"In Pursuit of Purpose" is a biblical-centered devotional guide expressly for Christian entrepreneurs. This inspirational tool is a companion to my signature executive coaching program for entrepreneurs titled, "Give it All You Got: Unleashing your Entrepreneurial Spirit." My primary reason for this publication is to remind readers that as top-quality business strategies are applied they must insure every business decision is consistent with their commitment to Christ. The book chapters are derived from biblical passages in an effort to engage Christian entrepreneurs in daily devotions directly related to topics and issues faced on a regular basis. CHAPTER 1: SHIFTING FROM A CAREER TO A CALLING. Christian entrepreneurs must be convinced in their own hearts and minds that God called them to pursue business ownership to achieve their life's purpose. The biblical passages in this chapter address the barriers and conditions that must be overcome if you believe you are destined to pursue entrepreneurship to achieve God's overall purpose for your life. CHAPTER 2: FLOWING WITH AUTHENTIC ENTHUSIASM. Once you shift from employee to entrepreneur it is imperative to rely on God for authentic enthusiasm. You may be inspired and motivated by others, but dependency on a constant source of enthusiasm and inspiration must emanate from your relationship with God. CHAPTER 3: RE-PURPOSING YOUR PAST. The scriptures in this chapter will help you re-purpose past unpleasant experiences into strength and fortitude to make it through difficult times. As you meditate on these biblical passages, resolve once and for all that God's character and love is supreme. He will use every mistake and failure to bring Him glory if you allow your "mess" to serve as the core "message". Chapter 4: REDEFINING YOUR BRAND. Once you have rectified past issues and freed yourself of bondage and toxicity, you have prepared yourself to be "re-branded" as a Christian entrepreneur. CHAPTER 5: MASTERING BUSINESS MANAGEMENT. In order for a business to have an opportunity to achieve long-term sustainability it must have comprehensive business, operating, and administrative systems in place. Scriptures in this chapter will help you understand God's guidance for establishing and implementing a business model and infrastructure that is consistent with Christian values and principles. CHAPTER 6: BUILDING A DREAM TEAM. Most business owners work with people in capacities to achieve their business objectives. Whether these individuals are employees, business partners, subcontractors, friends, or family, God has definitive instructions for engaging each group in business operations. Once you begin selecting and working with others to accomplish your purpose you will need to exercise discernment before moving forward with individuals in business. CHAPTER 7: GROWING AND MAINTAINING THE BUSINESS. As your business grows understand that you will be stretched and stressed beyond measure. This is the time when you should rely and lean on supernatural strength to cope effectively. Managing business growth is taxing on all resources, including human, financial, and time. CHAPTER 8: ACCEPTING FAILURE, BUT NOT DEFEAT. From a biblical sense, the path to purpose includes "valleys", "dark caves", "lion dens", "fiery furnaces", and "crosses to bear". The biblical meditations in this chapter will help put darker times and temporary setbacks into spiritual perspective. CHAPTER 9: PRIORITIZING. Striving for success following the business formula of maximizing profit and minimizing cost can result in misplaced priorities for Christian entrepreneurs. God's way of securing wealth must be consistent with biblical truths aimed at God's wonderful gift of eternal life. CHAPTER 10: GIVING IT ALL YOU GOT. Once you have worked diligently through Godly principles and practices for pursuing your purpose the final command is to pursue it.
About the Author: Dr. Quinn Gentry (affectionately known as "Dr. Quinn") is President and CEO of Messages of Empowerment Productions, LLC (TEAM-MOE) - a public health and management consulting company specializing in organizational effectiveness, women's health, program evaluation, and community engagement. Prior to launching her own business, Dr. Quinn worked as a corporate executive for several Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, and Wal-Mart Corporations. She also served as a Political Intelligence Officer at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and later held behavioral research and teaching positions at Emory University and Georgia State University. Dr. Quinn's more than 25 years of leadership experience in government, corporate, and non-profit organizations contribute to her being highly respected and a sought-after workshop facilitator, consultant, and public speaker. As an executive leadership coach, Dr. Quinn has conducted workshops and customized sessions for business and community leaders, managers, frontline and technical staff, as well as for entrepreneurs and the faith-based community. Dr. Quinn completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and holds a Ph.D. degree in Sociology from Georgia State University. She earned an M.B.A. degree in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University and completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Christian University where she received a B.A. degree with dual majors in Political Science and History, and a minor in International Relations. Dr. Quinn is a licensed minister and graduate of the Women's Institute of Ministry, and has served as a course instructor for the Bible Institute at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. She is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where she grew up in the inner-city's Perry Homes Community. She is a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and enjoys dancing, listening to live bands, the spoken word, and creative writing.