LinkedinWe Have the Data
In a world where entrepreneurs land reusable rockets, shape how billions connect, and local business owners transform Main Street, entrepreneurs have become a cultural influencer and unique leader of the moment. We see it everywhere—60% of Gen Z now rate entrepreneurship as their preferred career path, venture capital funding hit record highs, and “founder” has replaced “CEO” as the aspirational title.
But beyond the headlines and intuition, what does the research actually tell us about entrepreneurs and their relationship with the church? And how do we work together?
Proven by Barna
We surveyed U.S. adults, practicing Christians, entrepreneurs, and pastors to uncover what might be possible when these powerful forces join together. The findings aren’t just interesting—they’re transformative.
Watch The Barna Group Study:
The Church and Its Entrepreneurs
Six Key Insights that Change Everything
The World Trusts Small Business Owners More than the Church
Small business owners are trusted 9x more than politicians and 2x more than churches. This trust advantage positions entrepreneurs as uniquely influential voices in their communities—people who get invited to tables where traditional ministry can’t always go.
%
Americans Believe Partnerships Between Pastors and Entrepreneurs Can Solve the World’s Greatest Problems
This isn’t just Christians—this is the broader public recognizing the power of bringing together purpose and practical skills. When we bring all options to the table—Build, Invest, and Give—transformation happens.
%
Church Pastors Know the Moment Requires Entrepreneurial Thinking
With 41% of churches knowing they need to be entrepreneurial to survive, pastors are in a posture of learning. Facing tightened budgets and staff turnover, 53% of churches recognize they have something to learn from entrepreneurial thinking.
%
of Pastors Are Responsible to Help People Find Purpose and Meaning in Their Work
While pastors know they have this responsibility, entrepreneurs are different from everyone else in the church. Most pastors realize they are the connector and conduit—networkers and convenors of the community, not the coach.
%
Entrepreneurs Are Stuck at How – The Bottleneck of the Movement
The wins are clear: 84% are aware of their God-given gifts and 97% believe these are for God’s glory. But 62% wish they had a clearer understanding of how to use their talents to serve God. We’re convinced on the theology, stuck on the practical.
%
of Pastors Are Interested in Starting a Small Group for Entrepreneurs
Small group assimilation in most churches is based on kids’ ages and zip codes. Yet entrepreneurs are increasingly disengaged by groups that don’t understand them while being drawn to people who get them. Faith Driven Entrepreneur groups have NPS scores in the 85-90 range.