Business Edge began as a seed way back in 1989 with a business failure. Our church pastor at the time, came alongside us and offered as much support as he could, given the limitations of his business experience.
Once the worst was over, and life had regained some normality, we reflected on the fact that the spiritual support had been a real encouragement and wondered why we had not been noticed, honoured or supported while the business had been strong. Business can be a lonely place even when things are going well. These thoughts lay dormant for a decade while we got ourselves back on our feet, cared for our family, began new businesses and once again experienced those same feelings of loneliness, lack of understanding and frustrations within the church family. Others we knew felt much the same.
We began by identifying a few business people we knew who were experiencing similar issues, and (with our pastors permission), began a business focused small group. What a joy it was to meet with, pray with, laugh, cry and build relationships with, folks who dealt with similar situations every day… the bank, compliance, staff issues, sales issues, tax issues, balancing business, family, life, church etc.
After 2 years when the group had become large in size we realised we needed to extend this “budding ministry” to more than a small group and more than just one church, business people of faith all over the city were needing to be part of something that would encourage and recognize the “calling” that God had placed on their lives to be a beacon of light in the city by doing business God’s way.
We waited on God and the concept of Business Edge was born. It was to be different… by being a “member funded” ministry, with a “Business Pastor / Mentor” at the head. The paradigms were shifting and a new “business/ministry” was being born. We launched in April 2003 across the spectrum of churches and found many business people who were ready and willing to pay a membership for spiritual and business encouragement and facilitation.
Business Edge has continued to develop relationship groups, social events, business speakers, educational seminars and workshops, a bi-annual conference day with validated overseas speakers, resources like books, DVDs, CD’s, Pastoral contact, Business Edge After 5 events, direct prayer within the business, email prayer requests and praise points daily etc.
We were privileged to go to Argentina in late 2003, at the invitation of Ed Silvoso to observe how “marketplace Christians” have changed cities from places of corruption and greed, to places of “God’s glory” where they have influence with city leaders because of their demonstration of God’s love in the marketplace. How encouraging!!!
Business Edge has continued to develop areas of influence, across New Zealand, in Perth Australia and USA and alliances with people in UK and around the world.
As Business Edge Pastors/Mentors we are privileged to be able to visit and pray with business leaders daily at their place of work, over the phone, or at the computer and bring them apostolic and prophetic encouragement, so as to excel in their “marketplace” for God.
The vision statement of Business Edge is “To be the business group of choice in our city and nation, unlocking all your potential for good and for God.”
Thank you for taking the time to read our story…
Denis and Coralie Clark – Founders/ Business Edge Pastors (Licensed Christian International Marketplace Pastors 2007)
Did you ever wonder about Business Edge? This is the citation read before we were honoured with this Unsung Heroes Award [secularism] 2017 .