How A 5-Minute Chat Led To Meaningful Business Impact

In a world often quick to misinterpret spiritual callings, Gil Gerretsen's business journey offers a refreshing and powerful perspective. His story, rooted in a chance encounter with the late Dr. Charles Stanley, illuminates the profound truth that serving God's kingdom extends far beyond the traditional pulpit—it can also thrive in the marketplace.

Early in his walk with Christ, Gil, like many new believers, felt a curiosity and pull towards the pastorate. He started to explore attending seminary, preparing for a life dedicated to the church. This path seemed to be a meaningful expression of Christian devotion. However, a brief, yet pivotal, five-minute conversation with Dr. Charles Stanley reshaped his entire understanding of a Christian living their life with the right purpose.

“You should not be going into the ministry,” Dr. Stanley discerned, with remarkable clarity. “Your gift is in the field of business leadership. What I am discerning is that you need to use your spirit and your skills in that arena.” This direct, Spirit-led counsel was a revelation. It challenged Gil’s preconceived notions of what a “good Christian” should do and redirected his focus towards an arena he was uniquely gifted for: guiding the growth of emerging businesses.

Gil readily admits that Dr. Stanley was “absolutely right.” His independent spirit, while potentially a challenge in a pastoral role, was a powerful asset in the entrepreneurial world. This discernment, subsequently honed over decades of turning around struggling companies and building his own successful software venture, became the bedrock of creating the BizTrek Marketing Method, a company dedicated to teaching entrepreneurs how to grow their revenues and, crucially, how to use those revenues to fuel God’s kingdom.

For Gil, business is not merely about profit; it’s a divine assignment. He sees entrepreneurs as key drivers for funding churches, supporting outreach, and empowering other Christian endeavors. His role as founder of BizTrek focuses on what he calls “12 Triggers”—a methodical approach to marketing and business growth. These principles, tested and optimized through real-world application, have helped countless businesses flourish, enabling their owners to invest back into kingdom work.

A Key Lesson: Don't Go It Alone

Beyond discerning one’s unique calling, Gil emphasizes another critical principle for Christian leaders: the absolute necessity of mentorship. “Always have mentors. Don’t go it alone,” he advises. This wisdom, passed down from his father, has been a guiding force throughout his life and career. He observes that many entrepreneurs tend to isolate themselves, believing they must navigate challenges independently. However, true growth and sustained success, particularly in the spiritual and business realms, are rarely achieved in solitude.

Gil himself has always sought out mentors, recognizing that the best guidance often comes from those who have already walked a similar path. He recalls the profound influence of James Orders, a local CEO who not only taught him business principles but also discipled him, applying scripture to everyday decisions. This holistic approach to mentorship—addressing both professional and spiritual development—is what Gil advocates for.

To help others build their own robust support systems, Gil has developed a five-area model for identifying key mentors:

• Mechanics (Business Operations): An expert in your specific field who can guide you on the practicalities of your business.
• Money (Financial Controls and Wealth Management): Experts skilled at managing financial information and also in building and managing wealth, crucial for entrepreneurs who may lack formal financial training.
• Manpower (Human Resources): An expert in staffing and HR, essential for navigating the complexities and legalities of team management.
• Marketing (Business Development): A specialist in growth strategies, like Gil himself, to help expand your reach and impact.
• Management (Leadership): A mentor focused on developing your leadership skills, ensuring your company is sustainable and doesn’t overwhelm you.

Gil’s counsel is clear: these mentors are invaluable. He stresses the importance of honoring their time and, if necessary, compensating them. “The best people are seldom free,” he notes, underscoring that investing in quality mentorship is an investment in your own growth and the health of your enterprise.

Gil Gerretsen’s story is a testament to the transformative power of divine discernment and the indispensable role of wise counsel. It’s a call for Christian leaders to embrace their unique gifts in the marketplace, not as a secondary calling, but as a primary arena for kingdom impact, supported by a network of trusted guides who help them navigate the journey.