Business is an engine of influence

In my book “More Than Your Business Card,” I made the argument that business is not only a legitimate calling from God but also a very important one in terms of societal benefits. The case was based on private sector business being an engine of creativity, funding and influence. Previously, I explored business as an engine of creativity and an engine of funding. Today I will complete this series by exploring business as an engine of influence.  

At the invitation of a close friend several years ago, Mary and I attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. For many years, our friend has played a leadership role in a group of business executives and other professionals who meet annually in conjunction with the prayer breakfast. 

The major question on the CEO’s mind was whether God was calling him into vocational ministry

On this occasion, Pastor Rick Warren joined our group and shared the following story. A CEO of a large multinational corporation that employed tens of thousands of people around the world once called him to request a meeting. The CEO explained he had become a follower of Jesus as a result of reading Warren’s Purpose Driven Life book. Warren agreed to meet. The major question on the CEO’s mind was whether God was calling him into vocational ministry (the same kind of thoughts I had after encountering Jesus). 

While it is conceivable that this executive might have become a very influential pastor someday, Warren’s view was that his highest and best use was to remain where he was until God called him elsewhere. When we consider our place in the kingdom of God and where we can most effectively share the gospel, the primary question to be answered isn’t what job is more worthy, but rather, what is God calling us to do now? 

The CEO in Warren’s story had significant influence over the lives of each person who reported directly to him, who in turn were people of enormous influence. The CEO’s influence did not just impact the executives reporting to him but also indirectly impacted the lives of the thousands of employees who were led by each executive. 

In short, marketplace leaders are people of enormous influence either for good or evil. The fact that we occupy these influential positions is actually a gift from God. Through these positions of responsibility, we can glorify Him by fulfilling His plans and purposes in our professional lives. 

LeaderImpact, the organization I was privileged to lead, is premised on the power of influence. In the twenty-first century, most leaders are unlikely to darken the door of a church of their own accord. This reality has several explanations. Some leaders don’t see the relevance of faith in God to the real world in which they operate. For others, their lives, however imperfect, just work for them and they don’t feel a need to address the bigger questions like ultimate purpose and destiny. Finally, some people cannot relate to people in other fields. For this reason, the LeaderImpact platform is built on small professional peer groups. At the invitation of their professional colleagues, many non-believers around the world are prepared to explore these issues within these groups. Why? Simply because they are more receptive to the relevance of faith in God in their own lives when they see its relevance in the lives of their peers. 

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