Business Owners in Faith

~The Abiding Framework of the Orchard~

Jeff Thomas | Jim Antonucci Jr. Ph.D

You are here because you are a business owner or executive who desires to integrate your Christian faith into your business

The Heart of Abiding

John 15:1–5

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

About This Class

Business Owners in Faith

Who Is This For?

This class is for current (or future) business owners who desire to explore what it means to orient their business to reflect biblical, Christ-centered values, specifically the Values of Abiding with Christ.

What to Expect

Learn and discuss what this looks like in essence and begin specific steps for shifting your business to represent and practice these values. Expect to learn and share in a classroom setting.

Our Goal

Provide testimonies of God's work in and through your business as you abide in Him.

Definition

What is the Abiding Framework?

Integrating Christian values into every aspect of business operations, leading with integrity, humility, and a servant's heart while pursuing profitability

The Process

How to Abide

Pursue Your Interest

Identify topics or scriptures that resonate with your current season

Write Out Specific Scriptures

Document the verses that speak to your situation

Cross Reference Specific Verses

Find related scriptures to deepen understanding

Write Out Your Thoughts

Journal your reflections and insights

Go Deeper Into the Meaning

Study the original language and context of the words

Memorize the Verses

Commit scripture to memory word for word

Journal Your Thoughts

Continue documenting your spiritual journey

Pray for Promises

Claim God's promises through prayer

Commit Time with Friend or Spouse

Share your journal and insights with someone you trust

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
— Proverbs 16:3

The Curriculum

8 Sessions Overview

Business

Godly principles in business operations

Mission

Mission and operational statements

Prayer

Prayer in daily business operations

Employees & Customers

Building Christ-centered relationships

Stewardship

Time, talents, treasures, and debt

Missional

Faith sharing and missional impact

Succession

Planning for legacy and future

Shifting

Adopting principles in existing businesses

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
— Jeremiah 29:11

Culture is a Leadership Responsibility

Culture Starts at Home

Culture begins with your family. The principles you live at home will naturally flow into your business.

Know Yourself First

Understand who YOU are BEFORE leading others. Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership.

Shape the Direction

Play an active role in shaping the spiritual and moral direction of your organization.

Case Study

Stone Tile Group

Purpose Statement

"We model Christ in everything we do for God's glory, and the betterment of our clients, team members, and our community."

Mission Statement

"To be the respected industry expert in providing surface solutions for the design/build community in Florida."

Culture Pillars

Hospitality

Collaboration

Ownership

Excellence

Execution

Humility

The Foundation

The 10 Orchard Covenants

Honor God first as the cornerstone of our culture

Allocate 10% of net profit to Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

Owner salaries aligned with market rates

Margin System targeting 45% cost of sales with 50%/40%/30% profit distribution

Weekly cash flow reporting discipline

Resolve conflicts by prioritizing what's best for the Orchard

Golden Rule treatment of all relationships

Liquidity covenants: minimum 3 months operating reserves, target 1 year

Steward business as a platform for Kingdom growth

Relationship-based culture keeping God at the center of decisions

Core Values

Relational, NOT Transactional

Relationships are prioritized over transactions in every interaction

Culture of Hospitality

A welcoming and generous approach to all interactions

Rigorous Honesty

Truthfulness and transparency in all dealings

We Own Our Actions

Accountability and responsibility for decisions and outcomes

Kingdom Impact

Business stewarded for eternal, spiritual significance

Prepare to Win

Excellence and preparation mindset in everything we do

Session 3

The Prayer Framework

Praying for Surrender

Proverbs 3:5-6

Releasing control and trusting God's plan for your business

Praying for Blessing

Numbers 6:24-26

Seeking God's favor on your work and relationships

Praying for Wisdom

James 1:5

Asking for discernment in difficult decisions

Praying for Reflection in Christ

2 Corinthians 3:18

Becoming more like Christ in leadership

Praying for Employees & Customers

1 Timothy 2:1

Interceding for those you serve and work with

Praying for Guidance

Psalm 32:8

Seeking direction for the future of your business

Praying for Priorities

Matthew 6:33

Aligning your time and energy with God's will

Begin the Journey

Ready to Go Deeper?

Explore the full curriculum, connect with Jim and Chris, or begin the path toward Orchard Family Company certification.

View Resources Get in Touch