by Dr. Thomas White, Cedarville University President
I have always been drawn to the idea of starting a business.
I started in middle school by buying candy in bulk and selling it to friends during the lunch period. Then, in high school, a friend and I launched a car wash “company." Although it didn’t last beyond the summer heat, we learned valuable lessons. For one, we discovered that only those with very dirty cars were willing to pay for high school boys to clean them. It was hard work and, given our business model, not very profitable.
After graduating, I opened my first karate school. Unlike the car wash, this venture succeeded. By choosing a strategic location, focusing on teaching kids self-defense, and incorporating life lessons, I managed to earn a small profit while attending college.
Three phrases accompanied my eagle logo: Faith in God, Knowledge in the Mind, and Strength in the Body. Students memorized Bible verses for extra credit on belt tests.
With this venture, I received a “school of hard knocks” business education. I learned to serve customers, grasped concepts of supply and demand, and experienced market forces in action. Bad decisions I made negatively impacted my paycheck. I enjoyed the thrill of starting something new and the satisfaction of serving others well. I also appreciated learning from failure.
Why Do We Emphasize Entrepreneurship at Cedarville University?
Creating something new reflects the creative nature of our God.
Serving others by addressing unmet needs mirrors the loving character of our God.
Aligning our God-given gifts with our God-given passions demonstrates good stewardship.
Learning from failure and continually seeking to improve reflects our spiritual journey and sanctification, our constant striving to be more like our God.
If our students learn to handle failure without repeating the same mistakes and grow in their business endeavors, they can apply these principles to their spiritual lives. We will all continue to face failure until God glorifies us at death or His return. Meanwhile, we are called to pursue Christlikeness throughout our earthly journey. We should continually “fail forward,” much like aspiring to move forward when climbing a tall mountain. As Dick Walker, a Cedarville icon, put it, we must “stay the course,” keeping our compass set on true north, Jesus Christ, and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of our Savior.
In a generation grappling with anxiety, doubts, and fear of failure, we aim to train a generation that responds to God’s call and presence with a strong and courageous faith, eager to do great things for King Jesus. We have the passion, energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to help students dream big and graduates succeed through our focus on entrepreneurship for a higher purpose. We seek to serve God and love our fellow man well through businesses that impact the Kingdom.
Join me in praying for God to go before and behind us, granting His blessing as we seek to be faithful stewards impacting the marketplace for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.