“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
The one thing that is constant in life is change.
Many of us are familiar with the book by Dr. Spencer D. Johnson entitled “Who Moved My Cheese?”
If you have not been introduced to it, it is well worth the small investment as a motivational tool. The lessons it teaches can benefit literally anyone, young or old, rich or poor, looking for less stress and more success in every aspect of work and life. It is about embracing changes in life as blessings.
As changes take place, we may be faced with challenges. In such circumstances, we are conditioned to think that there is a problem which will impede the path of progress. Yes, there might be a perceived problem but what is equally true is that if we search for and find the peace of God within us a solution will be revealed.
This will quickly erode the power of the challenges to annoy and will transform them into gifts which lead to a new creation. This is epitomised in the now familiar statement that “every setback in life is nothing but a setup for a comeback”.
The major challenge that each country of the world faces is how to grow its economy. Traditionally, we have been conditioned to seek employment but more recently we have been aggressively encouraged to set up our own businesses or to become entrepreneurs.
An entrepreneur is a person who manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.
A kidpreneur is a child entrepreneur who is exposed to the rigours of starting up a business of his/her choice from as early as age 13.
A Godpreneur is an entrepreneur who – in addition to being exposed to (1) candidate selection (due diligence of the enterprise and the entrepreneur) as being worthy of inclusion in an incubator programme; (2) funding opportunities (3) training; and (4) access to physical space of one type or another – is also exposed to shepherding in a comprehensive sense.
When I first introduced the word shepherding, from a marketing perspective and in the context of the CBET Shepherding Model, I was quite content with it as a synonym for mentoring.
About one year ago, I was introduced to the concept of a life coach, someone who helps you reach a goal or make a change in your life.
There was at least one client under my care who, notwithstanding the excellent business mentoring he had been given, frustrated the attempt to make his business successful.
I concluded that this was because he was in need of life coaching expertise.
I therefore immediately modified the definition of shepherding to include life coaching for the individual entrepreneur in addition to business mentoring of the enterprise.
Within the last month, I have been exposed to yet another concept, Godpreneurship.
A Godpreneur is an entrepreneur who, in addition to the life coaching and business mentoring services, (1) has been exposed to theo-economics; and (2) is encouraged to help his fellow man through an intensive programme of community service.
I have now decided to extend the definition of shepherding to include theo-economics and community service.
Shepherds now have an even greater responsibility but the expected impact on economic growth is going to be greater as we attempt to change the world.
Whereas, the traditional economic philosophy has bankrupted the people of the world, theo-economism will create wealth for eternity.
I was very privileged last Friday to participate in an extensive Skype call with Dr. Roland Hill and Dr. Owen Carryl, who are the two principals of the recently established International Association of Godpreneurs.
Dr. Hill is the author of several books which include “Theo-economics – the call to responsibility” and “Wealth without Guilt – don’t let negative attitudes keep you from prosperity”.
Here is an overview of the latter book:
“Dr. Roland J. Hill uncovers the secret that has kept millions from reaching their financial potential. In this book, you will discover the 1,500-year-old lie that has wrought havoc on the world. Discover, in this provocative book, how the Christian church played a major role in perpetuating this lie. Learn how to take control of your mind and shake loose the guilt about wealth. Learn how to take control of your mind and shake loose the guilt about wealth-experience prosperity you thought would never be yours.”
Here are some official quotes about Godpreneuship:
“What is a Godpreneur? A business man or woman who has been given a vision by God to fulfil a specific need through a formalised business.”
“Godpreneurship – the business of creating wealth by using God’s methods, means and mind.”
“God will hold us accountable, not just for the management of his resources but he will hold us responsible for money we could have made but we chose not to make because of Guilt, Fear or Laziness.”
My recent experiences with shepherding enterprises have been stellar.
Entrepreneurs appreciate that business mentoring is consistent with the Chinese proverb: “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, and I do and I understand!” And, they are also benefiting from the life coaching elements of the process.
I have absolutely no doubt that as they are exposed to the theo-economics philosophy and they give help to their neighbours through community service, the further experiences will exceed expectations.
Let us now fully embrace Divine instruction and make a contribution to our region’s future.
Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. – CBET. Columns are archived at: www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.