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I’ve mentioned Ecclesiastical Ventures many times on the pod and in our CF Guild calls. Now we are finally breaking down what an Ecclesiastical Venture is, and how we can bring them back.
We really appreciate Mark taking the time to share his learnings — we hope this inspires you.
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You Can Run a Profitable Business Even if Your First Objective is Not Profit
The underlying principle of an Ecclesiastical Venture is that we are not focused soley on profit. We are focused on using the venture to get to heaven. We build our way of life around the goal of heaven.
Daily mass — prayer throughout the day — a spiritual director — etc. All of these things are in service of eternity. But most secular business owners wouldn’t consider these a good ROI.
When you focus on what truly matters most (heaven) first, you’re actually doing yourself a favor because you’re putting the right things first. Doing so has very positive downstream effects. Because when you do the right thing in one area you do it in others.
“When you dedicate it to God or you surrender it to Him, He’s in charge. And I’ve learned that you can abandon it, right? You can abandon this commitment... But you can’t undo it. You’ve given it over to God, now He’s in charge.”
“Their goal was not profit. Their goal was not success. Their goal was a salvation of its founders, managers, and employees. That was the purpose of work.”
“It’s like a magnet. People say, I want that. I want to be in that environment. I want to be with those people... And then over the course, they realize, hey, wow, it’s Jesus. And then when they recognize that, they convert.”
“The primary objective is salvation. Life is short. So where do want your eternal soul to go? And that’s really what they were focused on, and worshiping God, and living a penitent lifestyle.”
“Every day you should be growing, becoming more holy. The environment is one in which you’re sanctifying yourself and others and your work.”
“You’re never gonna outdo God in generosity. Well, when God sees that you’re so detached from this stuff, He knows He can entrust you to do the right things with His wealth.”
Key Moments: (outline)
00:00 - Introduction and Mark Wilson’s Background
04:02 - Discovery and History of Ecclesiastical Ventures
08:26 - Core Purpose: Salvation Over Profit
17:28 - Characteristics of Ecclesiastical Ventures
22:06 - Examples and Impact of Ecclesiastical Ventures
33:10 - Managing Finances and Tithing
40:21 - How to Rebuild Ecclesiastical Ventures Today
45:47 - Trusting God and the Role of Faith
52:39 - Future Vision and Contact Information
59:39 - Conclusion
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Discussion about this video
Catholic Founders
Catholic Founders is where Catholic Entrepreneurs and Business Owners go to learn how to integrate their faith into every aspect of how they run their business and life as a Catholic AND as a Founder.
In modern times, it's become more unclear than ever how to unite our faith with our work. It's even harder when you run a business. However, just as there is a holy way to live, there is a holy way to build and run our businesses.
Fundamentally, our skills were given to us by God so that we may become instruments of His will. These skills are not for our own use. Therefore, to waste or misuse them is a grave thing. This entire project is born out of a deep belief in this truth.
Catholic Founders is where Catholic Entrepreneurs and Business Owners go to learn how to integrate their faith into every aspect of how they run their business and life as a Catholic AND as a Founder.
In modern times, it's become more unclear than ever how to unite our faith with our work. It's even harder when you run a business. However, just as there is a holy way to live, there is a holy way to build and run our businesses.
Fundamentally, our skills were given to us by God so that we may become instruments of His will. These skills are not for our own use. Therefore, to waste or misuse them is a grave thing. This entire project is born out of a deep belief in this truth.
