Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, shares her powerful story of running into the outstretched arms of God to overcome personal exploitation and tragedy. Discuss these 3 questions:

1. The role of entrepreneur is a lonely one. Even for those of us who have lots of friends and co-workers, we can still feel isolated or misunderstood. How do we make sure these barriers don’t get in the way of being fully known and fully loved?

2. What are you not prioritizing that should take precedence over your business?

3. How can a regular rhythm of disconnecting from work help us recalibrate? How can you be sure your best at work isn’t coming at the expense of others?

This guide is intended for personal reflection and to help facilitate a meaningful group discussion. Take a moment to watch the video and read over the guide before your group meeting. Be prepared with some personal examples to help encourage discussion. If helpful, before you meet, print out or email a copy of this guide to all those who will attend the meeting.

There’s no limit to the ways you can explore the Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. What we provide below are five ideas we think might lead each one of us to an even greater understanding of our God-given call to create.

1. Journal: Our greatest strength can also be our greatest weakness. The very thing that drives us can come from a place of deep hurt or selfishness. These things only have power over us when they are kept in the shadows. Writing about them is a way we can bring them into the light. What is the hidden danger you are facing on your journey as an entrepreneur?

2. Interact: This month, examine the four pillars we talk about above: community, family, and rest. Where are you at with each of these pillars? What can you do to strengthen your commitment to each? What adjustments do you need to make any or all of them a priority in your life to balance out the work that you do?

3. Consider: Sometimes it's overcoming things from our past. Other times, we need to recognize the danger inherent to our journey as entrepreneurs. But even more than that, our hope and fulfillment is found only in our loving and grace-filled relationship with Christ. The journey of an entrepreneur is lonely. It is dangerous. And we need people by our side to help us see our blind spots.

4. Act Differently: Pray. We can try to be as disciplined, but at the end of the day, all we can do is surrender ourselves, our hearts, our selfish ambitions and desires to the LORD. When we stop and pray, we find rest. And we also find ourselves drawing closer to God and the people we love. 

5. Learn From Others: Visit faithdrivenentrepreneur.org to learn more or join the conversation by listening to our weekly Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast.

Entrepreneurs can travel a lonely road. But you’re not alone. You’re sitting next to a group of like-minded business owners right now. One of the best ways to grow the Faith Driven Movement is to multiply your group.

Is someone in your group ready to raise his or her hand to start a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group at a local church? Apply at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/lead-a-group