How much do I need to live on, and should I even keep the rest?" This perspective shifts the focus from how much to give to how much to keep, prompting a deeper reflection on our role as creators and distributors of wealth.

Rhoade embraces this idea, stating, "Maybe that's what stewardship means." It's not about adhering to a rigid formula, but about a spirit-led responsiveness to need. "When a need is presented and, you know, you can meet it, then you should meet it," she asserts, emphasizing the dynamic and personal nature of true stewardship. This approach moves beyond the legalistic confines of a percentage and into the expansive realm of radical generosity, where every resource is viewed as an opportunity for impact.

Advice for the Young Christian Entrepreneur: Fail Fast and Never Stop

For young Christian entrepreneurs, Rhoade offers invaluable wisdom rooted in her 32 years of navigating the business world. Her primary advice is to connect with other Christian entrepreneurs who are a little further down the road. This mentorship provides not only practical guidance but also a shared understanding of the unique challenges and triumphs of integrating faith and business.

Perhaps her most liberating piece of advice is to "fail fast and try again." Entrepreneurship is inherently risky, and mistakes are inevitable. Joan encourages embracing this reality, recognizing that every misstep is a learning opportunity. "You're going to make mistakes and you're going to probably survive them," she reassures, adding, "and come out better."

She vividly recalls teaching high schoolers in a Young Entrepreneur Academy, where the daunting realization often dawns on them: "Someone has to come up with an answer and you'll be looking around... you realize it's me." Her counsel is simple yet profound: "Pick an answer and you run with it." This speaks to the necessity of decisive action, even in uncertainty, and the resilience required to keep moving forward.

Finally, when asked about the secret to her 32 years of success, Rhoade's answer is disarmingly simple: "I just didn't stop." This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of entrepreneurial grit and unwavering faith. It's a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, a reminder that the journey of building a business and living out one's faith is often less about grand gestures and more about consistent, determined steps forward.

The Call to Action

Are you ready to re-examine your approach to wealth and stewardship? Consider these questions:

1. How much do you truly need to live on, and what could you do with the rest?
2. Where are the needs around you that you are uniquely positioned to meet?
3. What is one area in your business or personal life where you can "fail fast and try again" this week?
4. Who is one Christian entrepreneur you can connect with for mentorship or mutual encouragement?

Joan Rhoade's journey reminds us that Christian entrepreneurship is not merely about building successful businesses, but about stewarding resources, nurturing people, and never ceasing to pursue God's unique plan for our lives.