From Dollars to Disciples: A Leader's Burning Bush Moment

Matthew Jennings, owner of Cherokee Valley Golf Club, once measured success by the dollar. Growing up in a blue-collar family, he believed financial prosperity was the key to a great marriage, supporting his children, and achieving all his desires. This mentality fueled his ambition, driving him to make something of himself.

His journey into hospitality and golf was a circuitous one. Initially pursuing architectural engineering, Matthew quickly realized his heart wasn't in a desk job. He felt called to serve people, entertain, and build relationships. A natural talent for golf led him to pursue a career as a golf professional, a decision that initially concerned his mother about its financial viability. Despite the initial doubts, Matthew thrived, owning and managing restaurants and golf facilities for years.

A Pivotal Acquisition

The acquisition of Cherokee Valley Golf Club marked a pivotal moment. After reviewing six potential properties, a series of unexpected events, including a rare South Carolina snowstorm that prevented him from visiting other sites, solidified his belief that God intended him to be at Cherokee Valley. Yet, even with this sense of divine direction, his core belief about success remained rooted in financial gain.

Then came his "burning bush" moment. During his first year at Cherokee Valley, Matthew interviewed a recent college graduate for a full-time position. Inquiring about her ideal "work-life balance," he expected to hear about salary or benefits. Instead, she articulated a profound principle: "God's first. My family is second. Church and community are third, and then you'll be in fourth. As long as I am allowed to keep those priorities in that order, I'll be the best employee you can have." This struck Matthew deeply. He realized his priorities were inverted. The simple yet powerful statement revealed that true leadership and success stemmed from aligning with God's principles first.

The Shift to Kingdom Leadership

This revelation transformed Matthew's approach to leadership. He embraced that concept along with being salt and light in his workplace, striving for consistent excellence with selfless intent. He believes that even if employees or customers don't acknowledge it, God is pleased. This philosophy guides his interactions with his diverse team of over 80 employees, from high school students to retirees.

The impact of this shift was powerfully illustrated in a recent encounter with a struggling team member. This individual, an "alpha male" who was a key leader, was experiencing departmental issues and a lack of respect from his peers. Matthew, drawing on his faith and courage, decided to address the root cause. During a year-end review, he boldly challenged the employee, not as an employer, but as a man who cared for him. "All your struggles, all your trials, all your pitfalls," Matthew said, "the only thing that needs to happen is for you to surrender your life to Christ." Matthew promised based on his own experience that committing his life to Jesus would bring more joy and success in all areas.

A Testimony of Transformation

To Matthew's profound joy, the next day, this team member gave his life to Christ, crying out to God at the altar with Matthew. This experience, which Matthew describes as his "big buck" – a trophy for the Kingdom of God – was an immeasurable gift. He recognized that this transformation was not something money could buy or a code could create, but a work of the Holy Spirit. Matthew's hope is that this one man's transformed life will multiply, impacting countless others for the Kingdom.

Matthew's counsel to other Christian business leaders is clear: "Be bold, be courageous, be like Joshua, and know that God's with you every step that you make." He emphasizes that it's okay not to be okay, that we are never alone, and that with faith and hope, God is always by our side, capable of moving mountains.