Founder's Table Network

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this conversation, David Mills and Amy Alexander explore the concept of the Circle of Relationships as outlined in the New Testament, particularly focusing on the dynamics between employers and powerless workers. They discuss the historical context of slavery, the paradox of being both free and a slave to Christ, and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. The conversation emphasizes the role of the church in transforming hearts and the responsibilities of business leaders to create a culture of honor and ethical practices. Ultimately, they advocate for a kingdom perspective that values every worker and seeks to uplift those in powerless positions.

Show Notes

• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.
• Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]
• Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group.

Takeaways

• The Circle of Relationships is crucial for understanding business ethics.
• Paul and Peter's letters addressed all members of the household, including slaves.
• Living as free people while being slaves to Christ is a paradox worth exploring.
• The church's role is to transform hearts, not just social structures.
• Dignity in work is essential for both employers and employees.
• Practical applications for business leaders include treating powerless workers with respect.
• Spiritual responsibility extends to all workers, regardless of their status.
• Creating a culture of honor can transform workplace dynamics.
• Navigating the challenges of business ethics requires intentionality and care.
• The kingdom perspective emphasizes the value of every individual in the workplace.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, church, business ethics, relationships, powerless workers, dignity, spiritual responsibility, kingdom values, transformation, cultural context

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this episode, David Mills and Amy Alexander discuss the importance of relationships with neighbors and authorities, the significance of conduct in business, and how to live attractively well in a countercultural environment. The conversation also touches on the role of authority, civil disobedience, and the need to balance faith with politics in the business world. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of embodying the values of the Kingdom of God in business practices.

Show Notes

• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.
• Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]
• Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group.
• Garden City by John Mark Comer

Takeaways

• The hidden business codes of the New Testament are intertwined with household codes.
• Conduct in business can reflect God's reality to others.
• Living attractively good is essential for Christian business owners.
• We must navigate counterculture while maintaining integrity in business.
• Honoring authorities is a normal operation for Christians.
• Beauty in business can inspire and uplift communities.
• Civil disobedience may be necessary when authorities overstep their bounds.
• Faith and politics should be separated in our business practices.
• The family structure is crucial in shaping business relationships.
• Our actions in business should reflect our calling as Christians.

Keywords

Brand Disciples, Hidden Business Codes, New Testament, Christian Business, Neighbors, Authorities, Conduct, Counterculture, Civil Disobedience, Faith and Politics

Once a week, we grab a cup of coffee and discuss the world of missional entrepreneurship.

In this series we're talking through the "gifts of ascension." These 5 gfits help us understand leadership, teams, and ministry through the lens of Jesus.

In this conversation, we explore the intersection of leadership, spiritual gifts, and personal wounds. We discuss how wounds can warp the expression of gifts, the importance of character in leadership, and the necessity of healing and forgiveness. Today's episode focuses on the evangelistic, shepherding and teaching gifts.

Grab some coffee, and chat with us.

Show Notes//

• How you're built to lead like Jesus: 5Q Assessment
• Upcoming Events + Groups at Brand Disciples
• 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ by Alan Hirsch
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this conversation, we discuss the culture that kingdom-minded businesses should embody, focusing on wisdom, discernment, and being filled with the Spirit. We highlight the need for businesses to operate with a redemptive mindset, creating a culture that reflects the character of Jesus and fosters genuine relationships. The episode concludes with a call to action for entrepreneurs to align their business practices with these biblical principles.

Show Notes

• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.
• Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]
• Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group.

Takeaways

• Businesses should reflect the character of Jesus.
• Household codes in the New Testament serve as business codes.
• A kingdom-minded business operates with wisdom and discernment.
• Redemptive choices go beyond mere ethics in business.
• Being filled with the Spirit is essential for business culture.
• The culture of a business is shaped by its leaders.
• Wisdom involves understanding God's redemptive plan.
• Entrepreneurs should create a culture of life, not toil.
• Spiritual awareness is crucial in business decision-making.
• Every family should consider having a business.

Keywords

Kingdom business, household codes, entrepreneurship, wisdom, redemptive choices, spirit-filled culture, business ethics, New Testament, leadership, family business

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this episode, we delve into the significance of being a light in the workplace, understanding spiritual blindness, and the need for compassion in business practices. We challenge listeners to reflect on how they can bring light into their industries and create a culture of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Show Notes

• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.
• Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament

Takeaways

• Business should be viewed as an economic household.
• The heart must be converted before societal change can occur.
• Believers are called to bring light to the world.
• Spiritual blindness affects how people perceive truth.
• Compassion is essential when engaging with those in darkness.
• Light in the workplace can transform relationships.
• Business practices can reflect God's goodness and righteousness.
• Ethical business is not the same as redemptive business.
• Awareness of darkness in industries is crucial for change.
• Waking up to the light can lead to profound transformation.

Keywords

business, faith, entrepreneurship, New Testament, light, spiritual blindness, workplace culture, ethics, compassion, community

Once a week, we grab a cup of coffee and discuss the world of missional entrepreneurship.

In this series we're talking through the "gifts of ascension." These 5 gfits help us understand leadership, teams, and ministry through the lens of Jesus.

In this conversation, we explore the intersection of leadership, spiritual gifts, and personal wounds. We discuss how wounds can warp the expression of gifts, the importance of character in leadership, and the necessity of healing and forgiveness. Today's episode focuses on the apostolic and prophetic gifts.

Grab some coffee, and chat with us.

Show Notes//

• How you're built to lead like Jesus: 5Q Assessment
• Upcoming Events + Groups at Brand Disciples
• 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ by Alan Hirsch
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]

Takeaways//

• Wounds can warp the expression of spiritual gifts.
• Character is essential for effective leadership.
• Healing from wounds requires forgiveness.
• Men often struggle to express their emotions.
• Women in business may feel pressured to suppress emotions.
• High capacity with low character can lead to harm.
• Apostolic leaders may resist accountability due to past wounds.
• Prophetic voices can become critical without hope.
• Benchmarking ourselves against Jesus is crucial.
• Relationships are key to healing and growth.

Keywords

leadership, gifts, wounds, healing, character, accountability, prophetic, apostolic, forgiveness, emotional health

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this episode of Brand Disciples, David Mills and Amy Alexander discuss the cultural context of Ephesians, the countercultural teachings on sexuality, the implications of impurity and greed in business, and the importance of creating a culture of light that reflects Christian values. The conversation emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to align their business practices with biblical principles, fostering an environment that promotes dignity, integrity, and spiritual growth.

Show Notes

• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.
• Flow Automotive
• Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament

Keywords

Brand Disciples, entrepreneurship, hidden business codes, New Testament, Ephesians, counterculture, business ethics, light in business, greed, purity

Takeaways

• The New Testament contains hidden business codes relevant to today's entrepreneurs.
• Household codes in the Bible also serve as business codes.
• Re-enchantment with scripture can lead to deeper understanding and application.
• Cultural context is crucial for interpreting biblical teachings.
• Sexual immorality, impurity, and greed are counter to Christian business ethics.
• Idolatry can manifest in modern consumer culture.
• Greed often displaces trust in God and leads to unhealthy business practices.
• Creating a culture of light in business is essential for spiritual growth.
• Identifying darkness in one's industry can lead to transformative practices.
• Prayer and introspection are key to aligning business practices with faith.

Once a week, we grab a cup of coffee and discuss the world of missional entrepreneurship.

In this series we're talking through the "gifts of ascension." These 5 gfits help us understand leadership, teams, and ministry through the lens of Jesus.

In this episode we discuss the necessity of balancing strengths and weaknesses, and the role of community in shaping one's gifts. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth and maturity in the context of these gifts, as well as the impact of one's heart and past experiences on their expression of these gifts.

Grab some coffee, and chat with us.

Show Notes//

• How you're built to lead like Jesus: 5Q Assessment
• Upcoming Events + Groups at Brand Disciples
• 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ by Alan Hirsch
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]

Takeaways

• Missional entrepreneurship is about being on mission every day.
• The 5Q gifts provide unique intelligence and capacity to serve.
• Understanding your primary and secondary gifts is crucial.
• Ignoring your weaknesses can lead to an imbalanced personality.
• The third gift acts as a rudder steer for your primary gifts.
• Community is essential for healthy decision-making and growth.
• Each person's unique lens shapes their perspective on situations.
• The condition of your heart affects how you express your gifts.
• Wounded gifts can lead to negative behaviors and perceptions.
• Personal growth involves working on both strengths and weaknesses.

Keywords

missional entrepreneurship, 5Q gifts, strengths and weaknesses, balance in gifts, community, heart and wounding, Ephesians 4, leadership gifts, personal growth, discipleship

In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business.

In this episode of Brand Disciples, Dave Mills and Amy Alexander discuss the hidden business codes found in the New Testament. They explain that these codes are actually the household codes that were given to Christians in a pluralistic society. These codes, which include instructions for conduct and relationships within the family, also apply to business because businesses were based in households during that time. The hosts emphasize that these codes were revolutionary and subversive in their cultural context, and they challenge listeners to reframe their understanding of business and family based on these biblical principles.

Show Notes

• References to the Household Codes:
  • 1 Peter 2:13–3:7
  • Ephesians 5:22–6:9
  • 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f.

Takeaways

• The hidden business codes in the New Testament are actually the household codes given to Christians in a pluralistic society.
• These codes apply to business because businesses were based in households during that time.
• The codes were revolutionary and subversive in their cultural context, challenging the norms of the time.
• Listeners are encouraged to reframe their understanding of business and family based on these biblical principles.

Keywords

business codes, New Testament, household codes, family, relationships, subversion, cultural reframing

Once a week, we grab a cup of coffee and discuss the world of missional entrepreneurship.

In this series we're talking through the "gifts of ascension." These 5 gfits help us understand leadership, teams, and ministry through the lens of Jesus.

In this episode we talk about the Teaching gift. At its core, to have a shepherding gift is to nurture and walk beside people inside the family of God. To be longsuffering, to bring meals, reach out to check on people, and to express the unconditional love of God.

Grab some coffee, and chat with us.

Show Notes//

• How you're built to lead like Jesus: 5Q Assessment
• Upcoming Events + Groups at Brand Disciples
• 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ by Alan Hirsch
• Ceri and Simon Harris - [email protected]

Takeaways

• Missional entrepreneurship calls for a blend of church and marketplace.
• Teaching is a primary gift that drives the desire for biblical truth.
• Understanding is crucial for effective teaching and communication.
• Structure and clarity are essential components of the teaching gift.
• Teaching should lead to heart knowledge, not just head knowledge.
• The role of a teacher includes planting seeds of truth in conversations.
• Maturity in teaching involves knowing when to share truth gently.
• Teaching can manifest in various professional and personal contexts.
• Feedback is vital for improving teaching effectiveness.
• Growth in teaching requires practice and engagement with others.

Keywords

missional entrepreneurship, teaching gift, biblical truth, Ephesians 4, knowledge, structure, heart knowledge, marketplace, maturity, growth