BUILDING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY
November 8, 2019

Greed, ignorance, indifference. Three words that are vastly different, yet one could argue are equally wrong. Try to imagine a life more focused on what one can do for themselves rather than what one can do for others. Or, try to imagine a life so caught up in one's own work that little thought or care is given to the needs of anyone else. The problem with these statements is that they are too often a reality in the day to day lives of people and organizations.


Before we know it, a lack of generosity or even a lack of service can become real to us. The real problem is not a lack of character or a lack of good morals. Rather, more often than not, the true problem for Christian leaders regarding a lack of generosity is a lack of intentionality.

Ventrac is a manufacturer of compact tractors located in Orrville, Ohio. In 2018, for their twentieth anniversary, Ventrac tried to think of something they could do to give back. For them, it wasn't enough to provide quality products and service to their customers. It wasn’t enough to provide jobs and well-being for their employees and their families. They wanted to do something that would allow them to express the culture of generosity that has existed in the Steiner family for generations.


Anniversary Celebration

For their twentieth anniversary, the leadership team at Ventrac did not only celebrate within their own company, but they also joined together to answer the question, "How can we do something for someone else?". In response to that question, everyone in the company decided that together they would donate a brand new tractor to a YWAM base in Kyiv, Ukraine. A Christian base that ministers to orphans, women, and everyone in between.


Using what they had to offer, Ventrac provided a tractor that could clear feet of snow and acres of grass. No, Ventrac didn't change the lives of the children at the YWAM base. No, they didn't end world hunger or solve the refugee crisis. BUT, they intentionally chose to give what they had, and modeled generosity and the love of Jesus to those in need. 


Generosity

So, what would happen if generosity was an intentional choice that you made every day. What would happen if generosity became so woven into the DNA of your organization that your culture could actually be built upon it? It is time to start freely and intentionally offering the things that you have to enhance the lives of others.


Whether it be endless energy, reliability, or anything in between, every single one of you has something unique to give that no one else does. Every organization reading this has something to offer that no one else has. A product, a skillset, finances, stability.


Proverbs 11:24 says, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."



What if you made an intentional effort to look for opportunities to give away the things you've been given? Let's decide to be great stewards of the things that God has given each of us. When the culture of one life, one family, or one organization is built upon the foundation of multiplicative generosity, then this world will become a much better place.

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .