1. Supporting Family and Others in Need

While Caroline and I weren't facing real hardship, I felt a growing desire to expand our capacity to make a difference. The traditional income ceiling wasn't just limiting our family's options - it was constraining our ability to help others who were struggling. When I discovered someone running two seven figure businesses in their spare time, it sparked something in me. This wasn't about chasing wealth - though additional income is nothing to apologize for - it was about expanding our impact potential. It's the fulfilment of something God spoke to me about a few years ago - giving me business and income generation ideas that would bless many.

2. Modelling Bi-Vocational Ministry

When God spoke to me about training 1,000 church planters worldwide I soon had my eyes opened to a stark reality: most would need to be bi-vocational. I didn't want to be the guy standing up encouraging others without at least making some effort to walk that path myself. This has been particularly powerful in nations where churches simply can't afford paid staff - places where people can barely survive, let alone support salaried church leaders. Sharing my journey has created a deeper connection with their experiences and given me profound insight into their daily challenges.

3. Empowering Others' Journey

For years, I found myself generating business ideas for others but lacking practical ways to help implement them. Building my own business has created a platform to guide others toward their goals. There's nothing quite like watching someone's eyes light up when they realize what's possible - seeing them transition from confused and hopeless to a vision of potential is amazing. Helping people understand how scalable, automated income can transform their lives has become very energizing.

4. Channeling Entrepreneurial Energy

I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit later in life - partly because I had no framework for it. My father worked the same job for 35 years, and while my mother always worked, it was always trading time for money. But now, this journey has unleashed gifts and passions that were lying dormant plus created a special connection with my son Ethan - a born entrepreneur if ever there was one.

5. Cross-Pollinating Ideas

I've been coaching online in the ministry world for over a decade but I've learned more about effective coaching, training and mentoring that really brings transformation in the past year than in a decade of ministry experience. These insights are already transforming how we train church leaders, develop mentoring programs, and create sustainable training systems in both my church and network. As I write this, I'm even working with others on plans to build and translate leadership training into multiple languages at speed and scale using business-world technology.

6. Building Bridges Beyond Church Walls

Business has opened doors to meaningful conversations and relationships I might never have had otherwise. These connections with people from diverse backgrounds have enriched my perspective and created natural opportunities to share what drives me, while learning from their experiences and worldviews.

7. Pursuing Passion

Simply put - I love this work. There's something energizing about building something that combines purpose with practical impact. That's why I called my online program the Impact and Income Accelerator. There's plenty of courses that teach you how to make money online - nothing wrong with that. But I wanted to help people do more - to change people's lives while making scalable automated income!

8. Future-Proofing Ministry

This journey ensures I can maintain vitality and relevance in ministry as I age. It's about staying engaged, adaptable, and effective rather than becoming someone in my 60s who's weary of the work and no longer as effective as he was but has to keep going because of the salary. Who knows when the time will come for me to change roles. But I don't want to overstay my welcome because I need the money - that's for sure! Also it gives Caroline and I flexibility for the future should we feel called to serve people where there isn't the finance to support a salaried role.

Addressing Common Questions

I know this path might raise questions. Some might wonder if running a business compromises my ministry calling or divides my attention. These are valid concerns that I've wrestled with prayerfully.

Here's what I've discovered: This work actually enhances my ministry rather than diminishing it. By maintaining clear boundaries - dedicating just 5-6 focused hours weekly to the business - I've found that it energizes rather than depletes my ministry leadership. The skills and insights I gain from coaching others are already directly benefiting my church community and beyond.

Others might question whether pursuing additional income streams reflects a lack of faith in God's provision. In reality, it's quite the opposite. I see this as stewarding the gifts, experiences, and opportunities God has given me to serve His kingdom in multiple ways. Just as Paul made tents while building churches, this model of ministry has deep biblical roots.

What's been particularly encouraging is seeing how this journey has opened new conversations with others who know me. It's helped bridge the gap between Sundays and Mondays, showing that our faith can actively shape how we engage with business and career. Several people have shared how seeing this integration has helped them think differently about their own work as ministry and what's possible for them.

The time investment is intentionally limited - about the same time many might spend watching evening TV every week - plus I still volunteer two evenings a week for church ministry on top of my paid employment as I have for the past 20+ years.

A Personal Note:

While others' stories can help, what matters is being clear about YOUR calling and purpose. If this journey resonates with you, especially if you're considering building additional income streams while maintaining your primary calling, know that it's possible to do both with integrity and purpose.

Whether you're in ministry, a traditional career, or any other field, building additional income streams isn't just about money - it's about expanding your impact, utilizing your gifts fully, and creating new opportunities to serve others.

What aspects of this journey resonate most with you? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.