In this episode, we dive deep into themes of collaboration, competition, and calling as we explore the unique journey of Bob Shank, a seasoned entrepreneur turned ministry leader. Join us as Bob shares his insights on transitioning from a thriving career in the construction industry to passionately engaging in ministry work, mentoring leaders, and co-founding The Barnabas Group.
Bob discusses the pivotal moments that guided him from marketplace success to significant spiritual impact, emphasizing the importance of finding one's calling and walking the talk. Through compelling stories, we learn how business leaders can use their skills and expertise to catalyze change within ministries and communities.
Discover how to evaluate the eternal ROI of your professional efforts and learn actionable steps to align your career and calling for a life of purpose and passion.
0:00 – 0:46 – Intro
Dan Cooper introduces the Sharpen Podcast and guest Bob Shank, cofounder of The Barnabas Group. Overview of Bob’s background—entrepreneur in construction, pastor, ministry leader, mentor to leaders.
1:00 – 4:28 – Career Journey
Bob marries into a family business, grows it by 400%, sells to an oil company. Leaves without a payday but gains freedom to focus on ministry. Builds a model to spend most of his time on eternal-impact work while staying in the marketplace as advisor, consultant, and investor.
4:46 – 8:30 – From Success to Significance
Influenced by mentor Bob Buford. Learns that working “Christianly” in business is good but incomplete—there’s a “parallel lane” for Kingdom impact without direct personal gain. Calling = ultimate eternal ROI.
8:53 – 12:58 – Finding Your Calling
Calling is different from career. Bob explains how The Master’s Program helps leaders discover calling through a 3-year, 12-day cohort process—half on life mastery, half on life mission. True calling emerges only when personal, family, professional, and spiritual life align with biblical standards.
13:01 – 17:08 – Purpose: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples
Business life often supports the first two but struggles with the third. Bob shares how his investing enables him to fund ministries far beyond his income.
17:12 – 21:56 – Evaluating Eternal ROI
Leaders must ensure their business doesn’t harm their “Kingdom account.” Example: movie theater owner sells chain to avoid endorsing ungodly content. Hobby Lobby cited as a positive example—faith-friendly culture without hostility.
22:03 – 23:41 – Walking the Talk
Faith should be lived contagiously, without forcing conversations. Ask about family, career, and calling to open meaningful dialogue.
23:44 – 27:45 – Barnabas Group Story – Free Wheelchair Mission
Inventor creates affordable off-road wheelchair but lacks business infrastructure. Barnabas Group members supply expertise, leading to 1.5M wheelchairs distributed globally over 25 years.
27:53 – 31:14 – For-Profit Skills for Nonprofits
Ministries face same sustainability challenges as small businesses but lack access to solutions. Barnabas connects marketplace leaders to strengthen ministry infrastructure and reduce “mortality rate.”
31:18 – 33:58 – Call to Action
If you feel stirred, explore purpose, passion, and potential at priorityliving.org or mastersprogram.org. Kansas City Barnabas Group also mentioned. Dan closes with Acumen membership invitation.