10x Catalyst Groups: What's in a Name?
The 10x name is derived from the New Testament Parable of the 10 Minas in Luke 19:11-27. Most people are more familiar with the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. There are similarities between the two parables. In each, a master goes away and entrusts his servants with a substantial sum of money. A Talent was equal to about 20 years wages (modern day equivalent +/- $1,000,000) and a Mina was equal to about 1.25 pounds of gold (modern day equivalent +/- $30,000).
In each parable, a couple of the servants invested the money wisely, made substantial returns and were honored by the master and richly rewarded. In each parable, one of the servants was afraid to take a risk and buried the money. These servants were chastised. Their money was taken away and given to the servant who produced the greatest return. In the Parable of the Minas, seven of the servants rebelled, tried to get their master killed and they apparently stole his money and used it for their own benefit...a betrayal resulting in their death. These seven rebellious guys serve as a cautionary lesson to remember that the ultimate owner of the money and resources God has entrusted us with is Him, not us.
There are many other lessons for us in both parables as Christ followers. One of the key differences between the two parables is that in the Parable of the Talents, the master gave various sums of money to various servants based on his assessment of their capabilities. In the Parable of the Minas, each servant was given the same amount. While seven servants stole the money, and one sat on it, two servants achieved excellent returns. One got a 5x return and one got a 10x return. They were each given exponential rewards, as they were put in charge of 5 and 10 cities respectively.
In each parable, a couple of the servants invested the money wisely, made substantial returns and were honored by the master and richly rewarded. In each parable, one of the servants was afraid to take a risk and buried the money. These servants were chastised. Their money was taken away and given to the servant who produced the greatest return. In the Parable of the Minas, seven of the servants rebelled, tried to get their master killed and they apparently stole his money and used it for their own benefit...a betrayal resulting in their death. These seven rebellious guys serve as a cautionary lesson to remember that the ultimate owner of the money and resources God has entrusted us with is Him, not us.
There are many other lessons for us in both parables as Christ followers. One of the key differences between the two parables is that in the Parable of the Talents, the master gave various sums of money to various servants based on his assessment of their capabilities. In the Parable of the Minas, each servant was given the same amount. While seven servants stole the money, and one sat on it, two servants achieved excellent returns. One got a 5x return and one got a 10x return. They were each given exponential rewards, as they were put in charge of 5 and 10 cities respectively.
“I’ve been in business for 12 years and was always looking for an environment where I could openly discuss issues and challenges related to our operation. As a Christian, I was not able to find that confidant. When I was shown the Christian peer group model, I knew I’d found my answer. In this group, I trust each of the board members implicitly because I know where they stand and Who they believe in! What a great feeling! I’m free to both give and receive input into our businesses. The spirit of the group recognizes that we are simply put here to manage our businesses for the Lord. As long as we stay focused on that principle, our businesses flourish much better than when we grab the reins. I love the hearts of the people on the board. They’re genuine and they care about others like we only hope someone does. I am fed in all aspects of my life because of the day I spend with them and I can’t wait for that day to arrive each month!
Best investment I’ve ever made in this engineering firm!”
Charlie Rowles, President, CA Rowles Engineering, Inc.
Best investment I’ve ever made in this engineering firm!”
Charlie Rowles, President, CA Rowles Engineering, Inc.
The Parable of the Minas is a lot like being an entrepreneur in America. Regardless of age, gender, race or creed, each of us has been given an equal opportunity to succeed. Some rebel against the Giver of the opportunity and squander their gift on pleasing themselves. Some waste the opportunity out of fear. A few go for it and get an exponential ROI, including a marketplace platform to influence and lead cities and regions. These are 10x business leaders.
The good news is that in America, anyone can be a 10x entrepreneur and experience exponential results and extensive influence if they are willing to be faithful with whatever they have been given, even if it seems like only small amount. As Christian entrepreneurs, we not only get to experience exponential business success, we get the sacred privilege of partnering with God and participating in exponential spiritual growth for ourselves and others…maybe countless others.
“Catalyst” is also an integral part of the name because a catalyst is an agent of change. We’re supposed to use the resources and influence we have to change things for the better in our world. Entrepreneurs are uniquely suited to be change agents, as we’re inherently motivated to get things done.
The question is, “What things need to get done?” Jesus was very clear on this when He gave us the Great Commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me [Jesus]. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20
Bottom line: as Christian entrepreneurs, even though we may only have a small to medium sized business (perhaps only a Mina or less) we have a big mission...the most important mission in all eternity. We also have a powerful promise from Jesus, that if we will step into the mission we have been given, He will be right there working with us. In other words, the Great Commission is actually a Co-Mission.
In summary, 10x Catalyst Groups are a community of small groups of Christian entrepreneurs and CEOs who are on mission. They have the ambition to see 10x results in their business, their personal life, their relationships and their marketplace ministry. They are willing to be agents of change, advancing the Gospel and working out their part in the Great Commission, using the platform of their businesses and the influence and social capital they have built to extend the Kingdom into the marketplace for the glory of God.
For all of us, much has been given and much is expected.
Will you join us?
The good news is that in America, anyone can be a 10x entrepreneur and experience exponential results and extensive influence if they are willing to be faithful with whatever they have been given, even if it seems like only small amount. As Christian entrepreneurs, we not only get to experience exponential business success, we get the sacred privilege of partnering with God and participating in exponential spiritual growth for ourselves and others…maybe countless others.
“Catalyst” is also an integral part of the name because a catalyst is an agent of change. We’re supposed to use the resources and influence we have to change things for the better in our world. Entrepreneurs are uniquely suited to be change agents, as we’re inherently motivated to get things done.
The question is, “What things need to get done?” Jesus was very clear on this when He gave us the Great Commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me [Jesus]. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20
Bottom line: as Christian entrepreneurs, even though we may only have a small to medium sized business (perhaps only a Mina or less) we have a big mission...the most important mission in all eternity. We also have a powerful promise from Jesus, that if we will step into the mission we have been given, He will be right there working with us. In other words, the Great Commission is actually a Co-Mission.
In summary, 10x Catalyst Groups are a community of small groups of Christian entrepreneurs and CEOs who are on mission. They have the ambition to see 10x results in their business, their personal life, their relationships and their marketplace ministry. They are willing to be agents of change, advancing the Gospel and working out their part in the Great Commission, using the platform of their businesses and the influence and social capital they have built to extend the Kingdom into the marketplace for the glory of God.
For all of us, much has been given and much is expected.
Will you join us?
The Parable of the Minas is a lot like being an entrepreneur in America. Regardless of age, gender, race or creed, each of us has been given an equal opportunity to succeed. Some rebel against the Giver of the opportunity and squander their gift on pleasing themselves. Some waste the opportunity out of fear. A few go for it and get an exponential ROI, including a platform to influence and lead cities and regions. These are 10x business leaders.
