Often the first step to solving challenges with our small business is to set aside time to get perspective on what we are doing and why we are doing it. In fact this isn’t a “new” or “trendy” idea at all… its a deep truth hardwired into the fabric of our reality.
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.”
Jesus, Luke 14:26
Our Approach
It can be very helpful to step away from the daily grind and focus on working ON your business instead being stuck IN your business. We can help you with our unique biblically based retreat. We’ll guide you through five specific exercises to help you gain the perspective you need to lead your business well.
Discerning The Path:
A Biblical retreat for refining your focus and understand God’s will for your work.
Overview:
Join us for this one-day intensive where we’ll walk you through 5-core principles that will help you clarify your vision & purpose, and then communicate them clearly as you lead your family and your team.
About Your Hosts:
Over the last eight years James & Chris have mentored more than 120 families through starting and running their own businesses. They’ve also guided 30+ families through selling their existing companies and transition them to new owners. Both men are committed Christians, serial entrepreneurs, husbands, & homeschooling dads passionate about sharing the eternal Biblical truths that have guided them through the joys and sorrows of being Kingdom minded small business owners!
Schedule:
Session 1: The Power of Words
God is a speaker… He uses His words to create everything that exists. In this session we’ll look at how God clarifies and communicate His mission for us and extract a proven framework for doing the same with our own families & teams.
Session 2: The Hebrew’s Model for Vision Building
The Book of Hebrews is a treasure house of helpful guidance for building a Vision that will energize us, strengthen our endurance, encourage our people, and articulate hope to all we work with.
Session 3: BHAG’s & Cathedral Building
As leaders we must continually broaden our perspective. During this session we’ll look to the examples of Adam & Eve, Abraham & Sara, and David & Bathsheba to extend our view of time and move from 5-year planning to a 200-year view so you can see clearly where you’ve been, what the Lord is calling you to today, and where He is leading you in the future.
Lunch (Provided)
This is a working lunch where we’ll continue to brainstorm and apply the lessons of the morning to your current situation.
Session 4: Biblical Principles of Business
The Universe is only wired one way. Not all ideas are created equal. Here we’ll look at the core design of reality and some of the fundamental laws the Author of the Universe has revealed in Scripture to make sure our plans are in line with how God has actually created things to work.
Session 5: The Currency of Leadership
Great planning is pointless if you can’t get anything done! Together we’ll review proven methods to implement the vision God has placed on your life. Whether it is changes you need to make personally, in your family, or at work we’ll teach you how to measure what is important and show you how to course correct as you learn to walk the path God has laid out before you.
Host Bio’s:
James Steffen: Born and raised in rural Oregon (in a Godly multi-generational family) James started his work during the summers in the farm fields of the fertile Willamette Valley and his winters working with his father, a CPA, helping small business owners protect their income through effective tax planning. After high school, he moved on to a short stint at Bible College near Seattle Washington, where he discovered a passion for applying Biblical Truth to the challenges of Entrepreneurship (starting five businesses from scratch some with good success, some with major failure). He’s led leadership development and training programs with over 500 churches, worked with Apple for several years as part of the Enterprise Support team as well as serving for 7 years with the Answers in Genesis team that built the Creation Museum & Ark Encounter. Married for over 27 years to his college sweetheart, he and his wife are raising their family in Northern Kentucky where they homeschool their 7 children. Besides his passion for applying Biblical Worldview to everyday life, he pursues his interests in small scale regenerative agriculture, alternative construction methods, church planting, and dating his wife. Currently he works as a Business Coach and Consultant in Cincinnati, OH.
Chris Zimmerman: Has always has a passion for business development and implementing the visions of others. Originally from Cleveland, OH Chris discovered in high school that he much rather work a side gig as a self-employed roofer, painter, or concrete installer than have a boss. He went on to college and graduated with a degree in Technology then went to work in manufacturing automation, and eventually technology sales. Later he started several businesses including his own software development company in the restaurant industry, built a commercial property recycling and demolition business and a non-profit helping small business owners with planning and mentoring. A passionate husband and homeschool father of three, he and his wife of 14 years currently live in Cincinnati, OH where they pursue their interests in Christian leadership development and supporting the people of Israel. He currently works as a Business Coach and Data Analyst.
The day is interactive and conversational. We’ll be teaching and brainstorming with everyone as we go through each session using power-point, notepads, worksheets, and a select group of 3rd party books to teach the content as we draw out attendee’s core leadership concerns and help them build a plan of action on the best way to move forward in their current circumstance. (All meals and needed supplies are provided.)
Anyone you bring through this process with my team will walk away with the following:
- A Purpose Statement that defines “Why their business/team exists.”
- A Culture Statement that defines “How their team should act.”
- A prioritized list of top opportunities facing the business.
- A prioritized list of resources to bring to bear on the opportunities.
- A Physical paper planner with a 30-day plan for taking action on how to meet their goals.