How do faith and entrepreneurship integrate?

At Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, L.I.F.E. is leading in academic research, classroom experiences and real-word connections that provide scientifically rigorous, practically relevant knowledge at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship.

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Why does the integration of Faith + Entrepreneurship Matter?

  • High-highs and Low-lows

    The entrepreneurial life can be turbulent. What equips the average entrepreneur to stay the course? For many, faith is an anchor point that can relieve pressure and give purpose. We’re exploring it.

  • The purpose gap

    How does a Sunday spent in worship inform the work week? There is a lack of integration in the lives of business leaders who prioritize their faith. Entrepreneurs live a holistic life and faith is an essential part of the equation.

  • Neglected by places of worship

    Most places of worship don’t address work. Business leaders are looking to be equipped with tools and knowledge to help integrate their faith life with their work life. L.I.F.E fills this gap.

  • Faith fueled business is growing

    Value based business is on the rise. Entrepreneurs are seeking to create work lives that authentically reflect their values and faith. While this integrated approach is becoming common practice, it is expanding without necessary tools and wisdom.

  • Students are wondering where faith fits in

    Why does my faith matter? Where does it fit in the rest of my life? These are common questions the average college student is asking. At this pivotal life phase, students often lose touch with their faith and don’t see where it integrates with their careers going forward. L.I.F.E. helps students build a toolkit of knowledge and practices they can use to integrate in the classroom and beyond.

  • Students and organizations are unconnected

    How can eager students and organizations in need of fresh perspectives and talent collaborate? L.I.F.E. is acting as the liaison between value-driven companies and organizations and students ready to experience relevant real world application. We are placing students in companies and finding internships to help inform a student’s authentic work experience.

L.I.F.E. is dedicated to seeing every entrepreneur living authentically in the workplace.

We’re creating access to world-class knowledge and student experiences at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. 

  • Academic Research

    Conducting rigorous academic research, L.I.F.E is pioneering a research pathway focused on bringing new knowledge to higher education and beyond. Learn more about our publications, current research, and find additional academic resources here. Join us at our annual conference and see our conference appearances here.

    Read about Our Research

  • In the Classroom: ESP 432

    An undergrad class helping students discover what it means to integrate faith into work in a relevant and rigorous way. In the Farmer School of Business at Miami University, ESP 432 is taught by Professor Brett Smith. Students are equipped with practical tools and empowered by guest lecturers. Last year, students joined from 19 different majors across all colleges at Miami University. We expect course enrollment to grow year after year.

    Learn more + Join Us

  • Student Experiences: Internships + Co-curriculars

    While integrating faith and entrepreneurship, we’re integrating the classroom and real-world. Working to place students in internships and partnered companies, students are encouraged to get an up-close look at what it means to live authentically in the workplace. Co-currciularly, students are welcomed into our L.I.F.E student group where we get to continue the conversation outside the classroom and office.

    Learn more about the Student Experience

  • A Real-World Network

    Connecting alumni, scholars and interested industry professionals, L.I.F.E is forming a network of real people interested in the impact of faith on entrepreneurship. We’re ready to see every entrepreneur living authentically and equip them with the tools and knowledge to do so. Join the conversation + community.

    Explore + Join our Network

Join us in integrating faith and entrepreneurship.

  • “Faith and entrepreneurship are two very personal, challenging journeys and people who are passionate about both face a unique set of challenges. We need others who know what we are going through to support us. I’ve already seen so much fruit come from this organization, the people in it, and the people who support it. I’m excited to see how it continues to grow.”

    Maryanne Smith, Class of 2020

  • “I felt like I was lacking purpose in the business school. I was tired of running after something that never seemed to fulfill me, and I felt like I was living two completely separate lives: one of career ambitions and goals and one of Christ-centered spirituality. It was exhausting trying to do both well. LIFE brings both of those things together, and as a group, we tackle the issues of that separation. It has completely changed my perspective on how to actively pursue Christ while simultaneously challenging myself to grow in my career. With LIFE, it feels like an immense weight has been lifted off my shoulders because I finally realized that this is not an either/or situation — it’s both.”

    Student

  • “The hope is that by encouraging and producing high-caliber research, the subject of faith and entrepreneurship will become a crucial—dare we say, integral—part of academic study, giving students permission and encouragement to put their education into practice. The end result: generations of professionals who bring their whole selves to work, who work and rest intentionally, and who align their work (both in motivation and practice) to a greater purpose.”

    Amanda Lawson, Director of Research

  • “All semester I had really great conversations with those in the class who didn’t really want to be there to those who were extremely passionate about faith but it was slightly different than mine and we didn’t always agree. Before this year, if someone said something I didn’t agree with, I would have gotten upset, ignored, or just rolled my eyes. Now, when I hear a new perspective, I want to know why they believe that and what in their life has shaped these decisions.”

    Claire, Class of 2021

The L.I.F.E. Conference

The L.I.F.E. Research Conference brings world-class academics together to encourage, challenge, and facilitate community for scholars across disparate and interdisciplinary fields of faith and entrepreneurship. 

The 2nd Annual L.I.F.E. Research Conference took place virtually this past April. This year’s conference brought new sessions and topics, old and new voices, and a research pitch competition with $10,000 in funding prizes for winners! Academics from 25 countries connected to explore research possibilities at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship and engaged in interactive sessions that spurred important conversation and new insight into the field.

Interested in more resources? 

Explore the Ecosystem. 

We’re building an ever-growing database of faith and entrepreneurship-related resources. Discover publications, articles, books, podcasts, and other resources to help acquaint practitioners, professors, and interested parties with what is going on in this growing world.

Featured
Partners in the Classroom
Partners in the Classroom

We felt that if we were to come close to achieving our goal of providing students with a “toolkit” of practices and resources for integrating their faith and work, we needed to give them real-world examples that far exceeded those which we ourselves had developed.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Faith and Entrepreneurship
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Faith and Entrepreneurship

While conversations of racial and gender diversity, equity, and inclusion are positive steps, there is another form of diversity that is often left out: religious/faith. When we consider that over 80% of the global population holds some form of religious belief—and that there are over 4,000 recognized religions in the world—to ignore religious diversity stifles students, faculty, exec boards, and admins.

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Building a Field
Building a Field

Given the high percentage of the global population that ascribes to a belief system, to relegate such study to case studies that are few and far between would do a disservice to an “industry” dedicated to increasing knowledge. Therefore, we engage in a number of field-building activities in hopes of bringing faith and entrepreneurship to the forefront of academic study in business, inviting scholars from every belief system to join the conversation.

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My Two Lives: L.I.F.E. and Life
My Two Lives: L.I.F.E. and Life

This wonderful reality motivates different kinds of studies that contribute to an incredible field of knowledge. We are only beginning to see the benefits of a network of scholars working in this space, but one thing is certain: we can no longer ignore faith in the study of entrepreneurship.

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