Growing up, I often thought about owning a business. Who doesn’t dream of being your own boss, calling the shots, and making a little money? At Iowa State University, I was studying to be a restaurant manager. After meeting my wife and feeling unsure about how to move forward with my education, I took a year off of school and focused on saving a few bucks for the married life.

I ended up going to Central Christian College Of The Bible in Moberly, MO, to finish my education and had planned to serve in some form of church-based ministry the rest of my days. Soon after moving to Mason City, Iowa, to pursue Family Ministry at Rhythm Church, an opportunity came up to purchase Roller City. Although I had only skated a handful of times before buying, Roller City has been a great fit for my skill set and passion.

With a background in ministry and people, I came into owning a business without any business savvy or know-how. With help of a lot of people with a lot of patience, Roller City has made it so far! God continues to show grace and disciplines me through Roller City and the situations that arise.

Psalm 128:1-2: “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

It didn’t take long after owning my own business that I began to look for local and global resources on how to be a Christian in the business world. While I have been VERY fortunate to find several local Christians striving to make a difference at work, few conversations seem to happen between Christians that work. With the vast majority of Christians currently at work more hours in a week than with family or friends, conversations need to happen, where encouragement, wisdom, and support can all happen.

The Fruit Of Labor is simply a platform to start conversations about work and faith, strive toward Godliness as a local community, and live a balanced life.

While serving in any capacity within the church context is extremely important, maybe you experience this vibe that work or other areas in your life cannot be considered ministry and ministry can only be accomplished at church. The truth is that faith and work do intersect. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Just as God has wired some to serve in church ministry, God has wired some to construct, write, cook, drive, create, skate, plan, host, or sing for His glory. Whatever work God has designed us for, work is a way to worship God, express our relationship with Christ, and earn the right to be heard by others.

God gave you skills, passion, and work. When we do our jobs with excellence, diligence, and integrity, we display God’s craftsmanship.

Here’s to starting a journey together!