Jesus gave the great commission to the church as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” Obviously to accomplish this command it will take more finance than just tithes and offerings.
LifeSprings is an endorsed ministry of the United Pentecostal Church with the vision of bringing together funds above tithes and offerings through business ventures to assist in fulfilling this command to the church. This is accomplished by bringing people together who are willing to share their 3Es (Education, Experience and Expertise) to help those who need assistance to have success in their business ventures. When that business is successful, there is capacity to give above and beyond tithes and offerings, often cash, and at other times gifts of assets or net worth.
There are three types of businesses LifeSprings desires to assist. First, a new startup business idea. Second, someone with a business that needs mentoring to move to the next level. The third is acquisition of an established business that the present owners have built into a solid successful business but are ready to sell. In most instances they sell because they are ready to retire. In each of these three areas, the goal is for members of the LifeSprings network to share their education, experience and expertise when needed and requested by these businesses to be successful.
In return, LifeSprings requests that the business agrees to share some profits, after all the startup costs are paid back including the typical salary and benefits as a CEO and owner of a company, to assist in fulfilling the great commission. Some have given stock to LifeSprings. Others have committed up to 50% of the net profits annually, realizing they wouldn’t have been successful without the input of others in their success.
The financial gifts from these businesses given to LifeSprings can be directed toward two specific purposes. One option is creating permanent endowment and scholarship funds in the United Pentecostal Foundation for Missions, Education and Humanitarian efforts. Annually there is a disbursement gift from the endowment or scholarship fund to benefit ministry it was designated to help. The second option is providing funds to the LifeSprings Trust to help seed new startups and acquisitions as well as support the annual summit.
Once money has been donated to the United Pentecostal Foundation for endowments, that money can never be used to help others acquire or start a business. To help create capital to assist others we formed the “LifeSprings Charitable Trust.” This serves as a “holding and investment” source to help others. LifeSprings Trust can accept financial gifts and stock for the purpose of helping new and existing ventures as needed, with the end goal of creating endowments in the United Pentecostal Foundation as mentioned above. Because LifeSprings Trust is officially an endorsed ministry of the United Pentecostal Church, annual reports of the finance is reported to the General Board
The annual “LifeSprings Summit” is hosted in St. Louis typically the last Friday of October. The goal has been to bring new ideas to the table from entrepreneurs allowing those in the room to offer their assistance of Education, Experience and Expertise to the entrepreneur. In 2024 the summit will be held October 25 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport. The sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Along with new business ideas that are presented, updates from many of the businesses that have been started under LifeSprings will be given. Those willing to share their Education, Experience, and Expertise are encouraged to join the Summit as you can contribute to the success of others and be a part of fulfilling their goal.
Since 2010 over 20 new companies have been started and are valued at over 10M in assets. Some are poised to give millions every year to fund ministry in the future. Everyone can be a part of promoting the future funding of the Kingdom. If you have a great idea for a new business or aware of a company that is for sale and have a passion please contact LifeSprings to start a discussion. If you have funds you would like to assist startups we would be happy to include you in the discussions as we meet throughout the year with potential business owners. Everyone can have a purpose either as a business owner, investor or giving your 3Es to provide the needed funds to fulfill the Great Commission through LifeSprings.
Steve Drury
Stephen Drury is the founding President of United Pentecostal Foundation and United Pentecostal Church Loan Fund. He is retired from directing The Stewardship Group serves in a consulting role. He is also co-founder of LifeSprings.