Cincinnati Thift Store

BIZNISTRY® BASICS by Chuck Proudfit

BIZNISTRY® is a word that's fun to say, but needs some explaining. It starts with the idea of business + ministry, it's received a federal trademark, and there's a lot more to the story. At SSE, we think of a BIZNISTRY® as a self-sustaining enterprise that operates Biblically in the marketplace, integrates ministry at every level, and releases profits for Kingdom causes.

SSE has become a national model for BIZNISTRY®. In September 2009, we hosted a national conference with the Half Time organization right here in Cincinnati to study SSE's BIZNISTRIES® which include three New2You thrift stores, our chain of Special-T-Shops for spirit wear and corporate apparel, and Roc-A-Fellas New York Style Pizza in Sharonville.

SSE has inspired a movement of sorts in Cincinnati. Other entrepreneurs have launched BIZNISTRIES® and are now establishing a BIZNISTRY® association under the ministry of At Work on Purpose. Many people from out-of-state travel to Cincinnati to learn about them.

BIZNISTRIES® advance God's work in the world by blending the best of marketplace and ministry disciplines. They generate profits like a business, but give them away like a ministry. They are always grounded in several very important principles:

• A BIZNISTRY® needs Christian leadership to discern and fulfill God's purposes in it.
• The only owner of a BIZNISTRY® is God. He holds all the equity, and we are stewards.
• Nothing succeeds like success. Once a BIZNISTRY® thrives, more people get involved.