You Don't Have an Employee Problem. You Have a Disciple-Making Problem.

What if the recurring challenge with your employee isn’t simply an employee problem?

What if it is a disciple-making problem?

Many Christian business leaders know how to hire, manage, correct, and reward people. But do we know how to develop them intentionally? And do we see the people in our workplace as part of the stewardship God has entrusted to us?

Listen to the podcast here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcast

In a recent Heaven in Business Podcast conversation, Dave Buehring, founder of Lionshare.org, offered a crucial starting point: You are first a follower of Jesus who happens to lead a business.

That order matters.

Jesus is not someone we pull out in a crisis. He is Lord of our lives, relationships, and vocations. If we genuinely follow Him, His ways should shape how we treat employees, serve customers, handle conflict, and develop people.

Your Business Is a Stewardship

It is easy to separate ministry from business. We may give generously, volunteer at church, or support missions while overlooking the people God has placed around us every day.

Your employees are not interruptions or additions to your assignment. They are an integral part of it.

That does not mean pressuring people spiritually or turning every staff meeting into a Bible study. It means recognizing that God has entrusted you with influence - and using that influence to help people grow in character, responsibility, wisdom, and leadership.

For those who do not yet follow Jesus, discipleship often begins through influence: how you treat them and how they see you treat others. Integrity, humility, service, and gentleness make Jesus' nature visible before you ever explain it.

For those who are spiritually hungry, you can become more intentional.

Start With One Question

Dave suggested asking:

“In whose ears are my words big?”

Who listens when you speak? Who acts on your counsel and returns wanting to learn more? That influence isn't merely flattering; it's stewardship.

Jesus started with a few people and developed them deeply. Business leaders often reach for scale first, but the way of Jesus begins small and multiplies.

You might invite a few receptive people to breakfast once a week or lunch every other week. Talk about practical issues such as hearing God, integrity, honor, responsibility, conflict, customer service, or leading with gentleness. Use Scripture, a book, a podcast, or a real workplace situation as the starting point.

The format matters less than the intention and consistency.

Three Steps to Begin This Week

1. Identify one receptive person.
   Look for someone teachable, responsible, and hungry to grow—not simply the person with the most impressive title.
2. Initiate an intentional relationship.
   Invite them into a conversation. Explain that you see potential in them and want to invest in their personal, spiritual, and leadership development.
3. Establish a consistent rhythm.
   Meet regularly. Ask: What is God showing you? How will you obey? How does this apply to your work? Help them take responsibility—and eventually help someone else grow.

Remember the order Dave learned from Acts 1:1: Jesus first began “to do and to teach.” Model what you want to multiply. When you fail, own it. A sincere apology may become one of your most powerful disciple-making moments.

Don’t merely wish your people would change. Intentionally develop the people God has already placed around you.

If you want to grow as a disciple of Christ in your work—and become equipped to develop others—consider joining the Heaven in Business Growth Path in 2027 (Heaveninbusiness.com/growth-path). It is designed to help business leaders who carry real responsibility deepen their partnership with God, build better businesses, and multiply Kingdom impact through the people they lead. 

Alternatively, join with 200 like-minded business owners for the annual conference in Nashville, March 3-6, 2027 (Heaveninbusiness.com/nashville).

Next Steps: 

1. Save the date for the Heaven in Business Conference in Nashville: Heaveninbusiness.com/nashville
2. Subscribe for weekly insights: Heaveninbusiness.com/newsletters/weekly-insights/subscribe
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5. Share this with someone you know who will be challenged and encouraged.