Faith-Fueled Finance: How One Leader Built a Business on Biblical Principles

In a world often driven by profit margins and ruthless competition, Corey Barbour, President of Barbour Companies, stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven entrepreneurship. His journey, rooted in biblical principles, offers a refreshing perspective on leadership, business, and financial stewardship.

Barbour Companies operates on a unique 'P3 method' – Prepare, Provide, and Partner. Corey explains, "Very often what we find is entrepreneurs, small businesses aren't prepared to be able to access capital." His company bridges this gap by preparing businesses for capital access, providing commercial loans from $100,000 to $15 million, and partnering with institutions to offer educational services. This holistic approach is a direct reflection of his faith.

The Breath of Life: Faith in Daily Operations

When asked how he integrates faith into his leadership, Corey's immediate response is profound: "I live out my faith slowly. As you saw, when that question was asked, the first thing I did was breathe. Very often it's the first thing that we forget to do. The breath of life." He strives to embody the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control, guiding his responses, decisions, and protecting his heart. This intentional approach allows him to discern situations and speak about his faith authentically.

A Business Born of Faith

Corey's business wasn't just influenced by his faith; it was birthed from it. As a 'preacher's kid' with over a decade of experience in banking, he was approached by a church needing to build a $2 million facility. They asked him to guide them through the process, offering to pay for his expertise. This pivotal moment, where his 'gift made room for him,' prompted him to launch Barbour Companies. He saw an opportunity to infuse his faith, utilize his banking knowledge, and make money to "further the kingdom."

"Who better than us to have money? Who better than us to have the wealth of the wicked?" Corey challenges, expressing his belief that he's called to solve problems, often by providing financial solutions. His ultimate vision is to reach a point where he can simply write a check to meet needs, embodying the generosity he believes God calls us to.

Investing Time, Talent, and Treasure with Discernment

Corey's faith profoundly shapes where he invests his time, talent, and treasure. His local church is a primary recipient, where he serves in various capacities, from men's ministry to the audio department. He emphasizes the reciprocal nature of giving, stating, "Not only does it flow out of me, but it flows to me because it's reciprocal. That overall allows me to go out to society and be better."

He highlights the importance of being 'full and whole' before stepping out into the marketplace, starting with his family and church. This foundation enables him to navigate a world filled with distractions and mislabeled intentions. Corey cautions about discernment, noting, "Truthfully, I do see things that are labeled Christian but are not." He stresses the need for careful evaluation, ensuring alignment with true biblical principles.

An Encouragement for Christian Business Leaders

Corey's advice to Christian business leaders is direct and powerful: "Stop playing. You haven't been called to be soft. You haven't been called not to speak up." He urges them to be emboldened, to embody the fruit of the Spirit, and to defend their faith. He reminds leaders that despite their successes, grace remains paramount. "Just because you've got your 401k and you're doing well and your company has done this, that and the other, doesn't mean you no longer can offer grace."

In a world desperate for authentic leadership, Corey calls on Christian business leaders to "step up and be strong in the power of his might." Their lives, lived out in faith and integrity, are the most powerful display of God's goodness and love, offering hope and transformation to those around them.