"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." : Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

The CEO Meeting You’re Probably Missing

Have you ever felt like you were leading your business alone? You’re making the calls, balancing the books, and managing the team, but the weight of every decision sits squarely on your shoulders. It’s exhausting. We often talk about "integrating faith and business," but for many of us, that just means saying a quick grace over our lunch or listening to a worship song between sales calls.

What if your faith wasn't just a sidecar to your business? What if it was the engine?

In our very first episode of the Christian Business Growth Podcast, I sat down with my good friend and veteran real estate pro, Steve Hendry. Steve’s journey is a masterclass in how biblical principles for business aren't just Sunday School concepts: they are the most practical growth strategies you’ll ever find.

Steve didn't start at the top. He started as a bartender who was skeptical about faith. But when he surrendered his life: and his career: to Christ, everything changed. We’re diving into his story today to show you how prayer, lifelong relationships, and radical trust can transform your "job" into a Kingdom-building machine.

From Skepticism to a Relationship-First Business

Steve entered real estate in 1979. If you think today’s market is tough, imagine trying to sell houses when interest rates were hitting 16%. He was a bartender looking for a "real job," and he wasn't exactly looking for God.

But as he listened to mentors like Zig Ziglar and local pastors, he realized that the complexity of the world: and the complexity of business: pointed toward a Creator. Once Steve established a real relationship with Jesus, his view of "work" shifted. It wasn't about the transaction anymore; it was about the person.

This is the heart of faith-based entrepreneurship. It’s the realization that God has called you into the marketplace not just to make a living, but to make an impact.

Summary & Lyle’s Coaching Tips from Episode #1

Steve and I covered a lot of ground in this episode. Here are the three massive takeaways that every Christian entrepreneur needs to hear today.

1. Treat Prayer Like a Board Meeting

Steve doesn't just "say prayers." He has a conversation. He literally views God as his CEO.

Lyle’s Coaching Tip: Most of us treat prayer as a last resort when things go wrong. Steve treats it as his primary strategy session.

• The Action: Before you open your laptop tomorrow, sit down with your "CEO." Ask God: "Who should I call today? What decisions am I making out of fear instead of faith?" Then: this is the hard part: listen. If you want christian leadership in business to mean something, you have to be led by the Spirit before you try to lead your staff.

2. Relationships are Your Greatest Capital

One thing I’ve always admired about Steve is his "Forever Friend" model. He still has friends from kindergarten! In a world where everyone is looking for the next "lead" or "funnel," Steve is looking for a lifelong connection.

Lyle’s Coaching Tip: High-tech is great, but high-touch wins in the Kingdom.

• The Action: Look through your current client list. Who haven't you spoken to in six months? Reach out to them today: not to sell them something, but to check on them. This is how you build a business that honors God: you value the person more than the profit.

3. Trust is the Foundation of Every Transaction

Steve mentioned that buying or selling a home is one of the most stressful things a person can do. He builds trust by praying with his clients. Whether they are believers or not, they feel his genuine care for them.

Lyle’s Coaching Tip: Trust is the real currency of business. If people don't trust you, they won't buy from you.

• The Action: Where can you be more transparent in your sales process? How can you apply biblical principles for business by being radically honest, even if it costs you a short-term sale? That integrity builds long-term wealth.

Community: The Missing Ingredient

One of the most powerful parts of Steve’s story is how he helped start the DFW Christian Business Network. He realized that entrepreneurs often feel like they’re on an island.

We weren't meant to do business alone. When we come together: not for networking "leads" but for mutual edification and prayer: something supernatural happens. I’ve seen business owners in the same industry literally put their arms around each other and pray for each other's success. That’s the Christian Business Revolution in action.

Conclusion: Start Somewhere

Steve’s message is simple: Start somewhere. You don't have to have a perfect "ministry" within your business on day one. You just need to start viewing your work as a calling.

When you treat God as your CEO and your clients as your brothers and sisters, the "growth" part of business becomes a byproduct of your obedience.

As Steve says, "Your life will change dramatically."

Listen to the Full Episode

Ready to hear the full story? You can listen to the entire conversation with Steve Hendry on the Christian Business Growth Podcast episode page here or search for "Christian Business Growth Podcast" on your favorite player.

Ready to align your business with God’s design?
If you’re tired of the "growth at any cost" mentality and want to build something that lasts, let's talk. Check out our Christian Business Coaching and Training resources to see how we can help you grow with clarity and purpose.

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What’s one decision in your business you need to take to your "CEO" today? Let me know in the comments!