ONE BODY, ONE VOICE, SERVING ONE GOD
In recent weeks, I’ve been privileged to share a message of “Faith, Foundation, and Freedom” across the country. As I talk about charting a course for American business, the feedback has been incredible.
The people I’ve met and the stories I’ve heard of businesses embodying these principles amid adversity have not only confirmed the urgency of our message but have also illuminated the path we must take together.
Our foundational truths and today’s challenges
Our nation, rooted in the bedrock of faith and founded on the foundation of Jesus Christ, was built with a vision of religious freedom. Yet, we find ourselves in a paradox where the very principles of our founding seem distant echoes.
The decline of Christianity in America has been marked by a corresponding rise in animosity towards Christian values and businesses. This shift towards secularism and away from traditional religious affiliations is not just a statistic; it’s a palpable change affecting us all.
Christian businesses today face unprecedented challenges. Deplatforming, debanking and outright bullying have become all too common. The narratives of website designers, cake makers, and other businesses forced to take their fight for religious freedom to the Supreme Court are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader culture of persecution that demands our attention and action.
How did we get here?
The road to our current situation has been paved with subversive language and actions. Terms and movements such as DEI, ESG, CRT, women’s health and others have been weaponized against our core beliefs.
We are living in a country that prioritized liquor stores as essential businesses over churches during COVID shutdowns. Our media celebrates behaviors and lifestyles with which we disagree. Sadly, we have been inadvertently supporting those who oppose God’s teachings by doing business with individuals and companies who do not share our values.
Even the Christian community has faced division, detracting from our collective mission and sense of unity and community.
A call to action
In our book Kingdom Commerce: Leaders Impacting Culture through Faith and Action, 28 authors advocate for unity and action among Christian business leaders. The message is clear: if we do not band together, the future is bleak.
Our culture’s swift movement against families and faith highlights an urgent need for united resistance. The upcoming U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce Expo and Global Conference in Orlando is not just an event; it’s a rallying point. Here, over 500 Christian business owners will unite, sharing faith and strategies to reclaim our place in the market.
The journey forward
As I’ve traveled and shared these truths, the stories of resilience and faith have been both heart-wrenching and inspiring. They serve as a reminder that our mission is not only critical but achievable. The fight for our businesses and values is a testament to the strength found in unity and faith.
This year, let us convene with purpose at the Expo. It’s an opportunity to forge alliances, gain insights, and stand firm in our faith. Together, we can chart a course towards reclaiming our nation’s free market economy, grounded in the biblical principles that have guided us since our founding.
Your presence is vital. Join us in taking a stand for our faith, our freedom and our future.
