By Nathan Loyd Ndungu
Why Faith Belongs in Business
When people hear the words “faith” and “business” in the same sentence, some feel uncomfortable. Others assume that the two belong in separate spaces—church on Sunday, boardroom on Monday. But for me, faith is not something I switch on and off. It’s the foundation that informs how I lead, how I serve, and how I make decisions.
As someone who has built businesses across real estate, international trade, agribusiness, and consulting, I’ve seen firsthand how Biblical principles can shape a leadership style that is both successful and sustainable. Faith doesn’t make business easier—but it does make it deeper, more grounded, and more meaningful.
Wisdom Over Wealth
One of my favorite verses comes from Proverbs 16:16: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” In today’s world of fast deals and instant gratification, this is a reminder I return to often.
As a CEO and entrepreneur, I’ve had moments where chasing profits seemed like the best move. But experience taught me that wealth without wisdom can quickly lead to collapse. Building a lasting company takes more than sharp business acumen. It takes discernment, patience, and the humility to admit when you don’t have all the answers.
Biblical wisdom reminds me to seek counsel, think long-term, and make decisions that don’t just serve shareholders but also uplift employees, customers, and communities.
Servant Leadership at the Core
One of the most powerful teachings of Jesus was on servant leadership. In Mark 10:45, it says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” That one sentence reshaped how I approach leadership.
In business, we often hear about power, control, and hierarchy. But real leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about service. It’s about putting others first, listening more than you speak, and creating environments where people feel seen and supported.
In my companies—whether at Avoveg or through Loyd Global Consulting—I work hard to create a culture where everyone matters. From the farmer in the field to the executive in the office, each role is vital. And each person deserves respect and fairness.
Honesty Builds Trust
Integrity is a core principle in Scripture. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” That truth plays out every day in the business world.
I’ve been in situations where taking a shortcut would have saved money or time. But I’ve learned that what you gain quickly through dishonesty, you often lose even faster. Building trust takes years—losing it takes minutes.
Whether it’s negotiating contracts, managing finances, or delivering on promises, honesty must remain non-negotiable. In my experience, clients, partners, and teams value truthfulness more than perfection. They’d rather hear a hard truth than a polished lie.
Faith in Times of Uncertainty
Business is full of uncertainty. Markets shift. Deals fall through. Opportunities vanish overnight. During those moments, my faith becomes my anchor.
Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” That verse reminds me that I am not in control of everything—and that’s okay. Faith allows me to keep going even when I can’t see the full picture. It gives me peace in the middle of storms and helps me focus on what I can control: my attitude, my values, and my effort.
There have been seasons in my life where everything I built seemed at risk. But prayer, reflection, and trust in God’s plan helped me not only survive but grow. Often, my greatest breakthroughs came just after the hardest setbacks.
People Over Profit
There’s a powerful reminder in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” That doesn’t mean ignore the bottom line. It means don’t make it your only line.
When we focus only on profit, we miss the bigger picture. We forget that every product, every service, every job created impacts people. Profit is important, but purpose is essential.
At Avoveg, for example, our mission goes beyond exporting avocados. We focus on fair trade, farmer empowerment, and sustainability. That’s not just a business model. It’s a Biblical one. When you serve people well, the rewards—financial and otherwise—tend to follow.
Forgiveness and Fresh Starts
One of the least talked about but most powerful applications of faith in business is forgiveness. Whether it’s a failed partnership, a betrayal, or a mistake you regret, business can hurt. But holding on to bitterness holds you back.
Ephesians 4:32 teaches us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” That mindset frees you to move forward. It allows you to let go of past hurts and lead with grace instead of grudges.
I’ve had to forgive others. I’ve also had to ask for forgiveness. And every time, I’ve grown stronger—personally and professionally.
Leading With Faith Isn’t Weakness
Some people think that bringing faith into business is a weakness. I disagree. It’s a strength. It means you’re grounded in something bigger than profit. It means you lead with purpose, treat people well, and make decisions with integrity.
In today’s noisy, competitive world, that kind of leadership stands out. It builds loyalty. It creates legacy. And it reminds us that business is not just about money—it’s about meaning.
Final Thoughts
Bringing faith into the boardroom isn’t about preaching. It’s about practicing. Practicing wisdom over ego. Service over power. People over profit. And trust over fear.
As leaders, we’re not just managing numbers. We’re shaping lives. And when we let faith guide our steps, we not only build better businesses—we become better leaders.
My hope is that more entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners will see the value in this approach. Not because it’s religious. But because it works. It’s timeless. And it’s true.