Key Takeaways
1. God Was the First Entrepreneur: Emulate His Creative Character
We are made in the image of the First Entrepreneur; thus, when we follow his call to create businesses, nonprofits, art, music, books, and other products, we are not just doing something good for the world, we are doing something God-like.
God's creative character. Before anything else, the Bible reveals God as the Creator. He brought order from chaos, something from nothing, and established a world for the good of others. This entrepreneurial spirit is not just an aspect of God; it's a foundational characteristic.
Imago Dei and co-creation. As humans made in God's image (Imago Dei), we are inherently creative beings. God calls us to be co-creators, to fill the earth and subdue it, not just to reproduce but to build civilizations and cultivate culture. This call validates the deep desire in our souls to create.
Jesus, the Carpenter. Jesus spent most of his life as a carpenter, a builder, an entrepreneur. This reveals the value God places on craftsmanship and the creation of tangible goods. Even Jesus's death and resurrection reveal the creative character of God, making us a new creation.
2. All Work Is Good: Reject the Secular/Sacred Divide
It is so freeing to realize that God has called me—with just as important a calling as that of any pastor—to create new things.
Work as worship. Work is not a punishment for sin but an inherent good, a means of worshiping God. Adam and Eve worked in the Garden of Eden before the Fall, and we will continue to serve God in heaven.
Meaning in the mundane. All work, even seemingly ordinary tasks, has meaning because God has ordained it. Even selling a pallet of paper can contribute to God's will being done on earth. The story of Casper ten Boom, the watchmaker who hid Jews from the Nazis, illustrates how God can use even the most mundane work for extraordinary purposes.
Equality of callings. There is no hierarchy of callings; the work of an entrepreneur is as valuable as that of a pastor or missionary. God calls us to use our unique passions, gifts, and opportunities to serve Him and others through our work.
3. Discerning Your Calling: Passion, Gifts, and Opportunity
The highest calling is not being a pastor but becoming all God called you to be, namely a person who glorifies God in all you do.
Beyond self-image. Discerning our calling is not about choosing a career that boosts our self-image but about how we can best serve God and others. We must shift our focus from serving ourselves to serving the One who has called us to create.
Three key questions:
- What am I passionate about?
- What gifts has God given me?
- Where do I have the greatest opportunity to love others?
Stewardship of gifts. We are called to steward our God-given gifts well, using our passions, skills, and opportunities to love and serve others. Like the servants in Jesus's parable of the talents, we are responsible for investing what God has entrusted to us.
4. Create to Reveal God's Character and Love Others
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
Motives matter. God weighs our motives. We must create not to make a name for ourselves but to reveal God's character and love others. This requires displacing worldly motivations like money, power, and status with a desire to glorify God.
Revealing God's character. C.S. Lewis used his writings, particularly the Chronicles of Narnia, to reveal God's character in a way that resonated with millions. Our creations, whether overtly evangelical or not, can point to God's love, justice, and creativity.
Loving others through creation. Scott Harrison, founder of Charity: Water, transformed his life from a nightclub promoter to providing clean water to developing nations. Arthur Guinness created a safer alternative to gin, loving his neighbors through his product.
5. Integrate Faith Holistically: Excellence and People over Profit
The highest calling is not being a pastor but becoming all God called you to be, namely a person who glorifies God in all you do.
Beyond superficial expressions. It's not enough to simply slap a Bible verse on our packaging or add a cross to our logo. Our faith must be integrated holistically into every aspect of our business.
Striving for excellence. We should strive for excellence in everything we do, reflecting God's character as the First Entrepreneur. Chick-fil-A's commitment to quality and customer service exemplifies this principle.
Prioritizing people. We must prioritize people over profit, treating our employees, customers, and partners with love and respect. In-N-Out Burger's generous compensation and benefits for its employees demonstrate this value.
6. Trust, Hustle, and Rest: A Rhythmic Approach to Work
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart...for the Lord, not for human masters.
The tension between trust and hustle. As Christian entrepreneurs, we must manage the tension between trusting in God and working hard. We are called to both trust and hustle, recognizing that God is the ultimate source of our success.
A biblical sequence:
- Commit our work to the Lord (trust)
- Hustle, using our God-given talents
- Rest, knowing that the results are in God's hands
Sabbath rest. Practicing Sabbath rest is a disciplined way to remember that we are not the ones who keep the world running. It is an act of trust that allows us to disconnect from the demands of incessant productivity and find true rest in God.
7. Respond to Failure with Gospel-Rooted Hope
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Failure is inevitable. Some level of failure is inevitable for those who are called to create. The nature of creating new things is that it is risky.
Gospel-rooted hope. Because of the gospel, we can respond to failure with uncommon hope, transparency, and boldness. We can look to the cross and say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."
Transparency and boldness. We should be transparent about our struggles and failures, sharing the hope we have in Christ. We should also be bold, knowing that even if our ventures fail, God is working everything for our good.
8. Renew Your Mind Through Communion and Community
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Augmenting reality. We must daily put on metaphorical lenses that overlay eternal truths over our world. This requires the constant renewing of our minds.
Three key practices:
- Communion with God: Through regular study of His Word and prayer
- Communion with partners: Intimate accountability with spouses or business partners
- Communion with other believers: Especially those who share our call to create
The Inklings. The story of J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings illustrates the power of community in renewing our minds and maintaining an eternal perspective.
9. The Great Commission Applies to Entrepreneurs: Make Disciples
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Beyond geographical relocation. The Great Commission is not necessarily calling us to move to the other side of the world. It is commanding us to create disciples as we go throughout life, from wherever God has called us today.
Three key elements of discipleship:
- Love people: Building genuine relationships
- Speak the gospel: Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ
- Teach the Word: Helping others become more like Christ
The apostle Paul's model. Paul used his tentmaking business as a vehicle for creating disciples, loving people, speaking the gospel, and teaching the Word.
10. Profits are a Tool for Kingdom Building, Not Self-Glorification
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, your heart will be also.
Stewardship, not ownership. We are stewards of the wealth God has entrusted to us, not owners. This requires a radical shift in perspective, recognizing that our abundance is not for our own glory but for God's.
Three purposes of profit:
- Give profits away: Supporting churches, missions, and other kingdom-building causes
- Reinvest profits into our ventures: Improving quality, investing in employees, and expanding our reach
- Invest profits in others who are called to create: Supporting Christian entrepreneurs and their ventures
Cher Wang and Alan Barnhart. These entrepreneurs exemplify a generous spirit, giving away substantial portions of their wealth to kingdom-building causes.
11. Our Work Matters: Creating for the New Earth
Be steadfast...in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
Beyond the "theology of evacuation." The Bible promises believers of Jesus Christ that we “will be with [Him] in paradise” (Luke 23:43) the moment we breathe our last breath in this life. That paradise obviously isn’t on this earth. In his exceptional book Heaven, Randy Alcorn refers to this destination as “Intermediate (or Present) Heaven.”
Building for God's kingdom. What you do in the present—by painting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbor as yourself—will last into God’s future.
The New Jerusalem. Our work today is not in vain. It is part of building for God's kingdom, contributing to the new heaven and new earth that He is creating. Our creations, even the simplest ones, can matter forever.
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FAQ
What’s "Called to Create" by Jordan Raynor about?
- Integration of Faith and Work: "Called to Create" explores how Christians can integrate their faith with their work as entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders.
- Theology of Entrepreneurship: The book presents a biblical perspective on creativity, innovation, and risk-taking, arguing that these are God-given callings.
- Stories and Examples: Raynor uses real-life stories from over forty Christian entrepreneurs and creatives to illustrate how faith can shape business and creative endeavors.
- Practical Framework: The book is structured around four main parts: Calling, Creating, Challenges, and Charge, guiding readers from understanding their calling to practical application in the marketplace.
Why should I read "Called to Create" by Jordan Raynor?
- Validation for Creatives: If you’ve ever felt your creative or entrepreneurial work is less spiritual than traditional ministry, this book affirms its value in God’s eyes.
- Practical Guidance: The book offers actionable advice and reflective questions for discerning your calling and integrating faith into your work.
- Inspiring Stories: Through interviews and case studies, you’ll learn from successful Christian entrepreneurs like Blake Mycoskie (TOMS), Scott Harrison (Charity: Water), and others.
- Biblical Foundation: Raynor grounds his arguments in Scripture, helping readers see work, creativity, and business as acts of worship and service.
What are the key takeaways from "Called to Create"?
- God as the First Entrepreneur: The book asserts that God’s creative and entrepreneurial character is foundational, and humans are called to reflect this as His image-bearers.
- All Work is Sacred: There is no hierarchy of callings; entrepreneurial and creative work is as God-honoring as traditional ministry.
- Motivation Matters: Christians are called to create not to make a name for themselves, but to reveal God’s character and love others.
- Holistic Integration: Faith should influence not just what you create, but how you create—striving for excellence, prioritizing people over profit, and stewarding resources well.
How does Jordan Raynor define "entrepreneur" in "Called to Create"?
- Broader Definition: Raynor defines an entrepreneur as "anyone who takes a risk to create something new for the good of others," expanding beyond traditional business founders.
- Inclusivity: This includes not just business owners, but also nonprofit founders, artists, designers, students, and "mompreneurs."
- Emphasis on Creation and Service: The focus is on creating something new and serving others, not just managing risk or making money.
- Biblical Parallels: Raynor draws parallels between this definition and God’s own creative work in Genesis.
What does "Called to Create" say about discerning your calling as a Christian entrepreneur or creative?
- Three Key Questions: Raynor suggests asking: What am I passionate about? What gifts has God given me? Where do I have the greatest opportunity to love others?
- Intersection of Passion and Competence: True calling lies at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and where you can serve others.
- Stewardship of Gifts: Not using your God-given talents and opportunities is seen as poor stewardship, referencing the Parable of the Talents.
- Calling is Dynamic: Discerning your calling is a continual process, involving prayer, community, and honest self-assessment.
How does "Called to Create" address the relationship between faith and work?
- Work as Worship: The book teaches that work was designed by God as an act of worship, both before and after the Fall.
- No Sacred/Secular Divide: Raynor challenges the idea that only "full-time ministry" is truly spiritual, arguing that all work can be meaningful and God-honoring.
- Biblical Examples: The book highlights biblical figures like Bezalel (artisan), Jesus (carpenter), and Paul (tentmaker) as models of integrating faith and work.
- Practical Application: Readers are encouraged to see their daily work as a means of serving God and others, not just earning a living.
What are the main challenges Christian entrepreneurs face, according to "Called to Create"?
- Trust vs. Hustle: Balancing hard work ("hustle") with trusting God for results, rather than relying solely on personal effort.
- Responding to Failure: Embracing vulnerability, hope, and transparency in the face of inevitable setbacks and failures.
- Renewing the Mind: Regularly renewing perspective through communion with God, partners, and Christian community to resist worldly motivations.
- Rest and Sabbath: Practicing true rest and Sabbath as an act of trust, recognizing that God—not us—is ultimately in control.
How does "Called to Create" suggest Christians should approach what they create?
- Reveal God’s Character: Products and services should reflect God’s creativity, excellence, and love.
- Love Others: The ultimate test for what to create is whether it genuinely serves and loves others, not just meets market demand.
- Cultural Impact: Christian entrepreneurs are encouraged to disrupt negative cultural trends and promote positive ones, aiming for "impact market fit" rather than just product-market fit.
- Examples: The book cites C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, Scott Harrison’s Charity: Water, and Arthur Guinness’s brewery as examples of creations that reveal God’s character and love.
What does "Called to Create" teach about how Christians should create and run their ventures?
- Excellence in Everything: Strive for excellence as a reflection of God’s character, not just for competitive advantage.
- People Over Profit: Prioritize the well-being and development of people—employees, customers, and communities—over maximizing profit.
- Holistic Integration: Faith should permeate every aspect of the business, not just be tacked on through symbols or slogans.
- Practical Examples: Companies like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger are highlighted for integrating faith into their operations and culture.
What is the biblical purpose of profit, according to "Called to Create"?
- Stewardship, Not Ownership: Profits are seen as resources entrusted by God, not personal rewards to be hoarded.
- Three Purposes: Profits can be given away (generosity), reinvested in the business (to love and serve more people), or invested in other ventures and entrepreneurs.
- Conduit for Abundance: Entrepreneurs are called to be conduits of God’s abundance, using profits to bless others and advance God’s kingdom.
- Examples of Generosity: Stories of Cher Wang (HTC), the Barnhart brothers, and Arthur Guinness illustrate different ways to steward profit for God’s purposes.
How does "Called to Create" connect entrepreneurship with the Great Commission and making disciples?
- Workplace as Mission Field: Entrepreneurs have unique opportunities to create jobs, build relationships, and influence culture for Christ.
- Discipleship Through Work: The book encourages loving people, speaking the gospel, and teaching biblical truths through daily business interactions.
- Paul as a Model: The apostle Paul’s tentmaking is presented as a model for using business as a platform for discipleship.
- Practical Strategies: Building genuine relationships, blessing others, and integrating faith into leadership and company culture are key methods.
What does "Called to Create" say about the eternal significance of our work and creations?
- New Creation Theology: The book teaches that the new heaven and new earth will include culture, work, and possibly the best of our creations.
- Reversal of Babel: Isaiah 60 and Revelation 21 are cited to show that the "glory and honor of the nations"—the best of human culture—will be brought into the New Jerusalem.
- Work That Lasts: Christians are encouraged to create with excellence and eternal perspective, aiming for their work to be an offering to God.
- Motivation for Today: Knowing that our work can have eternal significance should inspire us to create for God’s glory, not just for temporal success.
What are the best quotes from "Called to Create" by Jordan Raynor, and what do they mean?
- "God was the first entrepreneur. He brought something out of nothing. He established order out of chaos. He created for the good of others."
- This quote sets the theological foundation for the book, positioning creativity and entrepreneurship as reflections of God’s character.
- "An entrepreneur is anyone who takes a risk to create something new for the good of others."
- Raynor’s inclusive definition broadens the scope of who can see themselves as called to create.
- "Our work can only be a calling if someone calls us to it and we work for their sake and not our own."
- This emphasizes the importance of working for God’s glory and others’ good, not self-promotion.
- "If we create to make a name for ourselves, we will never be satisfied. We will never feel as if our work is more than a job, a true calling on our lives."
- Raynor warns against self-centered motivations, advocating for a higher purpose in work.
- "Create in a way that our work can never be confused as a mere ‘job.’ Create in a way that clearly conveys to ourselves and the world that we work sacrificially for someone else. We work for the One who has called us to create."
- The book’s final charge, urging readers to pursue their work as a sacred calling and act of worship.
Review Summary
Called to Create receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its biblical perspective on entrepreneurship and creativity. Many found it inspiring and helpful for understanding how faith intersects with business and creative pursuits. Some readers appreciated the stories of Christian entrepreneurs and the emphasis on glorifying God through work. However, a few reviewers felt misled by the title, expecting more focus on artistic creativity rather than business. Overall, the book is highly recommended for Christian entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to align their work with their faith.
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