Brand Disciples

by David Mills and Amy Alexander

We're calling a generation of entrepreneurs to be on mission as we equip the church to disciple them. Contrary to popular opinion, we believe the Bible has a lot to say about work, business, and entrepreneurship. Join us as we explore the cultural norms of owning a business, and redefine what it means to be a follower of Christ in every part of your life.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • 311 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 11 - The False Dichotomy of Separating Work + Life

    311 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 11 - The False Dichotomy of Separating Work + Life

    In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business. In this final episode of the Business Codes Series, David Mills and Amy Alexander explore the need for authentic relationships in a transactional world. The conversation emphasizes the significance of identity as beloved children of God and the call to mimic God's love in business practices. We also highlight the impact of technology on relationships and the necessity of fostering connections in the workplace. Show Notes References to the Household Codes:1 Peter 2:13–3:7 Ephesians 5:22–6:9 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f. Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament Ceri and Simon Harris - Ceri@wholehearted.solutions Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group. Worknet Solutions from Elisabeth Sanders-Park Takeaways The Bible provides guidance for business beyond just money-related verses. Businesses should be viewed as economic households, intertwining family and work. Authentic relationships are essential in a fragmented, transactional culture. The hidden business codes in the New Testament offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs. Mimicking God's love in business can transform workplace culture. Identity as beloved children of God is foundational for healthy business practices. Technology can create pseudo relationships that lack depth and authenticity. Fostering relationships in business is akin to the heart of a foster care parent. Walking in love is a key principle for business leaders. The separation of work and worship is a false dichotomy. Keywords entrepreneurship, hidden business codes, New Testament, family business, relationships, identity, love, authentic connections, business ethics

  • 310 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 10 - Sons + Daughters in Business

    310 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 10 - Sons + Daughters in Business

    In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business. In this episode, David Mills and Amy Alexander explore the concept of economic households as they discuss the importance of nurturing relationships with employees, particularly viewing them as 'sons and daughters' in a business context. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthy relationships, vulnerability, and faith in leadership, while also addressing the challenges of navigating family dynamics in business settings. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their roles in cultivating these relationships and the impact they have on their teams. Show Notes References to the Household Codes:1 Peter 2:13–3:7 Ephesians 5:22–6:9 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f. Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament Ceri and Simon Harris - Ceri@wholehearted.solutions Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group. Love as a KPI Takeaways Businesses should be viewed as economic households. Every employee can be seen as a son or daughter. Discipleship involves mutual growth and learning. Healthy relationships require respect and affection. Vulnerability is key in mentoring relationships. Character development is more important than competence. Family dynamics can complicate business relationships. Investing in others can lead to personal growth. Faith should be integrated into business practices. The role of a leader is to nurture and guide. Keywords Brand Disciples, economic households, business codes, discipleship, family dynamics, mentorship, character development, vulnerability, faith in business, leadership

  • 309 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 9 - Powerless Workers in Your Business

    309 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 9 - Powerless Workers in Your Business

    In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business. In this conversation, David Mills and Amy Alexander explore the concept of the Circle of Relationships as outlined in the New Testament, particularly focusing on the dynamics between employers and powerless workers. They discuss the historical context of slavery, the paradox of being both free and a slave to Christ, and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. The conversation emphasizes the role of the church in transforming hearts and the responsibilities of business leaders to create a culture of honor and ethical practices. Ultimately, they advocate for a kingdom perspective that values every worker and seeks to uplift those in powerless positions. Show Notes References to the Household Codes:1 Peter 2:13–3:7 Ephesians 5:22–6:9 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f. Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament Ceri and Simon Harris - Ceri@wholehearted.solutions Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group. Takeaways The Circle of Relationships is crucial for understanding business ethics. Paul and Peter's letters addressed all members of the household, including slaves. Living as free people while being slaves to Christ is a paradox worth exploring. The church's role is to transform hearts, not just social structures. Dignity in work is essential for both employers and employees. Practical applications for business leaders include treating powerless workers with respect. Spiritual responsibility extends to all workers, regardless of their status. Creating a culture of honor can transform workplace dynamics. Navigating the challenges of business ethics requires intentionality and care. The kingdom perspective emphasizes the value of every individual in the workplace. Keywords entrepreneurship, church, business ethics, relationships, powerless workers, dignity, spiritual responsibility, kingdom values, transformation, cultural context

  • 308 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 8 - Our Relationship to Neighbors + Authorities

    308 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 8 - Our Relationship to Neighbors + Authorities

    In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business. In this episode, David Mills and Amy Alexander discuss the importance of relationships with neighbors and authorities, the significance of conduct in business, and how to live attractively well in a countercultural environment. The conversation also touches on the role of authority, civil disobedience, and the need to balance faith with politics in the business world. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of embodying the values of the Kingdom of God in business practices. Show Notes References to the Household Codes:1 Peter 2:13–3:7 Ephesians 5:22–6:9 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f. Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament Ceri and Simon Harris - Ceri@wholehearted.solutions Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group. Garden City by John Mark Comer Takeaways The hidden business codes of the New Testament are intertwined with household codes. Conduct in business can reflect God's reality to others. Living attractively good is essential for Christian business owners. We must navigate counterculture while maintaining integrity in business. Honoring authorities is a normal operation for Christians. Beauty in business can inspire and uplift communities. Civil disobedience may be necessary when authorities overstep their bounds. Faith and politics should be separated in our business practices. The family structure is crucial in shaping business relationships. Our actions in business should reflect our calling as Christians. Keywords Brand Disciples, Hidden Business Codes, New Testament, Christian Business, Neighbors, Authorities, Conduct, Counterculture, Civil Disobedience, Faith and Politics

  • 307 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 7 - A Spirit-filled Marketplace

    307 - Hidden Business Codes - Part 7 - A Spirit-filled Marketplace

    In this series, we're diving into the deep wisdom Scripture gives us for building and running a business. Some would say -- and many have -- that the Bible has very little instruction on what it means to run your business. In this conversation, we discuss the culture that kingdom-minded businesses should embody, focusing on wisdom, discernment, and being filled with the Spirit. We highlight the need for businesses to operate with a redemptive mindset, creating a culture that reflects the character of Jesus and fosters genuine relationships. The episode concludes with a call to action for entrepreneurs to align their business practices with these biblical principles. Show Notes References to the Household Codes:1 Peter 2:13–3:7 Ephesians 5:22–6:9 1 Timothy 2:1ff., 8ff.; 3:1ff., 8ff.; 5:17ff.; 6:1f. Reserve your copy of The Hidden Business Codes of the New Testament Ceri and Simon Harris - Ceri@wholehearted.solutions Learn about our 2025 Calling Cohort, an 8-week online group. Takeaways Businesses should reflect the character of Jesus. Household codes in the New Testament serve as business codes. A kingdom-minded business operates with wisdom and discernment. Redemptive choices go beyond mere ethics in business. Being filled with the Spirit is essential for business culture. The culture of a business is shaped by its leaders. Wisdom involves understanding God's redemptive plan. Entrepreneurs should create a culture of life, not toil. Spiritual awareness is crucial in business decision-making. Every family should consider having a business. Keywords Kingdom business, household codes, entrepreneurship, wisdom, redemptive choices, spirit-filled culture, business ethics, New Testament, leadership, family business