Business Leaders in Church History (w/ Dr. Charlie Self)
On this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Charlie Self, professor of church history and leadership at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.
Dr. Self shares how his lifelong study of church history fuels his passion for reintegrating faith across church, academia, the marketplace, and the public square. Drawing from centuries of Christian witness, he and Darren explore the sacredness of every domain of service, the Spirit’s role in shaping leaders, and the rich legacy of believers who viewed business as a divine calling.
Charlie challenges today’s Christian business leaders to see themselves in this historical stream – to embrace their influence as a platform for kingdom impact, and to recognize that a faithful presence in the marketplace has always been vital to the mission of God.
Key Takeaways 💡
- Faith in Every Sphere: Dr. Charlie Self’s work underscores that faith is not confined to church walls – it belongs in the academy, marketplace, and public square as part of God’s redemptive plan, just as it has throughout church history.
- Vocational Discipleship: He champions the idea – rooted in centuries of Christian tradition – that all professions, from business to education to politics, are sacred callings through which believers can serve the kingdom.
- Spirit-Empowered Leadership: Drawing from decades of experience and historical examples, Dr. Self highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping wise, courageous, and transformational leaders in every era and arena.
- Reintegration over Segregation: Echoing movements in church history that resisted dualism, Charlie calls Christians to reject the false divide between the “sacred” and “secular,” advocating for a fully integrated life of worship and work.
- Legacy of Formation: As a professor and mentor, he draws on the long tradition of Christian formation to emphasize the need to equip the next generation of leaders with a theological vision for cultural engagement.
- Marketplace as Mission Field: Whether in the boardroom or on the factory floor, Dr. Self urges believers – like those faithful business leaders throughout church history – to see their workplaces as strategic spaces for living out the gospel.
Christian Business Leader is the show for marketplace Christians seeking to explore and apply God’s will for business. If you want to learn more about how to do business for the glory of God and shape culture through discipling the business world, this show is for you.
BIG THANKS to this episode’s sponsor: High Bridge Books
High Bridge Books helps Christ-centered authors build a legacy by crafting and publishing messages and stories that glorify God in all spheres of culture.
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