Do you want to take your business to the next level? Not just financially, but in your mindset, relationships, and faith, too? Faith Driven Entrepreneur Groups in Philadelphia are here to connect like-minded business leaders with one another. We’re creating space where you can gain valuable insights while also sharing your questions and hopes. 

God has called entrepreneurs to create excellent businesses. But too often we lose sight of that goal because of stress, hustle, culture, and countless other distractions. Our business groups in Philadelphia are meeting a deep need for connection and support. We’re here to lift you up on your entrepreneurial journey.

You’re invited to join one of our Philadelphia business groups.

Over eight weeks, you’ll get to know other business owners and entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area. Few business networking groups present such a unique opportunity—to explore the overlap between faith and business. But these conversations start with you. We’re calling all faith-driven entrepreneurs and professionals to hit the button below and sign up for our next group.

Learn More About Our Philadelphia Business Groups

Why are entrepreneurs so lonely? Theories are unlimited, but whatever the reason, the stats don’t lie—30% of business owners see isolation as a problem. And most entrepreneurs aren’t good at reaching out for help when they need it. Even when they do, many don’t know where to turn. 

It’s time that entrepreneurs received the right kind of support. Venture capital can’t provide meaningful relationships with peers. Only community can do that.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is creating communities where Philadelphia business owners can come together to share their hopes, dreams, and real-world experiences. You might be on the verge of bankruptcy. You might have just opened your fifth location. We want to hear all of your highs and lows.

Our business groups are practical, too. We dive into what it means to run an excellent enterprise and support employees well. Many of our participants have been in business for years and bring a wealth of insight to every conversation. This is professional networking like you’ve never experienced before.

3 Benefits of Attending a Philadelphia Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group

• Learn to give back to your community 

  One of our deeply held values is generosity. Part of why entrepreneurs are so isolated is that they’re hyperfocused on profit. Profit is good and necessary, but sometimes our drive for profitability is rooted in selfishness. Our Philadelphia business groups prioritize generosity and discuss achievable methods for connecting to your local community.

• Go beyond “water cooler” talk. Dive deep into business and faith topics.

  In a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group, you’ll be challenged to talk about deep topics. What are you struggling with? How can we best serve our employees and customers in a Christ-like way? Are we making idols of money and success? This is the place where trusted allies are made and friendships are forged.

• Become Acquainted with the Faith Driven Ecosystem

  Faith Driven Entrepreneur doesn’t end with our business groups. We’re doing incredible work across industries and across continents. From annual conferences to accelerator resources, we’re leading the charge to create useful tools for entrepreneurs at all stages. In fact, we have hundreds of videos freely available on our website. Take a look!

How is a Philadelphia Business Group Structured?

• Journey along with an 8-week group

  If you’ve never been part of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group, then you’ll be joining one of our Foundation Groups. These groups provide an excellent introduction to what it means to be a faith driven entrepreneur without taking too much of your time. You’ll get to know your fellow participants, and you’re free to continue those relationships after the group ends. 

• Meet 10-15 other business owners in Philadelphia

  Many people ask us if there is a cap to our Foundation Groups. We aim to have 10-15 participants regularly attend meetings. We also work hard to provide options that work for everyone. For example, groups meet in person and online, although in most cases we bring together people from the same city. Groups are never allowed to get too large. Everyone deserves a chance to give their opinion and engage in discussion.

• Watch and discuss a short video once a week

  We understand how awkward business groups can be when there are no discussion prompts. That’s why we created an eight-video series to help get the conversation started. Each video will inspire you with real-world entrepreneur stories and then our hosts, Henry Kaestner and JD Greear, will unpack tangible lessons on faith and work. Explore the entrepreneur video series here. 

What’s the Cost to Join One of These Philadelphia Business Groups?

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is generously funded by donors and supporters. Volunteers also give of their time to lead our groups. This means business groups are free to join. Please know that our groups are not meant to be lead generators for your business. There are other networking communities better suited to that purpose. We firmly believe in a no-cost, no-catch commitment to these groups. That way, you can focus all of your attention on connection.

Checking the Temperature of the Philadelphia Business Environment

Philadelphia is one of the nation’s most historic cities. We learn about its role in the Revolutionary War in grade school and pay attention when one of its sports teams makes the playoffs. But Philadelphia is also a major economic hub in the Northeast. 

The top four industries in Greater Philadelphia include life sciences, financial services, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Of course, what catches attention are household brand names, and Philadelphia has its fair share: Comcast, Dupont, Urban Outfitters, and many more.

The city is located in the densely populated Northeast with easy access to major metro areas like New York City, Boston, and DC. In fact, “Philadelphia has around 42,000 “super commuters” who travel to a different city once or twice a week for work, placing it in the top five cities for super-commuting.”

However, Philadelphia might be a difficult environment for small and midsize businesses. Recent studies show that Philadelphia had the fewest small and midsize business establishments per capita in 2016, the last year that cross-city data was available. Data also shows that smaller businesses have lower gross receipts, commercial credit ratings, and on-time payment ratings compared to similar cities across the nation.

So perhaps you’re struggling to achieve profitability in your small business. Or perhaps you’ve just left corporate America and are looking to begin a more personal venture. No matter where you find yourself in the Philadelphia business community, you need to take a look at our Philadelphia business groups.

— by Aaron Cho

To the Church in [America]: 

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”[1] 

COVID-19’s impact on the church has made me reflect regularly on what the church is (hint: it’s not a building) and its purpose during these times (hint: it’s us as Christ-followers). With thousands of churches shutting its doors permanently (including my own local body where I served as an Elder) and projections that up to one in five churches could permanently close due to contribution declines, [2] I’ve continued to wonder what the lasting impacts will be on Christendom—will the church strengthen and grow or weaken and shrink? 

According to a Barna research survey conducted during the height of the pandemic (April-May 2020), approximately a third of practicing Christians stopped attending church altogether (in-person or online).[3] These statistics are concerning in and of themselves, but they’re even more concerning if the third who stopped attending church never had a shift from a Church mentality to a Kingdom mentality. Said another way—if for this group, there was no real difference between a church building and their personal faith in Christ, then attending church was the sole expression of their faith; thus, closing the church building took away that expression, potentially resulting in disengagement from their personal faith in Christ and with others in community. Could it be possible that God is cutting off lukewarm Christianity and pruning his Church to be even more fruitful during these times?[4] Have we, the Laodiceans…I mean American church become complacent in our ways— acquiring great wealth, investing in buildings, and possibly placing our trust and security in those buildings (and the institutions they support)? In other words, have we (tragically) built American Christianity on weak foundation[5] and not on Christ, our Chief Cornerstone?[6] 

Beyond the 4-Walls of the Church 

I grew up in a traditional (legalistic) church, not dissimilar to many Christians in the West. Church was a building, and being a good Christian meant attending church (a building) regularly and practicing the spiritual disciplines. Church and building were interchangeable in my mind, and without a building, I had no definition of church. It was only after I met my spiritual dad, Larry Titus, divinely on an airplane that I was exposed to a Kingdom perspective. I learned that the Church is who we are as Christ-followers—we are the ekklesia, the “called out ones,” and the Kingdom of God is what we do.[7] 

Larry Titus elaborates: 

“[Being plugged into a local church community is important]; corporate worship, fellowship, prayer, and teaching of the Word are critical to one’s spiritual health. [However, the purpose of the local church should be that of a] ‘refueling station’ rather than the final destination. 

When I read Matthew 28:18-19, it becomes clear to me that the Great Commission is a “go” gospel, not a “come” gospel. “Come to our church, come hear our preacher, come and be part of our worship experience, come see our children’s department, come and enjoy our Christmas pageant and Easter presentation, come to the altar for salvation and prayer.” 

I don’t disparage any of these programs. I believe they are important and may be necessary. However, it still begs the question, where is the church most effective, in the small enclave of the building or out in the real world? Where are the diseased, disenfranchised, destitute, demon possessed, and discouraged located? For the most part they are in the world, needing to hear the message of the kingdom.”[8] 

Is it possible that God used the COVID-19 pandemic to get us out of the church building to be the church body—for not only our own good, but for the good of others? Perhaps we are to take care of the poor, weak, and fatherless[9] and to visit orphans and widows[10]—to have an outward view of the world and others[11] and to go to them, rather than having an inward view of hoping they come to us (and our church buildings). 

So what could this look like in practice? For me personally, it required getting out of my comfort zone and venturing into 75215. 

South Dallas 

75215 is the zip code for South Boulevard-Park Row—statistically considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Dallas, TX (USA), which has a population of nearly 1.4 million. With total and violent crime rates higher than the national average by 284% and 777%, respectively, and income per capita 47% lower than the national average, it’s fair to say there is brokenness and poverty in this community.[12] Having lived in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for nearly 10 years, I’d never stepped foot in this zip code. Why would I? I live in a nice, safe suburban community in the Dallas metro area (that once had the largest self-identified Christian population in the nation at 78%)[13]— you can call it my comfortable “Christian bubble.” There’s never been a reason to go anywhere near the inner cities, until recently…

The Bar Church 

If worship services were held at a bar, would that be considered a “church”? And, if that bar was located in the aforementioned South Boulevard-Park row neighborhood, would you attend a service? 

As mentioned earlier, the gathering of believers (the ekklesia), is the church. If that particular ekklesia decided to meet in a bar in South Dallas (or anywhere else for that matter—coffee shop, business, public park, etc.), that meeting place would simply be that, a place or location…nothing more, nothing less. And this is where I recently found myself (March 2021)—amongst a body of believers gathering and worshipping God at a bar. Seeking God in this environment moved me deeply as I sensed His pleasure and connected with His heart…for the unlovable, unwanted, and forgotten[14]—those created in His image. 

The story of the bar church begins with a young, recent Bible college graduate named Nate Smith who has a heart to serve the homeless, having spent time before college volunteering for a homeless ministry in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. He carries this burden for the poor from the Tenderloin to inner city Dallas where he begins making regular trips to hand out food and build relationships with the homeless and local residents. He uses all of his income from one of three part-time jobs to purchase the food, and to him, this is ministry with God, not simply for God. He partners with God, dreaming together about revitalizing this broken community. 

The homeless, prostitutes, and drug addicts on the streets call him “Pastor Nate,” as they see him enough to know he’s invested in the community (and in them). An elderly woman in her 70’s called Mrs. Kathy owns a bar in the neighborhood and regularly asks Nate to pray for her and her husband. With a shared heart for the community that she’s been a part of for nearly 25 years, she offers to host church services at her bar to not only meet the physical needs (through meal distribution), but also the spiritual needs of the community. The Bar Church is born.

Outside the Bar Church 

Inside the Bar Church – Before Phase I Renovation 

Inside the Bar Church – After Phase I Renovation 

The Dream to Revitalize South Dallas 

The dream is big and goes far beyond distributing meals and holding worship services. It consists of buying an abandoned apartment building to serve as a transitional home for the broken who are recovering, buying an abandoned warehouse to repurpose as a community and food distribution center, and opening up a barber school to train young men in a trade that gives them the purpose and dignity of work. The overarching goal and method of realizing these dreams is centered on identifying, discipling, empowering, and releasing local community leaders to become all that God created them to be. This asset-based community development (ABCD) strategy[15] focuses on resources and abilities that the community already has (abundance vs. scarcity mindset) and develops/deploys those within the community to accomplish transformative change. 

Comparing the Bar Church with the traditional Church model through the lens of The Great Commission: 

Bar Church – The Kingdom American Church – The Building

Go – To South Dallas

Come – To our church building

& make disciples – Mrs. Kathy and eventually others

Of all nations – In many ways for most people, the inner city in our backyards is further away than other countries

Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – The poor and broken are saved, delivered, and transformed

& experience a great service – Worship production and Word from our preacher

With your family and friends – Fellowship over coffee in the foyer

Getting ready to go out for a meal afterward – Personally encouraged and inspired by the service and looking forward to next weekend’s message 

There is nothing wrong with the “American Church” model. As previously quoted, it’s important to gather together for corporate worship, fellowship, prayer, and hearing the Word. The danger is when that model is the end all be all and replaces the believer’s call to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.[16] 

A Call to be Uncomfortable 

We aren’t called to be comfortable. The disciples weren’t comfortable in their persecution and suffering.[17] Abraham wasn’t comfortable taking Isaac to be sacrificed on the mountain. Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Esther walking into the king’s throne room, Job, Jonah, Joseph, David…we can go on and on. We’re called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and that will likely be uncomfortable at times. But, if I can take a small step out of my comfort zone into a Bar Church, anybody can. 

You may not be called to go to the “front lines,” but chances are you’ll know somebody who is. We can use our incredible wealth,[18] influence, experience, and skillset to become active participants (not comfortable spectators) in the work that God wants to do through us in our respective spheres of influence— the marketplace, media, arts, education, government, etc. 

Find your “Nate(s).” Come alongside them. Pray for them. Invest in them. Invest in their ministries or businesses. Support them. Mentor them. 

Let’s ask the Holy Spirit where and how He wants to use us. And finally, let’s go to them and be the church! 

[1] Revelation 3:15-17, NIV. 

[2] https://outreachmagazine.com/resources/research-and-trends/59661- research-1-in-5-churches-may-close-due-to-pandemic.html 

[3] https://www.barna.com/research/new-sunday-morning-part-2/ [4] John 15:2, NIV. 

[5] Luke 6:49, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, NIV. 

[6] Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22, Acts 4:11, NIV. 

[7] Kingdom of God by Larry Titus at CFNI: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=CGdSLLskKLk&t=85s

[8] L.E.A.D. (Lead Effectively and Differently) by Larry Titus 

[9] Psalm 82:3-4. 

[10] James 1:27. 

[11] Philippians 2:3. 

[12] https://www.areavibes.com/dallas-tx/south+boulevard-park+row/crime/ 

[13] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/07/29/major-u-s metropolitan-areas-differ-in-their-religious-profiles/ 

[14]Luke 6:32-34. 

[15] Strategy promoted by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert in “When Helping Hurts” 

[16] Matthew 6:33, NIV. 

[17] 2 Timothy 3:11-12. 

[18] It’s estimated that Christians manage over 150 trillion dollars, more than half the world’s wealth: https://www.faithdriveninvestor.org/executivesummary

Article originally hosted and shared with permission by The Christian Economic Forum, a global network of leaders who join together to collaborate and introduce strategic ideas for the spread of God’s economic principles and the goodness of Jesus Christ. This article was from a collection of White Papers compiled for attendees of the CEF’s Global Event.

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As the premiere city in the Midwest, Chicago is home to businesses big and small. Whether you come from a Fortune 500 background or are raising money for your first tech startup, you’re welcome at a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Business Group. 

Our business groups connect Chicago business leaders with peers who share similar beliefs and values. As our name implies, we focus on exploring the connections between faith and work. We believe that God has called entrepreneurs to create. But what does that look like in the day-to-day tasks of running a business?

In one of our business groups, you’ll get to ask real questions. See how other business leaders balance time between work and family. If you’re just getting started, listen to industry veterans share their expertise. Bring your concerns regarding economic trends and what to do when you’re forced to trigger company-wide layoffs.

The fact is, you are not alone. Too many entrepreneurs try to succeed on their own, but Faith Driven Entrepreneur is bucking that trend by creating Foundation Groups in Chicago and around the world. We invite you to sign up for an upcoming Chicago business group. Whether you’re just launching your first business or you’ve been a serial entrepreneur for decades, we promise you’ll come away feeling inspired.

What are Chicago Business Groups All About?

Faith Driven Entrepreneur appreciates America’s historical reputation as a business incubator. God definitely uses businesses of all sizes to impact the world. But sometimes, entrepreneurship can become an idol. Or it becomes a prison.

Entrepreneurs don’t like to admit they’re struggling either. We’re supposed to drive the newest car and post growing YOY revenues. But underneath the surface, we’re struggling with addiction, burnout, purposelessness, and loneliness. It’s time that someone created a business group that focused on these issues. 

And don’t get us wrong. There’s plenty to celebrate about being an entrepreneur as well. But victories are meant to be celebrated with other people. Join one of our Chicago business groups and share your accomplishments, maybe encouraging someone else in the process. 

Ready to dive in? Faith Driven Entrepreneur Foundation Groups are hosted a few times a year. We’ve created a special app so that you can filter groups according to location, time, format, etc. Search our database for a Chicago business leader and entrepreneur group.

Top Reasons Why Chicago Business Leaders Join Our Groups

• Connect with other professionals in Chicago 

  Great businesses grow based on “who you know.” The principle of networking has almost become a cliche in the world of work and career. But it’s true. You never know who you’ll meet in one of our Chicago business groups. 

• Talk about things that truly matter to you

  There’s no need to put up a front in one of our Jacksonville business groups. The assumption is that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. We’re called to build each other up as part of the body of Christ. So, show up ready to talk about what matters to you whether that’s family, faith, or new venture ideas.

• Get access to an entire library of digital entrepreneur resources

  From video lessons to podcasts, you won’t run out of Faith Driven Entrepreneur content. We curate the best voices across the faith and business communities to explore what it means to be a faith driven entrepreneur. A Foundation Group is a great way to get acquainted with everything we have to offer.

What Does it Look Like to Show Up to a Chicago Business Group?

• Commit to an 8-week group

  Each Foundation Group meets once a week for eight weeks. Each group also has a facilitator who will send out updates and come prepared with questions to spur discussion. We encourage each participant to commit to as many weeks as possible since this leads to the best experience for everyone.

• Join 10-15 other business professionals in Chicago

  Studies show that the ideal small group falls between 10-15 participants. So, we try as hard as we can to follow best practices. This group size gives you the opportunity to meet every single person in the group. Everyone gets a chance to speak, but no one has to speak all the time. 

• Watch and discuss a short video

  If you’ve been to other business groups in Chicago, it might have felt like being thrown into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim. Everyone’s milling around without direction. Who do you talk to? What do you say?

  Faith Driven Entrepreneur has created an excellent video series that we use to introduce each session. You’ll get to hear stories of incredible entrepreneurs while also hearing excellent teaching from our video hosts. Explore the entrepreneur video series here. 

Are There Fees for Joining Our Chicago Business Groups?

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is generously funded by donors and supporters. Volunteers also give of their time to lead our groups, which means business groups are free to join.

If you are looking to nurture leads, trade referrals, or make sales, this might not be the group for you.  

An Overview of Doing Business in Chicago

For decades, the Windy City has been a hub for culture and commerce in the American Midwest. Legend has it (though it’s been debunked) that the word Chicago is an indigenous word for “let’s make a deal.” Regardless, Chicago is known worldwide for wielding incredible financial power. In fact, the city brings in the highest real GDP of any metro area behind only New York City and Los Angeles.

Companies like Archer Daniels Midland, Kraft Heins, and United Airlines are proud to call Chicago home. The city also features great educational institutions like the University of Chicago and DePaul University. In total, there are over 1.38 million people employed across the metroplex although income inequality is higher than the national average. 

However, some business analysts are bearish on Chicago’s future. The city faces major city budget deficits and has lost large companies to other, more business-friendly states. For example, hedge fund manager Ken Griffin moved his company to Miami. Boeing recently moved to Virginia. 

Other statistics list Illinois as the third-most unfriendly state for job creation in the nation and show that total population has been declining for seven straight years. While Chicago certainly remains an economic powerhouse, it will be interesting to see whether up-and-coming entrepreneurs choose to make the city their home.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur helps innovators like you find the business groups and mentorship you need to thrive. CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners are welcome! We connect Christ-following entrepreneurs in Dallas/Fort Worth and around the world in order to fulfill their God-given call to create. If faith driven is a term you’d use to describe yourself as a business owner, then you’re in the right place.

Why Join One of Our Business Groups?

You might be feeling alone, isolated, and confused in your endeavor… but it doesn’t have to be that way. Support is available, and you’ll find it in a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group.

Or you might be excited about a new company you’re starting and want to meet with other believers to confirm and affirm your priorities. 

Or you simply want to belong to a community of entrepreneurs who pray together and give glory to God. There are many reasons to join one of our business groups in Dallas/Fort Worth.

What to Expect from A Dallas/Fort Worth Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group

• Receive business mentoring from established entrepreneurs

  You’ll meet business professionals at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. The people who join our groups work for newly minted startups, well-established household brands, and everything in between.

• Make meaningful connections with other business owners

  In a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group, you’ll be challenged to talk about deep topics. What are you struggling with? How can we best serve our employees and customers in a Christ-like way? Are we making idols of money and success? This is the place where trusted allies are made and friendships are forged.

• Explore what it means to be faith-driven as a CEO

  Other business owner networking groups are focused on building leads and marketing services. That’s not what Faith Driven Entrepreneur is about. Instead, Faith Driven Entrepreneur exists to help shape the innovators who are shaping our culture to know God and look more like Him. In this way, our business groups are much more relational than traditional networking groups.

How is a Dallas/Fort Worth Group Structured?

• Commit to an 8-week course

  If you’ve never been part of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group, then you’ll be joining one of our Foundation Groups. These groups meet for eight weeks and are usually led by another business owner in the community. 

• Meet 10-15 other business owners in Dallas/Fort Worth

  We are very intentional about the size of our groups. We aim to have 10-15 people in each cohort since this number allows everyone the chance to speak while also providing a diversity of thought and opinion.

• Watch and discuss a short video once a week

  Each session is based on one of our highly-professional videos. In each video, we highlight an entrepreneur doing God’s will somewhere in the world. Then our hosts, Henry Kaestner and JD Greear, provide rich insights into the week’s topics. Explore the video series here. 

• Discover more CEO networking and mentorship opportunities afterward

  These business owner groups are just seeds that we hope will grow into an incredibly rich network of relationships in Dallas/Fort Worth and beyond. Once you wrap up your group, your leader will show you other ways you can get connected to the Faith Driven Entrepreneur community.

Are There Fees for a Dallas/Fort Worth Business Group?

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is generously funded by donors and supporters. Volunteers also give of their time to lead our groups. This means business groups are free to join. Please know that our groups are not meant to be lead generators for your business. There are other networking communities better suited to that purpose. We firmly believe in a no cost, no catch commitment to these groups. That way you can focus all of your attention on connection.

A Bird’s Eye View of the Dallas Business Environment

Dallas is home to some of the world’s leading companies spanning IT to air travel. For example, you’re probably familiar with Texas Instruments, Southwest Airlines, and AT&T. In recent years, the entire state of Texas has experienced an economic boom that seems unlikely to slow any time soon. 

In fact, The Dallas Morning News reported, “Dallas was second only to New York City in terms of overall job growth.” Average income is also $6,553 greater than the US median household income. And being home to nearly 8 million people, Dallas Fort Worth never runs out of business opportunities.

However, these sunny economic indicators don’t always mean blue skies for CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners. You might be wondering how a smaller firm like you can compete with global juggernauts. With such a fast pace of job growth, how do you attract and keep your best talent?

Perhaps you’re wondering how to escape the materialism of Dallas culture and keep God at the forefront of all you do.

The Dallas Fort Worth Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group will help you sort out what it means to be a business owner in Dallas Fort Worth. Bring your questions. Bring your passion. It’s time for some great conversations.

As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the nation, Houston is primed for an entrepreneurial revitalization. Whether you’re an executive at a Fortune 500 Company or just starting your first brick-and-mortar retail shop, Faith Driven Entrepreneur is here to encourage you along your journey – because being an entrepreneur can be a challenge: financially, emotionally, and spiritually. 

And you’re invited to join one of our Houston business groups. 

Over eight weeks, you’ll get to know other business owners and entrepreneurs in the Houston metroplex. We will talk about where faith and business intersect. We will talk about how to embrace God’s purpose in your life as you continue building up your business. Our business groups are driven by faith. It’s in our DNA. We’re calling all faith driven entrepreneurs and professionals to hit the button below and sign up for our next group.

Why We Host Houston Business Groups

For decades, the American church has been disconnected from work culture. Subtle messages have slipped into our conversations and tell us that a career is second-tier when placed against traditional ministry. Thankfully, the narrative is changing.

The world is seeing just how influential faith driven entrepreneurs can be. Entrepreneurs shape culture. Entrepreneurs create stability. Entrepreneurs have unique opportunities to love their employees, stakeholders, and boards. 

But entrepreneurship is hard. Our Houston business groups give business leaders the chance to feel heard by people who truly understand what they’re going through. From mental health struggles to economic crises, you deal with heavy burdens day in and day out. The responsibility of maintaining a dozen salaries – few people understand what that’s like.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is creating spaces where Houston entrepreneurs and business leaders can share their experiences. We also provide professional resources that challenge you to broaden your perspectives. In one of our business groups, you can ask tough questions, learn from global experts, and find encouragement from people who have been in your shoes.

You’re invited. Find a Houston business group today.

3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Enjoy Our Houston Business Groups

• Meet like-minded business owners and potential mentors 

  Most entrepreneurs report feeling lonely at least once in their roles as business owners. Employees don’t understand what goes into complex decisions. Spouses don’t spend their days in the same office. And other executives seem too busy to share their hard-earned wisdom. At a Faith Driven Entrepreneur business group in Houston, you’ll meet colleagues who can truly say, “I know what that’s like.”

• Go beyond “water cooler” talk. Dive deep into business and faith topics.

  Stress can make us go on autopilot. Burnout leads to a survival mindset where your only goal is to put out the next fire. Even if we’re not feeling stressed, many business gurus reduce the process to a black-and-white discussion of profit and loss. As entrepreneurs, we lose sight of what it means to be business owners created in the image of God. So, we want you to talk about what matters. Don’t settle for “chit-chat.” Let’s have a real conversation.

• Discover an entire library of entrepreneur resources.

  Faith Driven Entrepreneur doesn’t end with our business groups. That’s just the starting line. From podcasts to year-long groups, we equip leaders like you to continue developing your skills and faith. But first, you’ll want to join one of our Foundation Groups to get a lay of the land before diving into other resources. 

How is a Houston Business Group Structured?

• Commit to an 8-week group

  If you’ve never been part of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group, then you’ll want to start with one of our Foundation Groups. A Foundation Group will introduce you to eight main topics of discussion without requiring too long of a time commitment. 

• Join 10-15 other business owners in Houston

  Nobody likes a group that’s too large or too small. That’s why we keep groups to 10-15 people, which allows for deep conversation without anyone feeling like they can’t contribute to the discussion at hand. You might also have the option to meet virtually or in person depending on the sessions being offered at any given time.

• Watch and discuss a short video once a week

  How do you know what to talk about each session? We provide expertly-produced videos that guide the conversation. Each video will highlight a unique entrepreneur experience. Then our hosts, Henry Kaestner and JD Greear, provide rich insights into the week’s topics. Explore the video series here. 

What’s the Cost to Join One of These Houston Business Groups?

There are no fees to join one of our Houston business groups. Due to the generosity of many supporters, Faith Driven Entrepreneur can host groups free of charge. Volunteers also give of their time to lead our groups. 

Please know that our groups are not meant to be lead generators for your business. There are other networking communities better suited to that purpose.

Doing Business in Houston. What You Need to Know.

While many people might not think of Houston when they think of “cities in Texas,” they probably should. Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the nation. It attracts entrepreneurs not just from the Lone Star State but also from around the world. 

Houston is a very attractive city for businesses. It ranks third among US cities for Fortune 500 headquarters due to amenable state business laws and oil reserves. It has become the headquarters for numerous oil and energy infrastructure companies like Phillips 66, Baker Hughes, and Halliburton.

Also of note is Houston’s access to the global shipping trade. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it is the leading city for export value in the entire USA. According to one report, “The Houston metro area leads all U.S. metros for the value of exports. It ranks well above New York City ($103.9 billion), Los Angeles ($58.6 billion), Chicago ($54.5 billion), and Dallas-Fort Worth ($43.2 billion).”

Finally, Houston also boasts an extremely diverse population. Statistics show that one in four residents were born outside the US, and for years, Houston has been ranked the most diverse city in the nation. This diversity, paired with economic strength and a relatively young population, suggests an extremely bright future.

Silicon Valley and San Jose are some of the most innovative and affluent regions in the entire world. These technological hubs attract talented individuals—like you. And yet the constant pressure to succeed can be exhausting. Sometimes it feels like your worth is found in how much venture capital you raised and where your stock price closed yesterday—rather than in who God created you to be.

Faith Driven Entrepreneurs can feel isolated in Silicon Valley. Peers don’t seem to share your same values. But don’t worry; our business groups will connect you to professionals who will encourage and inspire you.

Join a business group in San Jose and Silicon Valley to realign your life’s purpose. You were made to create and build God’s kingdom through business. Burnout and exhaustion—those aren’t part of God’s long-term plan for your life.

Over eight weeks in a Faith Driven Entrepreneur group, you’ll meet other entrepreneurs and innovators in San Jose. You’ll discuss everything from faith to business operations. Our mission is to connect people like you with like-minded professionals.

The Faith Driven movement is spreading across the world. We want you to be part of what we’re doing. We’re calling all Faith Driven Entrepreneurs and professionals to hit the button below and sign up for our next business group.

San Jose Business Groups. Why join?

We understand that entrepreneurship involves your whole identity. While work shouldn’t consume your life, there’s more to running a business than operations and profitability. What about emotional and spiritual supports for entrepreneurs? 

The Faith Driven team has discovered that businesses flourish when their leaders take time to reflect on the important questions. How do you truly advocate for employees? What does it look like to live authentically? What next step does God have in mind for me?

Other business groups in San Jose or Silicon Valley may not ask these questions. We do. If you’re craving connection with like-minded entrepreneurs, then it’s time to put one of our upcoming business groups on your calendar.  

3 Takeaways from a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group in San Jose

• Meet other entrepreneurs and business leaders who are on the same journey as you 

  During any given business group, you’ll come across entrepreneurs who have been in business from six months to 50 years. Everyone has a nugget of wisdom to contribute, and by voicing your own questions, you may find valuable mentorship. You’re not alone!

• Go beyond “water cooler” talk. Dive deep into business and faith topics.

  Entrepreneurs are intelligent people. You need mental capacity to come up with new ideas, create business systems, and solve problems on the fly. Sometimes business networking conversation can be bland, a lot of polite chit-chat. Our business groups in San Jose push the boundaries and challenge participants to share what really matters.

• Discover an entire library of entrepreneur resources

  Faith Driven Entrepreneur has curated a vast library of online tools that are free to use. Get inspired by one of our many video stories. Or throw on a podcast episode with your favorite founder. Continue the conversation by downloading over 100 hours of entrepreneur content.

What Does it Look Like to Join a San Jose Business Group?

• Commit to an 8-week group

  If you’ve never been part of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group in San Jose or Silicon Valley, then a Foundation Group is your first step. These groups bring together business professionals from the same region for an eight-week group. We meet weekly either online or in-person.

• Meet 10-15 other business owners in San Jose

  We set business groups to a specific number of participants to encourage great conversations. Everyone should have the ability to contribute without feeling as though they need to carry the conversation. We will be discussing everything from operational excellence to our call to create. 

• Watch and discuss a short video once a week

  How do you know what to talk about each session? We provide expertly-produced videos that guide the conversation. Each video will highlight a unique entrepreneur experience. Then our hosts, Henry Kaestner and JD Greear, provide rich insights into the week’s topics. Explore the video series here. 

Are There Fees for a San Jose Business Group?

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is generously funded by donors and supporters. Volunteers also give of their time to lead our groups. This means business groups are free to join. Please know that our groups are not meant to be lead generators for your business. There are other networking communities better suited to that purpose. We firmly believe in a no cost, no catch commitment to these groups. That way you can focus all of your attention on connection.

So You’re a Business Leader in San Jose and Silicon Valley? What Does That Look Like? 

San Jose and the surrounding Silicon Valley areas need no introduction when it comes to business. Google, Western Digital, Cisco, Paypal… the city is home to the world’s largest tech companies. Despite giving rise to these multi-billion-dollar corporations, the region hasn’t lost it’s entrepreneurial edge. There’s still room for the underdog startup to make its mark as the number of newly-funded startups has averaged over 200 for the past five years. 

Faith Driven Entrepreneur understands that entrepreneurs shape culture, and nowhere is that more evident than what’s happening in Silicon Valley. Movies and TV shows idealize the startup journey while also pointing out its dark underbelly. Ask any college student where they want to spend their internship, and you’ll probably hear them list of companies in the area. What’s more, Silicon Valley produces the very platforms that make cultural transformation possible; we’re talking social media, internet search, and online payment platforms. 

But how do faith driven entrepreneurs fit into this culture-shaping clique?

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article with a title that accurately expressed what many faith driven entrepreneurs have felt for some time: “Silicon Valley’s Secret Christians.” Silicon Valley is driven by secular morals and ever-present materialism. It’s fertile soil for unicorns and paradigm-shifting business ideas, but this culture can take its toll on the spirit.

If you find yourself culturally adrift, then a Foundation Group might be right for you. We provide a space where you can discuss what truly matters to you with a cohort of like-minded peers. What does it mean to be the creative entrepreneur God created you to be? Let’s discuss at our next San Jose business group.