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Called to Build episodes

  • Servant Leadership in Business: How Jesus Led & How Christian CEOs Can Too

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    Discover the transformative power of servant leadership in business through the ultimate example: Jesus Christ. In this episode, we explore how Christian entrepreneurs and business owners can lead like Jesus by embracing humility, service, and kingdom-minded purpose.

    What You'll Learn:

    The biblical foundation of servant leadership and why it matters in business
    How Jesus demonstrated servant-hearted leadership by washing his disciples' feet
    Practical ways to lead with humility in your company (Philippians 2:3-4)
    Building a kingdom-purpose vision for your business
    How to empower and develop your team like Jesus trained his disciples
    The critical role of integrity and trustworthiness in Christian business
    Real-world examples like Chick-fil-A's commitment to biblical principles

    Key Principles from This Episode:

    1. The Heart of a Servant - Jesus modeled servant leadership in John 13:12-17 when he washed his disciples' feet. As Christian business owners, we're called to serve our employees, customers, and clients rather than viewing them as stepping stones to success.
    2. Lead with Humility - True leadership means valuing others above yourself, being willing to listen, learn, and admit mistakes. Humble leadership fosters respect and collaboration.
    3. Vision with Kingdom Purpose - Jesus was intentional about his mission (Luke 19:10). Your business should align with God's purposes, measuring success not just in revenue but in positive impact on employees, customers, and community.
    4. Empower and Develop Others - Jesus equipped his disciples to lead and continue his work. Invest in mentoring, coaching, and developing your team's leadership abilities.
    5. Demonstrate Integrity - Jesus lived with absolute integrity. As Proverbs 11:3 says, "The integrity of the upright guides them." Conduct business in a way that honors God through honesty and keeping your promises.

    Why Servant Leadership Matters:

    In a world that glorifies self-centered leadership, Christian business owners have a unique opportunity to shine by following Jesus' example. Servant leadership rooted in humility, integrity, and empowerment creates businesses that succeed while glorifying God.

    Take Action Today:

    Evaluate your leadership style. Are you prioritizing service over status? Are you building up those around you? By embracing Jesus' model of leadership, you can create lasting impact in your business and in the lives of those you serve.

    Free Resource:

    Download the Purpose Driven Success Guide to help align your business with biblical principles: https://biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    Connect & Subscribe:

    🎧 Subscribe to the Called to Build Podcast: https://calledtobuild.buzzsprout.com

    🌐 Visit: https://carlwillis.com

    True success comes not from being served, but from serving others well. Remember, aligning your business with kingdom leadership principles starts by following the example of Jesus.

    #servantleadership  #ChristianBusiness #KingdomLeadership #ChristianEntrepreneur #BiblicalLeadership #LeadLikeJesus #FaithInBusiness #ChristianCEO #BusinessMinistry #KingdomBusiness #ChristianLeadership #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #BiblicalPrinciples #ChristianBusinessOwner #MinistryLeadership #CalledToBuild #PurposeDrivenBusiness #ServantLeader #HumbleLeadership #IntegrityInBusiness

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    10 min
  • The AI Question Every Christian Entrepreneur Must Answer (Before It's Too Late)

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    Is AI a blessing or a threat to your faith-based business? As Christian entrepreneurs, we face a critical choice: harness AI wisely or risk losing the personal touch that makes our businesses truly kingdom-minded.

    In this episode, we explore the ethical use of AI automation for Christian entrepreneurs who want to work smarter without sacrificing the relationships and integrity that define faith-driven leadership.

    📖 What You'll Discover:
    ✅ Biblical principles for integrating AI into your business
    ✅ 4 key areas where AI can bless your entrepreneurship
    ✅ How to avoid replacing personal relationships with automation
    ✅ Ethical guardrails every Christian business owner needs
    ✅ Practical steps to implement AI with integrity today

    ⏱️ Timestamps:
    0:00 - Introduction: The AI Crossroads for Christian Entrepreneurs
    0:46 - Ethical Concerns: Is AI Dehumanizing Business?
    2:08 - Biblical Principles for AI Integration
    3:13 - Stewardship: Using Technology Wisely (Matthew 25:23)
    3:48 - Integrity: Keeping Ethics at the Forefront (Proverbs 11:3)
    5:00 - Human Connection: AI Should Enhance, Not Replace (Romans 12:10)
    5:43 - Area 1: Marketing & Customer Engagement
    6:49 - Area 2: Business Operations & Productivity
    7:29 - Area 3: Financial & Investment Strategies
    7:58 - Area 4: Ministry & Outreach Opportunities
    9:14 - Ethical Considerations for Christian Entrepreneurs
    11:40 - Protecting Privacy & Data Security
    12:41 - Practical Action Steps to Implement AI Today
    14:50 - Final Wisdom: Pray Before You Implement

    🎯 Key Takeaway:
    AI is a tool, not a replacement. When anchored in faith, integrity, and authentic engagement, AI can help you serve better, work smarter, and advance God's kingdom in the marketplace.

    📥 FREE RESOURCE:
    Download the Purpose Driven Success Guide: https://biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    Learn More:
    https://carlwillis.com/leveraging-ai-automation-for-christian-entrepreneurs-work-smarter-not-harder/

    💡 Action Steps:

    Identify one repetitive task to automate this week
    Set a "human-first" rule for your business
    Pray for wisdom before implementing any AI tools

    If this episode helped you navigate the AI question with biblical wisdom, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and share this with a fellow Christian entrepreneur who needs to hear this message!

    #ChristianEntrepreneur #AIForBusiness #FaithDrivenBusiness #ChristianBusiness #BiblicalBusiness #KingdomBusiness #ChristianLeadership #AIEthics #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianMinistry #BusinessAutomation #FaithBasedEntrepreneur #ChristianBusinessOwner #CalledToBuild #PurposeDrivenBusiness

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    18 min
  • How to Share Your Business Testimony: Storytelling Strategies for Christian Entrepreneurs

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    Discover the power of storytelling in marketing and learn how to craft a compelling business testimony that connects with your audience and grows your faith-based business.

    In today's crowded digital marketplace, facts and figures alone won't win customers. People crave connection, authenticity, and meaning. That's why the most successful brands don't just sell—they tell stories. For Christian entrepreneurs and ministry leaders, your business testimony is a powerful tool to communicate your mission, values, and purpose while building lasting relationships with your audience.

    In this episode, you'll learn:
    ✅ Why storytelling matters in Christian business marketing
    ✅ How to craft your compelling business testimony
    ✅ The key elements of effective brand storytelling
    ✅ How Jesus used parables to communicate deep truths
    ✅ Practical ways to share your story through video, blogging, and social media
    ✅ How to position your customer as the hero of their journey
    ✅ Best practices for SEO-optimized storytelling strategies

    Your business testimony is more than just a marketing tool—it's a ministry. Every challenge you've faced, every victory you've experienced, and every life you've impacted is part of the bigger narrative God is weaving through your business.

    📥 FREE RESOURCE: Download the Purpose Driven Success Guide at https://biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Listen to Called to Build on all major podcast platforms at https://calledtobuild.buzzsprout.com/

    🌐 CONNECT WITH US: Visit https://carlwillis.com for more resources


    #ChristianEntrepreneur #BusinessTestimony #StorytellingMarketing #FaithBasedBusiness #ChristianBusiness #KingdomBusiness #BrandStorytelling #ChristianMarketing #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #BusinessMinistry #ChristianLeadership #EntrepreneurialJourney #MarketingStrategies #ChristianBusinessOwner #MinistryLeaders #CalledToBuild #PurposeDrivenBusiness #BiblicalBusiness #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianContentCreator

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    10 min
  • The Fine Line Between Faith and Stupidity in Business (And How to Know Which Side You're On)

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    Making business decisions as a Christian entrepreneur shouldn't feel like a guessing game. Should you take that risk? Expand your company? Or wait on God's timing? There's a fine line between faith and stupidity—and knowing which side you're on is often the biggest challenge.

    In this episode, I'm sharing practical guidance on trusting God in business decisions, from surrendering control to hearing His voice in your entrepreneurship journey. Whether you're struggling with fear, seeking divine direction, or trying to balance faith with strategy, this message is for you.

    What You'll Learn:

    Why faith matters more than data in business success
    How to surrender your business plans to God (and actually mean it)
    Practical ways to hear God's voice in major decisions
    The 5-Day Seeking God in Business Challenge
    How to overcome fear and make bold, faith-driven choices
    Daily habits every Christian entrepreneur needs

    Featured Biblical Examples:

    Joseph's divine wisdom in managing Egypt's economy
    Nehemiah's prayer and fasting before leadership decisions
    Peter walking on water (and what happens when we look at the storm)

    Chick-fil-A's faith-based business model

    True success comes when we seek God first and align ourselves with His plans. While market trends and analytics have their place, divine wisdom exceeds human understanding every time.

    Ready to grow your faith-driven business?
    🎙️ Subscribe to the Called to Build Podcast for more episodes

    Join the Challenge:
    Try the 5-Day Seeking God in Business Challenge mentioned in this episode and watch how God transforms your entrepreneurial journey.

    Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

    #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithBasedBusiness #TrustingGod #ChristianBusiness #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #BiblicalBusiness #KingdomBusiness #ChristianLeadership #BusinessMinistry #CalledToBuild #EntrepreneurialFaith #GodlyBusiness #ChristianBusinessOwner #FaithOverFear #DivineGuidance

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    10 min
  • How to Set Spiritual and Business Goals That Change Your Life | 5 Steps for Christian Entrepreneurs

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    Are you ready to align your business ambitions with your spiritual purpose? Discover how to set powerful goals that integrate faith and entrepreneurship for lasting success.

    In this episode of the Called to Build podcast, you'll learn a proven 5-step framework for spiritual goal setting that transforms both your business and your walk with God:

    ✅ Step 1: Evaluate Your Journey - Reflect on what worked, what didn't, and where God guided you
    ✅ Step 2: Set Clear Spiritual Goals - Daily scripture, community building, and purposeful service
    ✅ Step 3: Define Business Objectives - Understanding your ideal customer and refining your marketing
    ✅ Step 4: Integrate Faith with Business - Biblical decision-making principles that unlock powerful results
    ✅ Step 5: Overcome Challenges - Handle failure, financial pressures, and uncertainty with faith

    Learn how Proverbs 16:3, Matthew 6:33, and other scriptures can guide your goal-setting process. Plus, discover practical tools, accountability strategies, and faith-based decision-making tips that successful Christian entrepreneurs use to create lasting impact.

    Whether you're a Christian business owner, ministry leader, or faith-driven entrepreneur, this episode will help you create meaningful goals that honor God while growing your business.

    📖 Resources Mentioned:

    Internet Marketing for Small Business (book)
    Desolate Places (book)
    Lessons from the Storm (book)
    Purpose to Impact Coaching Program

    🎧 SUBSCRIBE to the Called to Build podcast for weekly faith-based business strategies!

    👍 Like this video and share with fellow Christian entrepreneurs!

    #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithBasedBusiness #SpiritualGoals #GoalSetting #ChristianBusiness

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    11 min
  • Biblical Financial Principles for Entrepreneurs: Tithing, Saving & Investing for Kingdom Impact

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    Discover how biblical financial principles can transform your business and deepen your faith. In this episode of the Called to Build podcast, we explore God's wisdom on tithing, saving, and investing—and how these practices lead to unprecedented success and kingdom significance.

    🙏 What You'll Learn:

    • Why tithing is a pathway to blessing and divine provision
    • Biblical strategies for saving and preparing for uncertainty
    • How to multiply kingdom resources through wise investing
    • Balancing money and ministry in your entrepreneurial journey
    • Managing debt with biblical clarity and freedom
    • Cultivating a resilient, faith-driven entrepreneurship mindset

    From Truett Cathy's Sunday closure principle to Joseph's foresight in saving, scripture provides entrepreneurs with timeless wisdom for building businesses that honor God and serve His greater purposes. As a former financial advisor and pastor who has served congregations across Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Texas, I've witnessed miraculous transformations when entrepreneurs faithfully apply these biblical principles.

    💡 Key Scripture References:

    • Malachi 3:10 - Testing God through tithing
    • Proverbs 21:20 - The wisdom of saving
    • Matthew 25:14-30 - The parable of the talents
    • Psalm 24:1 - Everything belongs to God

    If you can trust God with eternity, you can trust Him with your finances. That 10% is really about your heart—saying "God, I trust you with everything."

    Ready to align your entrepreneurial vision with your God-given purpose? Subscribe to the Called to Build podcast and Carl Willis' YouTube channel for more faith-driven business insights that will help you go from purpose to impact.

    📚 Mentioned Resources:

    • "Troubles of a Righteous Man"
    • "Lessons from the Storm"
    • Purpose to Impact Coaching Program

    #ChristianEntrepreneur #BiblicalFinance #FaithDrivenBusiness #CalledToBuild #KingdomBusiness

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    15 min
  • Turning Adversity Into Opportunity: Biblical Leadership Lessons for Christian Entrepreneurs

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    Facing a storm in your business or ministry? Discover how to transform adversity into your greatest opportunity for growth.

    In this episode, we explore the profound lessons that challenges and hardships teach us as Christian leaders and entrepreneurs. Drawing from biblical wisdom and real-life experience—including surviving the devastating Hoisington, Kansas tornado—you'll learn how to navigate life's storms with faith, resilience, and purpose.

    What You'll Learn:

    Why adversity is inevitable and how to prepare spiritually for life's challenges
    The difference between responding with fear versus faith during trials
    How storms reveal and refine your character as a leader
    Practical strategies to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success
    The entrepreneurial mindset that sees closed doors as new opportunities
    How your struggles position you to inspire and serve others
    Biblical principles for building unshakable faith during difficult seasons

    Key Scriptures Referenced:

    1 Peter 4:12 - Don't be surprised by fiery trials
    2 Timothy 1:7 - God gives us power, love, and self-discipline
    Genesis 50:20 - What was meant for evil, God uses for good
    Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens
    Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength
    Psalm 30:5 - Joy comes in the morning

    Action Steps:
    Journal your current challenges and identify how God might be using this season to prepare you for something greater. Reflect on past storms that strengthened your faith and apply those lessons to your present circumstances.

    Get the Book:
    Dive deeper into these principles with "Lessons from the Storm" - a powerful story of survival, faith, and biblical wisdom for turning life's trials into triumphs.

    📖 Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I1KYHBE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I1KYHBE&linkCode=as2&tag=heamarxpr-20&linkId=VD2T2IKPGXOQEUNQ

    Whether you're navigating financial struggles, relationship challenges, ministry setbacks, or personal loss, this episode will equip you with the faith-based tools to emerge stronger, wiser, and more prepared for your next season of leadership.

    Subscribe to Called to Build for more biblical wisdom and practical guidance for Christian entrepreneurs, business owners, and ministry leaders who are building Kingdom impact through their work.


    #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithInBusiness #ChristianLeadership #OvercomingAdversity #BiblicalWisdom #CalledToBuild #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianBusiness #KingdomEntrepreneur #LeadershipDevelopment #SpiritualGrowth #ResilienceThroughFaith #ChristianMinistry #EntrepreneurialMindset #FaithOverFear

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    16 min
  • Video Marketing for Christian Entrepreneurs: How to Grow Your Faith-Based Business | Carl Willis

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    Discover how to harness the power of video marketing to grow your Christian business or ministry! In this episode, Carl Willis shares proven strategies for faith-based entrepreneurs who want to expand their reach, increase engagement, and boost conversions through video content.

    What You'll Learn:
    ✅ Why video marketing is essential for Christian entrepreneurs in 2024
    ✅ 6 types of video content that drive real growth (explainer videos, testimonials, live streams & more)
    ✅ How to create high-quality videos on a budget using simple tools
    ✅ Best platforms for distributing your video content (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn)
    ✅ SEO optimization strategies to help your videos rank higher
    ✅ How to repurpose one video into multiple pieces of content
    ✅ Common video marketing mistakes to avoid

    Whether you're a Christian entrepreneur, small business owner, or ministry leader, this video will equip you with practical strategies to leverage video marketing for Kingdom impact and business growth.

    📊 Key Statistics:

    Businesses using video see 49% faster revenue growth
    Video emails can increase open rates by 300%
    75% of video views happen on mobile devices

    🎯 Ready to Take Action?

    🔗 Visit Carl Willis: https://carlwillis.com

    🎓 Join the Home Business Academy: Start your online business with comprehensive training, tools, and support  - https://thehba.app/intro/carlwillis?TID=YTvideomarketing

    📱 Connect With Carl Willis:
    Subscribe to this channel for more faith-based business training and marketing strategies that honor God while growing your business.

    💬 Let's Discuss:
    What's your biggest challenge with video marketing? Drop a comment below and let's help each other grow!

    TIMESTAMPS:
    0:00 - Introduction: The Power of Video Marketing
    0:33 - Why Video Marketing is Essential for Growth
    2:15 - Types of Video Content That Drive Results
    4:42 - Creating High-Quality Videos on a Budget
    6:14 - Choosing the Right Platforms for Distribution
    7:46 - SEO Optimization Strategies for Video
    9:19 - Video Advertising for Rapid Growth
    10:20 - Repurposing Video Content for Maximum Impact
    11:23 - Common Video Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
    12:32 - Conclusion & Next Steps

    #VideoMarketing #ChristianEntrepreneurs #FaithBasedBusiness #ChristianBusiness #ChristianMarketing #OnlineBusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketing #ChristianBusinessOwner #MinistryGrowth #KingdomBusiness #ContentMarketing #ChristianLeadership #EntrepreneurshipForChrist #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianContentCreator #VideoMarketingStrategy #SocialMediaMarketing #YouTubeMarketing #ChristianMinistry #BusinessGrowth #OnlineMarketing #ChristianInfluencer #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #CalledToBuild #CarlWillis #HomeBusinessAcademy #ChristianSuccess #BiblicalBusiness #PurposeDrivenBusiness

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    16 min
  • From Homeless to Kingdom Impact: Carl Willis on Building Faith-Driven Businesses That Make Disciples

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    Episode Description

    In this interview from Believers Building Businesses, host Craig Clutts talks with Carl Willis—former police officer, pastor, and founder of Simplicity Marketing—who shares his journey from homelessness to building businesses that make disciples globally.

    Carl started his business empire in a friend's spare bedroom on a borrowed laptop. Through failure and faith, he discovered entrepreneurship isn't about money—it's about making disciples through the marketplace.


    Show Notes


    You're Never Ready

    • You're going to fail—get comfortable with it
    • Failure is feedback: fail fast, fail forward
    • What you don't see: 40 failures before success
    • Success unlocks next set of challenges


    The 80/20 Rule

    • 20% of efforts → 80% of results
    • Find your 20% and focus there


    You're God's Pipeline

    • Service mindset makes us give everything away
    • You're called to serve AND resource
    • Raise your money thermostat
    • Prayer: "Make me the most efficient pipeline"


    Be the Neurosurgeon

    • Don't blast message; become the expert
    • Provide value via content
    • Audience comes to you pre-positioned to buy
    • Specialist's advice followed without price objections


    Ask "WHO" Not "How"

    • Stop asking "How do I do this?"
    • Ask: "Who needs to be with me?"
    • 99% of time, answer is WHO
    • Could be mentor, coach, partner, book


    Real Purpose: Make Disciples

    • Business puts you in contact with people
    • Jesus uses your life to engage theirs
    • Carl's business took him to 8+ countries
    • "Use me. Make me Your biggest pipeline."


    Key Takeaways

    ✓ Failure is feedback—fail fast and forward ✓ Focus on your 20% producing 80% of results ✓ You're God's pipeline—raise your money thermostat ✓ Position as specialist; attract ideal clients ✓ Ask "WHO?" not "how" ✓ Real purpose: make disciples through marketplace


    Action Items

    1. Launch despite fear—fail fast and learn
    2. Identify your 20%; eliminate the rest
    3. Ask "WHO needs to be with me?"
    4. Create content positioning you as expert
    5. Daily prayer: "Use me as Your pipeline"

    Download free guide at https://biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    Remember: Failure is feedback. Ask "WHO?" Make disciples.

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    32 min
  • From Addiction to Purpose: How Andy Johnson Rebuilt His Business on Biblical Principles

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    In this powerful episode of Called to Build, host Carl sits down with Andy Johnson, founder of Bottomline Development Group, for an intimate conversation about redemption, recovery, and rebuilding a business on biblical principles. After 22 years in executive leadership, Andy's journey took him through the darkness of addiction to a transformative encounter with God's restorative power.

    Andy opens up about how outward success masked inner brokenness, the pivotal moment by his pool when God redirected his consulting path, and how a sermon about Barnabas became his second chance. Now over four years in recovery, Andy is building a unique consulting practice that integrates faith, stewardship, and purpose—helping Christian business leaders scale their companies while developing their people.

    This conversation tackles the loneliness of leadership, the epidemic of addiction among business owners, and practical ways to align your business with God's design. Whether you're struggling with hidden battles, feeling stuck in firefighting mode, or simply wanting to integrate your faith more fully into your work, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and actionable steps forward.


    Key Timestamps

    00:00 - Introduction: Success that masks challenges and God's rebuilding process

    01:21 - Andy's 22-year journey in executive leadership and early commitment to sound business acumen

    02:25 - Discovering "Business by the Book" and first steps toward faith-business integration (circa 2000)

    03:20 - The pool-side revelation: God's calling to consult rather than work for one company

    04:43 - Derailment through alcoholism and the Barnabas sermon that offered restoration (2021)

    06:13 - Helping leaders align faith values with everyday business demands

    08:00 - What scaling with purpose and stewardship really means (not just 10x growth)

    09:39 - The BDG People Engine: Embedding stewardship of time, talents, and money

    11:23 - Navigating seasons of waiting and the "who" that shows up in the wilderness

    14:39 - Building the bridge between 12-step recovery and the church

    17:33 - The hidden epidemic: addiction rates among business owners and CEOs

    19:35 - The four pillars: culture, process adherence, sustainable systems, and planning

    20:09 - First steps out of firefighting mode: planning and delegation

    23:52 - How success hides inner brokenness and warning signs to watch for

    27:18 - How faith reshapes reality: giving God our will moment by moment

    28:23 - Defining legacy: being a conduit for others to find or grow in Christ

    30:33 - Embracing wilderness seasons: lessons from Paul on contentment

    33:06 - The most important shift: seek wise counsel from believers grounded in God's Word

    35:12 - Reconciling God-sized vision with a small team

    40:24 - Faith and business were never meant to be separated—getting back to God's original design


    Key Takeaways

    On Recovery and Restoration:

    • Success and material possessions often mask deep inner brokenness
    • God wastes nothing—our greatest setbacks become setups for our greatest comebacks
    • The business world has higher rates of divorce, affairs, and addiction than the general population
    • Speaking openly about struggles creates opportunities to help others

    On Faith-Driven Business:

    • Faith and business integration isn't new—it's returning to God's original design seen in Acts
    • Every business topic is addressed in Scripture: leadership, time management, treating people
    • Core values should be biblically aligned (integrity, order, stewardship)
    • The workplace is a ministry field where we can be conduits

    🔗 Stay Connected & Keep Growing:

    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/carlswillis
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlwillis
    📺 YouTube: @CarlWillis20
    📷 Instagram: @nomorejob2
    📝 Blog & Resources: carlwillis.com
    📥 Download Free Guide – Faith Driven Success: biblicalgrowthstrategies.com

    45 min

About Called to Build

From the publisher's feed

You weren’t called to compete… you were Called to Build.


This is the show for faith-driven entrepreneurs, leaders, and Kingdom visionaries who know…