Michael Williamson and Michele Williamson are the dynamic husband and wife duo leading the London International Christian Church. Michael, a former VP of Business Development for a tech firm and an industry professional in film and TV, transitioned into full-time ministry after a transformative spiritual journey. Michele, with a rich multicultural background and a strong family heritage, plays a crucial role in their ministry efforts. Together, they have spearheaded the growth of multiple church congregations across Europe, emphasising a unique blend of modern outreach methods and heartfelt mentorship.

In this engaging episode of the Business of Church podcast, hosts Des Stewart and Cory Belfon have a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Michael and Michele Williamson from the London International Christian Church. They delve into the couple’s inspiring personal journeys, their radical career shifts into ministry, and their experiences building a thriving church community in London.

Throughout this discussion, they touch on profound themes such as the intersection of faith and business, the challenges of modern-day evangelism, and the essential role of mentorship and genuine relationships. Michael and Michele also share their insights on the future of the church, potential uses of AI in ministry, and the importance of transparency and strategic financial planning in fostering a sustainable church environment. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in church growth, leadership, and the innovative ways faith communities can adapt to contemporary challenges.

• Faith-Driven Transformation: Michael and Michele's personal stories highlight how faith can dramatically change life directions and career paths.
• Mentorship and Genuine Relationships: Building meaningful relationships and providing strong mentorship, especially to young members, is crucial for a thriving church community.
• Financial Transparency and Planning: Transparent financial practices and strategic planning are essential for sustainable church growth and community impact.
• Innovative Church Outreach: Modern methods like AI, arts, music, and sports can play significant roles in making the church more relatable and appealing to younger generations.
• Global Impact: The Williamsons' efforts in expanding their ministry across Europe showcase the importance of vision and dedication in spreading faith internationally.

1. "There's two paths that I believe you can take in life: the path of humility and the path of humiliation." – Michael Williamson
2. "We left both professions, sold everything, and moved here in 2010." – Michael Williamson
3. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." – Michael Williamson
4. "We were the foundation of twelve other churches across Europe." – Michele Williamson
5. "We inspire kids, we mentor them, we challenge them physically, educationally, in every way." – Michael Williamson

• London International Christian Church: Website
• Follow Michael and Michele Williamson on social media for more updates and inspirational content: Michele Instagram, Michael Instagram
• Relevant concepts: AI in Ministry, Transparent Financial Practices, Mentorship and Youth Outreach

Don't miss out on this insightful episode packed with real-life...

Alex Dawson is the founder and director of Alex Martin Commercial, a company established in 2010 that specialises in supporting faith-based groups to secure and acquire church buildings. With over 15-20 years of experience in the property market, Alex has become a prominent figure in the church property sector, especially within the Greater London area.

Pastor Priscilla Asibey is an investment analyst with a proficient background in portfolio and fund management, financial analysis and modeling, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate projects. She is the deputy head of the Treasury Operations Department at Ghana International Bank. Alongside her professional career, she is also closely involved in the International Gospel of Truth Church (IGTC UK) as pastor Sylvester Apoku Manu's wife, who has been in ministry for more than 17 years.

In this riveting episode of the Business of Church podcast, hosts Des Stewart and Cory Belfon welcome Alex Dawson and Pastor Priscilla Asibey to discuss the complexities and triumphs of acquiring a church building. The conversation delves into the tenacity and faith required to navigate the property market and the strategic planning that led to the purchase of a building for the International Gospel of Truth Church.

The journey opens with Pastor Priscilla sharing the arduous process of relocating the church multiple times due to change of use requirements and escalating rental expenses. The discussion sheds light on the church's relentless pursuit of securing a permanent home and the substantial financial and personal sacrifices made to achieve this goal. Alex Dawson weighs in as an agent from the property sector, providing candid realism and advice to faith organisations on the cut-throat arena of commercial real estate, especially within London.

• The episode zeroes in on the importance of financial readiness and having a robust business strategy in addition to spiritual conviction.
• Alex discusses the challenges churches face within the property market, notably the high demand versus limited supply of suitably classified buildings.
• Pastor Priscilla's account is a testament to the rewards of daring faith coupled with sound financial management and planning.
• The contrast between the need for being commercially savvy and reliance on divine intervention is thoughtfully explored.
• Strategies for long-term financial planning and securing sufficient funds for property acquisition are addressed.

• Transparency, strategic long-term planning, and the readiness to make personal sacrifices are crucial for securing a church building.
• Commercial mortgages for church properties often require a deposit exceeding the standard 30% due to market competition.
• It's vital to be on the property ladder to ensure growth and legacy for the church community.
• Trusting relationships and clear communication with agents and financial institutions can significantly influence the outcome of property acquisitions.
• Faith-based organisations must balance spiritual beliefs with pragmatic and informed financial decisions.

1. "The only way a church ever gets on the property ladder is with a story like this, bouncing from building to building..." - Alex Dawson
2. "You need to be sat with your bank manager or your financial broker and be able to press the button." - Alex Dawson
3. "You've got to get on the ladder and they, their ego, their pride doesn't allow it... create the foundation." - Alex Dawson

• Alex Martin Commercial: Website
• International Gospel of Truth Church (IGTC UK) information:

Pastor Timothy Ramsay Pastor Timothy Ramsay serves as Senior Pastor at The Place of Grace UK, a vibrant church in the heart of London. Pastor Ramsay and his wife, Adwoa Ramsay are also devoted parents to their three children: Timmika, Shiloh and Josiah and their grand children, Lylaa-Rose and Saint-Monroe and enjoy spending time with them above all else.

Pastor Timothy Ramsay’s heart is to teach people what the Word of God powerfully in a way that inspires, practically in a way that can be applied and prophetically, in a way that speaks to the future God has for them. He has been pastoring for almost 20 years.

Prophet Phil Vermuelen is married to Pastor Anneline and they have three beautiful boys. MyChurch London was planted in January 2011 in their home in Wembley, UK. Apostle Phill first received the call of God at the tender age of 17 and both he and his wife have been serving in ministry for over 20 years. Apostle Phill completed his theological studies in 2002 and has a heart to see men and women of God raised up and released into their prophetic destiny. He is the author of Prophetic Intelligence, which is a great source demystifying the prophetic call and function. He has also released a new book entitled The Honour Code.

In this thought-provoking episode of "The Business of Church," hosts Des Stewart and Cory Belfon engage with two profound spiritual leaders, Pastor Timothy Ramsay and Prophet Phil Vermuelen, in a discussion that revolves around fostering unity within the church community and the broader implications of such unity on society. The conversation delves into the intricacies of balancing doctrinal adherence with the evolving nature of contemporary culture.

The episode begins with an intimate look into the personal journeys of the guests, shedding light on decisive moments that shaped their paths to leadership within the church. As the dialogue unfolds, the notion of unity takes centre stage, with a critical analysis of how churches can maintain doctrinal purity while adapting to societal progressions.

Furthermore, the dialogue explores the practical aspects of running a church with business acumen, centring around the idea of collaboration to achieve common goals. The notion that unity can indeed be a powerful catalyst for positive societal change is underscored, urging church leaders to consider new models of cooperation and shared resources.

• Unity in the church extends beyond mere collaboration; it requires a shared vision and recognition of a common goal that transcends individual agendas.
• Successful leadership within the church community demands humility, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with congregation members on a personal level.
• Innovative thinking and the utilisation of contemporary tools, such as AI, could play a significant role in reaching and engaging modern audiences.
• The power of coming together as a community is highlighted, offering the potential for achieving significant societal influence and support for congregation members.
• A willingness to rethink and potentially restructure current church practices is needed to accommodate changing cultural and economic landscapes.

• Pastor Timothy Ramsay: "There is more that unites us than divides us."
• Prophet Phil Vermuelen: "The purpose of this gospel is never to be untouchable, but to touch the people."
• Pastor Timothy Ramsay: "The scriptures were written to a certain time, to a certain people, in a certain culture."
• Prophet Phil Vermuelen: "One of the mandates of every leader is to translate heaven into contemporary culture."

• My Church London - www.mychurch.uk/
• Place of Grace UK - www.instagram.com/theplaceofgraceuk/
• Good to...

Omar Tackie is a young pastor hailing from ARC 2.0 Church, recognised for his transformative journey and deep impact on people's lives. Not raised in a Christian background and grappling with atheism during his teen years due to personal trauma and hardships, Omar experienced a pivotal encounter with God at the age of 23. This encounter radically altered his worldview and placed him on a path of spirituality and service. With no prior intention to become a Pastor, Omar found himself drawn into the ministry full-time during the drastic shift of 2016 and now stands as an inspirational figure in his community.

In this enlightening episode of the Business of Church podcast, hosts Cory Belfon and Des Stewart engage in a candid conversation with Omar Tackie from ARC 2.0 Church. The discussion offers viewers a deep dive into Omar's personal transformation from a life marked by suicidal thoughts and a denial of faith to an inspiring pastor leading a congregation with passion and purpose.

Omar shares his transformative experience, revealing his shift from atheism to becoming a pastor at ARC 2.0 Church. Striving to achieve a balance between his pastoral duties and the administrative aspects of running a church, Omar discusses the challenges, including finances and navigating the pressures that come with his title. He stresses the importance of not succumbing to ego or allowing self-promotion to obscure his primary goal of saving souls and connecting with the community he serves.

• Omar's key life transformation occurred at age 23, leading to his deep commitment to spirituality and pastoral work.
• Facing challenges as a Pastor, Omar emphasises the need for a support system and the distribution of responsibilities within the church.
• The topic of artificial intelligence and its societal implications sparks a thought-provoking segment of the discussion.
• Omar's committed to ensuring that the use of emerging technologies like AI aligns with the true purpose of the church and humanity.

• Watch the video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@goodtogiveLtd
• Follow and find out more about ARC 2.0 https://www.instagram.com/arc2uk/
• Follow Omar Tackie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/omartackie/
• Find out more about GoodtoGive https://www.goodtogive.co.uk/

In this heartfelt episode, we hear from Lauralie Wauchope, a driven individual who has faced significant personal losses. Lauralie, hailing from a Pentecostal church background, has navigated the complexities of grief and used her experience to advance in her career path. She is now a relationship and bereavement coach, as well as a grief coach, providing guidance to those enduring similar journeys.

In an episode that delves into the personal trials and tribulations of dealing with loss, Lauralie Wauchope recounts her journey through grief and the rediscovery of purpose after tragic bereavement. The conversation opens with candid reflections on life setbacks and the daily struggle to maintain normalcy in the face of personal loss. Lauralie discusses the intimate relationship between physical health and mental well-being, emphasising the importance of self-care and routine.

As the discussion unfolds, Lauralie shares her powerful story of coping with the grief of losing her father, a close friend, and her husband within a short span. She talks about the emotional impact of these losses and how she wrestled with the darkness of grief, finding solace eventually through a grief recovery course and a renewed focus on faith.

The episode further explores Lauralie's calling to aid others in their own grief journeys. She reflects on the limitations of church support in matters of bereavement and expresses a profound understanding of the unique and solitary nature of grief, advocating for professional and tailored support for the bereaved. Lauralie's move into becoming a funeral arranger signifies her commitment to comprehensively understanding and addressing the multifaceted aspects of loss.

• Life can present overwhelming challenges, and Lauralie's story is a testament to the resilience and fortitude needed to overcome personal grief.
• There's an intrinsic link between mental and physical health, with both aspects heavily influencing each other during times of emotional distress.
• Grief is an individual journey, and the process of healing must be self-led, often requiring solitude and deep personal reflection.
• Support systems, including faith communities, may lack the necessary tools to address bereavement's complexity adequately.
• Lauralie Wauchope emphasises the significance of specialised coaching and support to navigate grief's intricate pathways.

• If your experiencing grief and would like to be connected with Lauralie please email marketing@goodtogive.co.uk
• To watch the Business of Church podcast visit our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@goodtogiveLtd/playlists
• If you want to increase your church or charity's income and impact visit https://www.goodtogive.co.uk/
• For more tips and advice, connect with us on social media
• https://www.instagram.com/goodtogiveuk
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-to-give-limited

About the Guest:

Katrina Douglas is a seasoned marketing professional who has built a robust reputation in the field. Known for her strategic thinking and ability to evolve and adapt in various areas of business, Katrina has followed a formal path to success, with a solid academic background in business management and marketing. Katrina is not only passionate about her craft but also intertwines her business acumen with her faith, believing that business can be a ministry in the marketplace.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode, Katrina Douglas engages in a captivating conversation filled with personal anecdotes, a deep dive into the intersection of faith and business, and the evolution of her career in marketing. From the onset, the discussion sparks intrigue as Katrina recounts the pivotal moments that led her to choose marketing as her career path. The introductory tone is reflective and motivating, hinting at the intertwining journey of personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the inherent challenges within.

Following a heartfelt glimpse into Katrina's early motivations, the episode then unfolds into a candid exploration of the role that faith and support networks have played in her life. The conversation casts a light on decisive moments, such as returning to university post-maternity and facing financial adversity, revealing Katrina's resilience and strategic mindset. Key themes throughout include the value of entrepreneurship within the church community, the importance of sound business practices, and the synergistic relationship between faith and enterprise.

Key Takeaways:

• Katrina Douglas' journey into marketing was driven by her passion for business and the desire to provide for her family amidst challenging circumstances.
• Support systems, such as family and faith, played a crucial role in her ability to persevere and succeed against the odds.
• Entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen can and should coexist harmoniously with spiritual leadership within the church.
• Katrina emphasises that true faith in business involves action and partnership with God, not passivity.

The conversation underscores the importance of churches embracing sound business principles and marketing strategies to further their mission and financially sustain their communities.

Notable Quotes:

"For me, it was just like, I don't really know how this is going to work, but I know I need a date to get back to school."

"I've always wanted to finance the gospel. I always want to finance social good. You need money to make stuff happen."

"Marketing is just being known, liked, and trusted enough for people to engage with you."

"God is our CEO fundamentally. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't cultivate and develop these skills."

Resources:

• If you want to increase your church or charity's income and impact visit https://www.goodtogive.co.uk/
• For the video version of this episode and all episodes visit and subscribe our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@goodtogiveLtd
• For more tips and advice, connect with us on social media
• https://www.instagram.com/goodtogiveuk
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-to-give-limited

About the Guest:

Pat Reid is a serial social entrepreneur and minister with 30 years of experience intersecting business and ministry. As a pastor's kid (PK), Reid's life has been deeply rooted in the church, but he has also pursued a path that integrates his faith with ventures aimed at social impact and community betterment. He is a proponent of viewing business as a ministry and believes in the innate qualities of entrepreneurs to envision and take risks. His work has spanned from starting a home shopping business to setting up a community centre equipped with recording studios and much more, demonstrating his commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth in his community.

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of "The Business of Church," hosts Corey Belforn and Des Stewart engage with the remarkable Pat Reid, exploring his journey through ministry and entrepreneurship over the last three decades. Pat brings a conviction that business and faith are intertwined, offering insights into how churches can nurture talent and effectively serve their communities.

From his early years raised in a pastoral family to making impactful strides in both business and ministry, Pat unpacks the philosophy behind his actions, guiding principles, and the legacy he hopes to instil. The conversation delves into identifying entrepreneurial spirits, building community connections, and creating platforms for growth and success both within and beyond church walls.

Key Takeaways:

• Business and ministry should not operate as separate entities but as integrated efforts that complement each other.
• Churches can serve as vital resources for the community, providing much more than just spiritual guidance but also practical support.
• Recognising and nurturing entrepreneurial traits can lead to innovative ways of community engagement and service.
• Successful teams need diverse roles, including risk-taking entrepreneurs, meticulous managers, and dedicated workers.
• Planning for succession and legacy is crucial in both business and ministry, keeping longevity and impact at the forefront of leadership transitions.

Notable Quotes:

• "How do you spell entrepreneur? R-I-S-K. Because you're just built with a desire to take a risk, a desire to cut another path…" - Pat Reid
• "It's what you see with your mind that others miss with their eyes." - Pat Reid
• "No matter what age you are, you lose a parent… It's a grieving process that happens no matter what age you are." - Pat Reid
• "You want your children to outdo you… to stand on your shoulders and become greater than you." - Pat Reid

Resources:

• If you want to increase your church or charity's income and impact visit https://www.goodtogive.co.uk/
• For the video version of this episode and all episodes visit and subscribe our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@goodtogiveLtd
• For more tips and advice, connect with us on social media
• https://www.instagram.com/goodtogiveuk
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-to-give-limited

About the Guest(s):

Bishop Wayne Malcolm, also known as "The Business Bishop," brings a unique perspective to ministry through his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. He started his professional life as an independent financial consultant, which provided him a solid foundation in sales, leadership, and management. His transition to ministry at 21 led to the rapid growth of his church, where he applied strategic business principles to church building. Malcolm is not only recognised for pioneering innovative ministry approaches but also hosts an annual leadership development conference attended by pastors eager to incorporate business strategies into their ministry. His expertise extends beyond the spiritual realm as he also serves as a business development coach, equipping entrepreneurs in the private sector with essential skills for success.

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of "The Business of Church" podcast, Bishop Wayne Malcolm shares his distinctive approach to ministry, fusing together his background in finance and entrepreneurship with his calling to serve God's purpose. With the digital age transforming how organisations operate, Malcolm emphasises the significance of online presence and social media in establishing a ministry’s existence today.

Malcolm candidly discusses the necessity of financial planning and strategic business practices as the bedrock for planting and growing successful churches. He addresses the outdated reliance purely on faith-based funding and outlines the importance of generating alternative revenue streams through entrepreneurship within the church. The episode offers a deep dive into the nuanced relationship between business and spirituality, highlighting the evolving understanding of how best to manage and fund modern-day ministries.

Key Takeaways:

• It is crucial to have a strategic business approach to ministry, which includes creating an online presence and engaging with social media platforms.
• Starting a church requires significant financial preparation and should be treated similarly to launching a business, factoring in operating costs and resource allocation.
• Bishop Malcolm advises young ministers to count the costs upfront and suggests starting with a cash sum to cover expenses for a significant period.
• A shift in church culture towards entrepreneurship is necessary, where services can be offered and profit margins included to sustain ministry operations.
• The importance of incorporating technology, such as AI, into ministry practice, while emphasizing the necessity for it to aid, not replace, personal study and sermon preparation.

Notable Quotes:

• "The new due diligence is, do you exist online? Do you have social media handles?" - Wayne Malcom
• "You're going to have to become somewhat entrepreneurial, have some services that you can sell." - Wayne Malcom
• "We reached the crossroads several years ago and realized that you cannot fund a ministry on donations alone." - Wayne Malcom
• "How it's managed, administrated and how it's financed and funded and that thinking about that and learning about that so that you can be more strategic and intentional about it…" - Wayne Malcom

Embark on a thought-provoking journey with Bishop Wayne Malcolm as he unveils the intersection of business strategies and ministry growth. Tune in to the full episode for a treasure trove of insights that will revolutionize how you perceive the business of church. Don't miss out on more captivating discussions—stay connected with us for upcoming episodes.

00:00:00 Strategic approach to doing ministry and the importance of online presence