My New Adventure
ByMy good friend Brian Gardner took the headfirst entrepreneurial leap a couple of weeks ago (or at least the first step) and I’m officially announcing the same.
As of Jan. 2, 2008, I am taking the plunge, or leap, or whatever you want to call it … and going full-time with my web design business.
I’ve served in churches and in Southern Baptist life for almost six years now, so it’s definitely a huge step for me and my family. It was also extremely hard to tell my pastor as I loved serving under him. I learned so much from him … primarily, about being a godly man, a husband and a leader.
My job as director of communications at Quail Springs Baptist Church was and will probably always be the best job I’ve ever had because of the environment and most importantly the people.
My wife and I will still continue to serve our church home — Quail Springs — only I will not be sitting in the church office during the week. We’ve been serving in our college ministry since last Spring and it’s been such a blessed time of walking alongside our students.
ON BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR
Becoming an entrepreneur has been a lifetime dream of mine that I never thought would be realized. (Both my grandfathers were entrepreneurs.)
But I literally fell into doing freelance web design last March mostly just because I wanted to learn to do it better. God placed Brian in my life and he helped me grow and expand my business.
We were able to do some neat things because of this “side” business. And I quickly saw the opportunity to fulfill my dream of owning my own business (full-time).
When people ask me about it, I usually describe it as being “surreal.”
I also have a lot to learn.
ON MINISTERING IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
One thing I have learned though is that through my business I’ve been able to minister to people who are unchurched and lost. One of the hardest things about being on a church staff is that it’s easy to insulate yourself from the world.
Sadly, I confess … I do not have hardly any growing relationships with lost people now. And that’s my fault.
But through my business, I’ve had the opportunity on a number of occasions to share my faith and demonstrate the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Pray for us, though … we need that support to be bold yet loving …
ON THIS BLOG
If you’re wondering what will happen with this blog, it’ll still be here and hopefully I’ll actually be able to devote more time to it. It’s my ministry to the church. Although I do make some money off of it, with more than 700 posts now, it’s loaded with free content I offer to churches and pastors.
Again, I’d love to have more people guest blog here …. if you’re interested, send me an email.
ON THE NEW VENTURE ADVENTURE
Up until now, I’ve just mentioned I’m going to focus full-time on my web design business. The bulk of my time though will be devoted to a new venture that Brian and I are working on together — iThemes.com.
I’m extremely excited to get to work on iThemes … we’ve got the windows boarded up for now, but if you’re interested, sign up for our email announcement and be the first to know when we go live.
Anyway, that’s it for now ….
Grace and Peace!
