Boldly Creating a Future Worth Believing In

A year ago, we set out on a mission to create something special—a space where people from all walks of life could come together, grow in their relationship with God, and support one another through fellowship. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving virtual community, and as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our weekly Bible study, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey it has been. A Vision for Connection The inspiration for this Bible study was born from my time in Los Angeles, where I was fortunate to be part of a church community that was as welcoming as it was transformative. It was a space where judgment had no place, and people could come as they were to seek God and grow in faith. After moving away, I missed that sense of connection and purpose and felt called to recreate it—this time, virtually, so anyone could join no matter where they were. Alongside my long-time friend and Odd Media Solutions team member, Maggie Blissett, we launched our virtual Bible study with just a handful of participants and a simple goal: to create a judgment-free zone where people could seek out God, ask questions, and find encouragement through community. A Year of Growth Over the past year, this initiative has grown beyond what we could have imagined. What started as a small group has expanded into a diverse community of individuals from different cities, backgrounds, and life experiences. Every Thursday at 7:30 PM EST, we gather on Google Meet and Meta Live, united by a shared desire to reconnect with God and discover His plans for us. Each week, we explore Scripture, share insights, pray together, and support one another through life’s challenges and triumphs. It’s not just a Bible study—it’s a family. We’ve celebrated wins, walked through struggles, and grown not only in our understanding of God’s Word but also in our love and appreciation for each other. No Titles, Just Heart I want to emphasize something important: I’m not a pastor or a theologian. I’m just someone working every day to strengthen my relationship with God. This Bible study is not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about coming as you are and growing together. Maggie and I are simply facilitators of a space where God does the real work, and we’re continually amazed at how He moves through this group. Why It Matters In a world that often feels divided, this Bible study has been a reminder of the power of community and faith to bring people together. It’s a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out, where your questions are welcomed, and where your story matters. For many of us, Thursday nights have become a weekly reset—a time to reconnect with God and find peace amidst life’s busyness. An Invitation to Join As we celebrate one year of this incredible journey, we want to extend an invitation to you. Whether you’ve been a part of the group since the beginning or this is your first time hearing about it, you are welcome here. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to be “perfect” to join—just come with an open heart and a desire to grow. We meet every Thursday at 7:30 PM EST on Google Meet and Meta Live. All you need is a device and a willingness to show up. It’s that simple. Gratitude and Hope  As I look back on this past year, my heart is full of gratitude. I’m grateful for Maggie, whose partnership has been invaluable, and for every single person who has joined us on this journey. I’m grateful for the moments of vulnerability, the lessons learned, and the faith that has grown. Most of all, I’m grateful to God for showing up week after week, guiding us, and bringing this community together. Here’s to another year of seeking, learning, and growing together. We hope to see you Thursday night.

The Gospel of Jesus teaches values that often seem countercultural, like humility over pride, service over self-interest, and generosity over greed. Jesus described His Kingdom as "upside-down" because it flipped worldly priorities on their head. In a world focused on accumulating power and wealth, Jesus emphasized love, service, and community. When applied to entrepreneurship, these principles offer a powerful framework for creating businesses that serve others and make a meaningful impact. Understanding the Upside-Down Kingdom and Entrepreneurship In Jesus’ time, leaders were expected to dominate, but Jesus taught that the greatest leaders are servants. He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). This concept can reshape how we view entrepreneurship. Instead of seeing business solely as a way to earn money or gain status, we can approach it as a way to serve people—customers, employees, and communities. Entrepreneurs have the unique ability to solve problems, meet needs, and improve lives. This aligns with the Gospel’s call to love your neighbor and use your talents for the greater good. For example, creating a business that provides clean water to underserved areas or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds mirrors Jesus’ emphasis on lifting others up and restoring dignity. Entrepreneurship as a Modern Expression of Service Creating Solutions That Help Others: Entrepreneurs identify gaps or struggles people face and provide solutions. Whether it’s developing a product, offering a service, or starting a nonprofit, the goal is to create something that adds value to others' lives. This reflects Jesus' teachings on loving and caring for others. Providing Opportunities for Growth: Just as Jesus empowered His disciples to spread His message, entrepreneurs can empower their employees and communities. By offering jobs, mentorship, and education, businesses can become vehicles for transformation and hope, particularly in areas where opportunities are scarce. Reinvesting in Community: In the upside-down Kingdom, wealth isn’t hoarded; it’s shared. Entrepreneurs inspired by Jesus’ teachings can reinvest profits into their communities—supporting education, healthcare, or initiatives that uplift others. This shows that success isn't about personal gain but collective flourishing. Demonstrating Integrity and Love: Jesus modeled servant leadership, honesty, and compassion. Entrepreneurs who lead with integrity, prioritize fairness, and genuinely care for their teams and customers reflect this same ethic. This approach builds trust and creates businesses that leave a lasting, positive legacy. Purpose Beyond Profit Even for those unfamiliar with or uncertain about Jesus’ teachings, entrepreneurship offers a sense of purpose. When businesses are guided by a desire to serve and uplift others, they align with a universal human calling: to leave the world better than we found it. Whether your faith shapes this vision or you simply believe in the importance of community and care, entrepreneurship can be a profound way to make an impact. How This Serves Others and Honors God For those of faith, aligning your business with Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom turns your work into worship. It becomes a way to honor God by loving His people. For those without faith, this framework still provides a roadmap to create businesses rooted in empathy, service, and purpose. Either way, the result is the same: meaningful work that serves others and brings about positive change. By embracing the principles of humility, generosity, and servant leadership, entrepreneurship becomes not just a path to personal success but a calling to serve, uplift, and transform lives—just as Jesus taught.