What is an Entrepreneur?

The common association for entrepreneurs today is the popular show Shark Tank. This is not a bad representation of an entrepreneur. It is quite an accurate depiction of someone who has been in business for themselves for a while. However, if this is our only understanding of what an entrepreneur is and does, it could be overwhelming for someone just starting out.

And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
Luke 16:12

What is an Entrepreneur? A Definition

One of the most basic definitions an entrepreneur is, “A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks to do so.” So, technically, that babysitting business you started in your teens or that lemonade stand you had as a kid launched you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Entrepreneurs are adventurers and leaders. They are risk takers and idea creators. They see the grand picture and the minute details. Entrepreneurs are the “one-man-band” of the business world. They wear a lot of hats, especially when starting out.

Christian entrepreneurs purpose to use all their natural God-given gifts and abilities to the fullest possible intention. They practice faithfulness of the gifts and talents gracefully bestowed upon them. It is in this practice of faithfulness where they are given even more to steward.

What is an Entrepreneur? A Practical Definition

It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or you have been in business for a while and you are looking to build, scale, or diversify. It helps to understand that a small business entrepreneur involves more than just having a great idea for a business or a desire to make money.

You are a leader. It is essential to understand you must motivate yourself and others to believe in your idea, business, or product. Leaders are often inspirational and relational. They engender trust. As a leader, you envision the big picture and plan the long-range goals.

You are also a manager. Managers must understand the technical and financial ins and outs of the business. You concentrate on the details of how to make the big picture happen and the short-term action steps to get you there.

Entrepreneurs are leaders and managers—not always in balanced proportions, but constantly switching between roles as needed to grow a business.

What is an Entrepreneur? Entrepreneurship Is a Lifestyle

Anyone who has ever started or helped start a business will tell you that being an entrepreneur will force you to grow personally. You will have to face your weaknesses and shortcomings. You will have to attack your fears and doubts. You will not be able to avoid thought patterns which keep you small. All successful entrepreneurs have been stretched through this process of growth.

As a Christian on this path, you can take comfort in the fact God does want you to grow, and when you are weak, He is strong.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

 It is just the same in our Christian walk: we will not reach perfection. The same goes for building your business as an entrepreneur. We must strive for excellence with the strength of Christ.

Being an entrepreneur means committing to a God-given vision and sticking to it with faith and hope. It is not an easy choice, but it is worth the learning and growing that comes with it.

Let’s grow together!

In Him,

In Business,

—Karen, NACWE Education Coordinator

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Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the passionate Founder of and Counseling Supervisor at RHEMA Counseling Associates in North Texas.  She and her team of zealous Associates desire to be voices of wisdom and compassionate companions for their counseling, coaching and consultation clients on their journey to insight and inspiration.  She has been a NACWE member since 2013 and offers Counseling, Coaching, and Writing/Publishing services. You can connect with Karen at karenbourg.com and rhemacounseling.com.