Is enterprise any of God's business?

‘Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot.Others look on it
as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy
wagon’ (Winston Churchill).

Enterprise and entrepreneurship are sometimes viewed with suspicion by
church leaders and may not be seen as relevant to the rural church. Drawing
on biblical understanding and personal experience as a ‘kingdom entrepreneur’,
this paper argues that enterprise is part of scripture, human flourishing,
and mission. The paper contends that enterprise is especially important in rural
areas and faith centred enterprise can be traced back to Cistercian monasteries
and continues today. The mission of the rural church would be enriched by
recognising, encouraging and harnessing entrepreneurs, and supporting enterprise
creation. The paper is commented upon by two further authors who reflect
upon its approach to theology and entrepreneurship.

Download the paper below, written by Jerry Marshall, which first appeared in the Journal of Rural Theology.

Photo by Mike Cassidy on Unsplash