Stewardship vs. Ownership

 

Stewarding Generational Transfer
Reuben Ang

 

In this session we hear the story of Elsie's Kitchen, a catering group based out of Singapore. As a Christian, Reuben Ang believed he needed to do business differently. There were a lot of things he needed to surrender and change. 

Discussion Questions

Looking to the Interests of Others

Philippians 2: 3-5 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” 

  • How does “counting others more significant that yourselves” apply to the business world? 

  • In what practical ways can you serve the people around you while also serving your bottom line?

Redemptive Business

  • How are you treating your employees now? Are there small changes you could make to help them know that they are esteemed members of the business? 

  • How can you take a “redemptive lens” to your business? Are there ways you have viewed your business as separate from your spiritual life?

Leading Your Community

  • What would it look like for your business to be a leader your community looks to for innovation and best practices? 

  • How might your business create ripple effects that are more significant than fads that fade and short-lived gimmicks?

 
 
 

Ideas to Explore the Mark Further

Looking for some practical ways to put this mark into action? Here are some ideas that can help you develop an even greater understanding of Stewardship vs Ownership.

  • One way to surrender a sense of ownership for the money we make is to bring it into the light. Consider sharing about your finances with other trusted Christ-followers. Ask for Godly wisdom and guidance in how to steward it well.

  • As an entrepreneur, leaving the business we invested so much of our time, thought, sweat, and tears into can be nerve-racking. But if we believe that it all belongs to God anyways, the success of the business is not dependent upon us. Part of stewardship is considering the long-term sustainability of the business. One way you can plan and execute this is by creating a succession plan. Take time this week to think through the future of your business. What does a succession plan built on long-term look like in your context? What kind of timetable are you working with? Who will be the major players in the next generation of leadership? What can you do today to start preparing them for tomorrow?

  • Building, leading, and stewarding a long-lasting business impacts more than just you and your employees. The effects can reach your community as well. How might your company ensure that it’s not an ivory tower separated from the people around you? How can you create meaningful influence that outlives you? In what ways can your company give back to the community that has supported you? How might your family be involved? From sponsoring community events to offering scholarships to making donations to special initiatives, stewardship goes beyond community and public relations. The values that drive your company inside can be the same principles that influence the world outside.

 
 
Anna Kwee