ENTREPRENEURIAL FAITH: Launching Bold Initiatives to Expand God's Kingdom

Caldwell and Kallestad want church leaders to transcend "status-quo ministry," and they bring considerable credibility to that call. Each is pastor of an innovative church—Caldwell's largely African-American congregation, Windsor Village United Methodist Church, has made its Houston neighborhood a hub of economic development, and Kallestad's largely white Community Church of Joy has pioneered outreach to the "unchurched" in suburban Phoenix. The idea of entrepreneurship, they concede, is often associated with money-fixated "wheeler-dealers," but they argue that its true meaning lies in finding opportunities and taking risks for the sake of a vision that others haven't yet seen. Caldwell and Kallestad sprinkle in stories of their own successes and setbacks as they parse the definition of entrepreneurial faith in 23 short chapters. As with many business books, the core concepts are simple enough that the authors end up repeating themselves, but their unflagging enthusiasm will keep most readers going. Four appendices demonstrate how Kallestad's church created a business plan for a new ministry initiative, balancing the inspiration with some vital nuts and bolts. At a time when many churches are seeking to make a difference in their communities, Caldwell and Kallestad provide a model of how to dream big and do the hard work to make those dreams come true. (July 20)