SPEAKER_00 0:17

This is your space to find process and insight, to process the failure, and to create impact to your unique purpose, discovering a joy that only God can provide. Together, let's embrace a business journey anchored in faith and empowered by joy. Let's jump in. Hey, hey, amazing family, joyful friends, and powerful kingdom impactors. Welcome back to the Joy Inspired Podcast, where our faith meets purpose and purpose meets everyday life. And today I have an incredible guest whose business might surprise you. Now, don't get up in arms because when most people think gunsmith, they don't immediately think pastor or evangelist. But Christopher Young, who I have here with me today, known online as crescendo, has found an incredibly powerful way to blend the two, to really make that kingdom impact that we all seek after. And when he blends the two, how does he do it? He runs a thriving firearms business. Yes, that's it. But it's rooted in Christ and in Christ-like character, where every client interaction becomes that opportunity to reflect God's heart. His story is about stewardship, and that's what we're all called to. So as you share his story today, I want you to ask, how do you get to steward the purpose God's called you to, to have a greater kingdom impact? You know, his story about stewardship and integrity and using gifts, no matter how unconventional that may seem, will show you how those things can expand the kingdom. So join me in welcoming Chris here. Christopher, take us back to the beginning. What first sparked your love for craftsmanship? I know you have quite a story there. And when did you realize that that could actually be a ministry?

SPEAKER_01 2:39

Well, I have always been a tinkerer at heart. My father was an electronics repairman. My grandfather ran an electronics repair business here in the Charleston area where we fixed everything from TVs and VCRs to microwaves and stereos and even camcorders at the time. And as my dad self-taught, learned how to fix a lot of these devices. As I began to get to college level, I started tinkering with those things as well. I really enjoyed working with computers, I still do. And so I've built every PC that I've ever owned since college. Unless it's a laptop, if it's a desktop computer, I built it. And having that ability to customize and to see how I could get something probably a little bit cheaper because I did it myself. But that tinkering mindset hasn't ever changed. It's just simply migrated into other areas. It's migrated into woodworking. And then eventually, within the last probably seven years, I've been most interested, actually, probably longer than that, maybe almost 10 years now, being interested in fixing firearms and being able to do that. As I've gained an interest in something, I've also gained an interest in knowing more about it. Not just being a consumer, but also being someone who can figure out troubleshooting, running diagnostics, and just understanding something better in general. So I'm not having to just pay somebody to fix this or the other and go broke even sometimes, trying to have these things fixed when I see these other men around me who are like, yeah, I just figured it out, or I, you know, look up this YouTube and I've done this and that. And okay, well, maybe I need to give that a shot. And so as I tinker, I've been able to use that in a tent-making capacity, referring to Paul in the New Testament, where there have been times as a pastor, that is my heart, that's my passion as a worship pastor and teacher, that is what I that's what gets me up in the morning, and doing that now for 22 years. But I've always had in the back of my mind that skill set, and always in my back pocket, if there's ever a time where money's tight or you haven't got a raise in 10 years, what do you do? So I've allowed that skill, that tinkering, inquisitive kind of thinking to be a way of supplementing my income at times, also.

SPEAKER_00 5:33

That's amazing, and I I think it is so beautiful the way God has given you that spirit of curiosity, which has led to skill sets, and how God has taken those things that we think of God as just a skill. And you've turned it not only into tent making, but also into a service and into a ministry field because the two collide, you know, folks. I always say you cannot have your faith on one side and your business or the rest of your life on another. The two are integrated because you are the same person in both. Right. You said you treat every customer like they just walked into your church, and that is such an incredible example. It's so powerful. But what does that look like in practice?

SPEAKER_01 6:28

So, in practice, the idea is to always have integrity at the front of what I'm doing. Like you said, we can't run our businesses differently than we need to be living our lives in accordance with the gospel as believers. So to me, they are one and the same. I can't be Chris Young, the businessman over here, and have reputation A versus how do people view me in my church with reputation B? That at best is hypocritical. And at worst, I become a deterrent to gospel impact and to evangelism because those things aren't lining up. So I've always tried to assume that my name is on everything I'm doing. When I ran a computer repair business out of my house and eventually ran a video game and computer repair business with a friend, integrity was at the forefront. Treat each of these customers as if I am fixing my own thing. Whatever it is, that device is my device. How would I want that device to be treated? How would I want them to communicate with me, to explain to me what the problem is? Don't give me a bunch of jargon. Don't give me a bunch of techies with words that go over my head. Help me understand in layman's terms why this is broken, what we need to do about it, and how we can get to a solution together. And people just love that when you treat them with that kind of demeanor, as if same thing in my church. I want to love them, I want to care for them, I want to meet their needs, and I don't want to, even in the church, throw a bunch of Bible words at them that go over their head, and they're like, thanks. I think no, no, no, I need to bring them along and help them see that. So to me, it's one of the same. And I even tell people that come over to my business, I'm gonna treat you just like you walked into my church. And what that means for me is I'm gonna treat you with respect, I'm gonna treat you with integrity. You are a person, you matter, you are not one in a queue, and I'm trying to get through as many people as I can and get you out the door. You are the most important thing. It's a reason why in my business right now I do things by appointment. So I know when someone comes over, when they are picking something up, an order that they've placed or whatever, they are the only thing that matters in that moment until it's time for the next appointment. And until I'm done with them, I'm not gonna try to let myself get distracted by all these other things, and that goes a long way. I don't think it's spoken as much verbally, but I see it in their body language and how they feel treated, and then I can see it financially and repeat customers.

SPEAKER_00 9:47

And that's uh that is absolutely beautiful, and that's how we all get to behave towards people around us in our business and our ministry, because as you all know, our business is our ministry. God didn't say I'm I mean, Christ didn't say I'm doing my father's ministry, he said, I go about my father's business. And we get to treat people like that, especially I think when we are talking about Jesus. We get to get over talking in what I've heard termed as Christianese. Other people don't understand. You don't have to show off, you don't have to show your maturity in Christ. Your maturity is shown by your relevance, by your acceptability, just like Jesus.

SPEAKER_01 10:46

Right.

SPEAKER_00 10:46

And that humility goes a long way. So folks, listen up because from the first moment I met with Chris, his stewardship of those gifts, his stewardship of what God has put in his heart, and that is really to share Christ with everybody, that is the primary motive for all of us, but it's stressed in different ways. And talking about stewardship, you mentioned learning to be a good steward of resources and putting people over profit. And for entrepreneurs, sometimes we have to take a deep breath when we hear that. But as another mentor of mine, Dr. Breakthrough says, do not use people to build your business. Build your business by serving people, and that's the difference. So how has that ste shaped your business and brought you success and business growth? Over stewardship, the debt challenges, trusting God for provision, etc. Where have you seen that show up?

SPEAKER_01 12:02

Well, again, as I treat people in the church, so I treat them in the business. And I know as a pastor that the ministry is not what I do on Sunday, playing guitar, singing, or preaching as I'm going to be doing this weekend. It's the people. The ministry is the people. And I can't treat them like a resource or an end to something. But I'm to serve them, I'm to care for them, shepherd them in the way that Christ has called me to do. And the same thing applies to my business to treat those customers with integrity and respect and to minister to them. What's one of the most amazing things about running this business now for five years and having repeat customers and an influx of new customers from time to time? I don't always realize the impact that some of the things I'm doing has. I've got to steward my time and make sure that I don't let the business overwhelm and interfere with family life and church life and so forth. So, yes, stewardship is at the focal point of what I'm doing. And it manifests itself in different ways. But the joy that has been mine is to see the impact I've been able to have in people's lives where I've gotten to have conversations with people about the gospel. And though I don't get to always have a full gospel conversation with somebody, I've had the chance to invite them to church, I've had the chance to answer some of their questions. I remember being at a gun show a few years ago, and I'm talking with one of my friends who who doesn't profess faith in Christ, and he's asking me all these questions about Jesus, and I'm trying to answer these questions and take him through different passages of scripture, and I have no idea what's going on behind me because I'm just so engrossed in this conversation. And this customer comes up behind us a few minutes later. He's like, Man, I just want to shake your hand. I was like, Why? He's like, it is so refreshing to hear gospel conversations happening in a place like this. And I was like, wow, other people are listening. Okay, yeah. I mean, you know, I wasn't trying to create an audience, but there it was. And so I'm like, Well, I'm I'm just thankful that I didn't say anything to mess it all up.

SPEAKER_00 16:32

Well, you know, as especially in the marketplace nowadays, we have to be so aware that the light we shine is the Jesus label on us, on our products. The authenticity we stand in, the integrity we stand in reflects our faith. And we get to really represent Jesus well, and it goes beyond stewardship. Stewardship is a big part of it, and we get to steward that.

SPEAKER_01 17:05

Right, right.

SPEAKER_00 17:06

But we also get to stand in faith in the tough times, and the tough times come. Hey, if you're out there and you're an entrepreneur, you know that sometimes it can be like being on a roller coaster, but so can life with the Holy Spirit be like that, where you just hang on and go, what's next? And go in faith that He's got you. But you know, God made us resilient, and you face some tough seasons, especially around finances. Now, a lot of us might be saying, but I'm not a pastor. You know what? You are in a sense, you are called to share God with everybody, and that might not be by reciting scripture, but you do it by the way you shine. And when finances and overhead get tough, they do for all of us, even for pastors, even for evangelists. But what did you learn about those about God in those moments and God's timing and provision in those valleys? You know, the times when we get to overcome debt, where we worry about client provision. And how does that refine our faith? Share with us.

SPEAKER_01 18:27

I think that's one of the biggest challenges in our businesses because we've got to pay the bills, we've got to meet certain criteria, and you've got to adjust constantly. One of the things that I've constantly struggled with is knowing how much at times some people may charge for a certain service or a certain product, and maybe this is just me, but as I look at these things, I'm asking myself the honest question: not how much can I get away with, or how much can I mark this up because everybody else is doing it? And again, not to be the cheapest guy either, because we all got to feed our families. But how can I charge for this service in a way that I can walk away with with a clear conscience and feel that was a fair price for my time, for the service, whatever it is. And then if someone says, Oh, that's too low or too high, whatever, to explain to them, well, here's the reasons. I've even had people say that to me before, oh, that's too low of a price. And I say to them, the price that I'm quoting you is what I think is fair. You know, do I want to make money? Absolutely, yeah, but do I want to have a Christ-like response and character consistently? That is more important. So sometimes I've done things at a loss because I would rather them see my character and hopefully be a repeat customer, and maybe I can shore up that loss somewhere else. But I would rather take a loss on something and have integrity and know that they can say to other people, this is the guy you need to go see, rather than to make bank off of people's backs, and they go, Don't go see him. That guy just tries to rip you off. That's gospel integrity for me.

SPEAKER_00 20:39

And you know what? This thing about money is such a huge thing, especially amongst entrepreneurs in the coaching space. And Chris isn't talking about undercharging out of that in poverty, poverty mindset, or undercharging because you lack self-worth. He's talking about stewarding well what God has called you to and where God has called you to serve. And one thing that becomes so important, whether you have a product-based service or a service-based service, speak to God about your pricing, He will tell you. And you don't want to repeat or ever, because you're going to be miserable delivering that service. And you don't want to undercharge and be lacking your worth because you're going to be miserable delivering that service. So partner with God. But the one thing that so many, particularly women entrepreneurs, battle with is the fact that God has given you gifts and skills that you can profit of. But just because it's a service and not a tangible product, right? Profit from it. God gave you the ability to gain wealth. Deuteronomy 818. Steward it well with integrity. But you don't have to become rich at the expense of other people. But do charge your value and work. That's how you make kingdom impact. And that was not my soapbox. So go ahead.

SPEAKER_01 22:22

No, absolutely. And I want to add to that, especially during the COVID pandemic, this is where integrity was kind of put towards the fire here for me. Because here I am starting this business, April of 2020. We all know that COVID is raging across the country. What a great time to start a brand new business, right? Well, and here's the issue. So I will get a little more specific into the industry. Ammo prices had skyrocketed. I felt terrible that I had to charge certain prices on ammunition because of the supply and demand issues. But I always told my customers, listen, I hate that it has to be this price. And I try to be at least the same, if not a little cheaper than everybody else, just to try to bring in business because I was so new. And I told everyone, I said, listen, if the price goes down, so will my price. I'm not going to be like these other people out there who are like, oh, cool, the price went down, our profit margin just went up. If the margin that I'm making is fair, I don't need to gouge people. I don't need to, again, profit off of the hard-earned money that they have made. So if I can sell something at price A and then my cost goes down, I can readjust to price B. And I think that also won some people over to my business, knowing that, you know, like I've been to Uganda, and when the price of gas goes down overall in the world, the local price kind of stays the same. And that's because it's a very corrupt system over there, and they're like, oh yay, more profit. Yeah, but does that win people? Does that win people over? And does that show your Christian integrity and your desire to serve people, Nikki, like you've been talking about? Because, yes, again, we want to make money, but there are better ways to do it. And like you've already said, if we place these things into the Lord's hands, I honestly believe He will provide, and He has provided. Lord, I'd love to see more customers come in this month. Lord, I'd love to get more repair jobs so I can make money a little bit faster here, or I've got this bill coming up. It's it's funny, it's one of the things I get a little afraid of when I make a decent amount of money. It's like, oh wow, I've got all this extra money. And then wouldn't you know it? Some unexpected emergency happens, a tire goes flat or something like that. You know, I'm almost afraid to have a surplus because I feel like, oh, there's a bill coming.

SPEAKER_00 25:08

Well, we we just declare that you rejoice in that extra money and not stand in it in fear. But folks, I'm gonna just go totally off-subject here because this is so important that you realize there is a purpose for your prophet.

SPEAKER_01 25:25

Right.

SPEAKER_00 25:26

And as Chris just said, maybe it's God providing for an unexpected expense that he knows is coming. But maybe it's so that you can have greater kingdom impact. Maybe you can pour into a ministry. Well, how do you think new churches are built? How do you think new food banks are erected? That finance has to come from somewhere. The kingdom impact cannot come from that missionary mentality. And I love missionaries, there's nothing wrong with missionaries, but missionaries are people who are supported. Then you get businesses who are self-sustaining and the businesses run, and that's great, but they have no impact beyond that because they have no money to have greater impact. But if you've been called to impact the kingdom in your business, there's more than one way you can do it. You can do it with the service you provide, but you can also do it with the lives you enrich with the profit you've received. When you cap that, you cap your income. And again, it's not about gouging people, it's about stewarding well and letting God bring the prosperity in. And there is no prosperity gospel or poverty gospel. Let's get that straight. There's one gospel, it's the gospel of Christ. And if we stand firmly in that gospel and steward it the way Chris is sharing, that he does, if we stand in honor and integrity and align and partner with God in our businesses, we do see profit. And if he's calling us to serve ministries with finances, we will see more profit when we steward that wealth. I I have to emphasize that because it's one of the most common things I hear people saying, I can't profit from my gifts. Or if I make money, then it's I'm wrong. It's evil. No, it's not. God gave you the ability to gain wealth. The behavior you take on to make that money is either good or bad. Money is just a tool. Okay, done on that one for right now. But you know, Chris, all of that is part of having enough to provide for your family. You're a husband, a dad, a businessman, and a pastor.

SPEAKER_01 28:14

And a college professor.

SPEAKER_00 28:16

And a college professor, and you go on ministry trips.

SPEAKER_01 28:20

Right.

SPEAKER_00 28:21

What legacy do you hope your kids see in how you live in your calling and raising faith, anchoring things into the next generation? And you certainly do lead by example.

SPEAKER_01 28:37

Right.

SPEAKER_00 28:39

Well, what is the legacy you hope they will see?

SPEAKER_01 28:44

I think I can boil it down to one statement. I want them to see that Jesus is my highest valued treasure.

unknown 28:51

Amen.

SPEAKER_01 28:52

And that means that what I do with a business or what I do with a ministry or what I do in my home puts Christ at the center. You know, it reminded me as you were talking, we we focus so much on businesses and business structures and so forth, hierarchies. But when we approach, whether it's a small business, you're the only one, or you are the CEO of a big Fortune 500 company, Christ ultimately must be the CEO, the one that we are getting our directions from. And that as Paul even said, 1 Corinthians 10 31, whether we're eating or drinking or whatever we're doing, we do it to the glory of God. So if that is my ultimate goal, may this repair, may this transaction be to the glory of God. Then I don't have to worry so much about, well, I don't know if I'm going to make enough profit this month. Well, I don't know if I'm going to sell X number of materials this, you know, whatever the situation may be that we stress over when we look at the practical and the pragmatic. Yes, those things are things we need to think about and wrestle with, but at the same time, is our first response to try to tackle our business through pragmatism, through logistics, or do we bathe these things in prayer? Do we use our business to drive us more towards personal holiness, or do we try to segregate those things? And I feel like they can't be segregated, they have to be one and the same. And so I would wonder and propose that how many of us Christians that run businesses just haven't taken the time to think through these things, to use our business as a way to draw us closer to the Lord and say, God, how can I serve you and glorify you in whatever I do, as Paul says, how can I do it in this business? As you've pointed out, Nikki, God gives us skills for reasons. Some of it is because we just enjoy them, but some of it may be as a pastor of 22 years, there have been plenty of moments where I have had to do tent making. After year five in my first church, I was there for 11 and a half. I did not receive a raise of any kind. So we're talking over six years, and in that moment, I had a decision to make. Do I whine and complain and say, God, what's going on? Or do I say, Well, you know what? I can do this, so maybe I can make some money and take care of the busted tires or the emergency medical bill that comes up. We're not going to be going on a bunch of vacations, but at least we'll have food on the table and the bills will get paid. So if the church can't do it, if you know if this outside resource can't do it, then maybe I need to use the skills God's given me for this reason. Perhaps this is why God's given me these things. And I think you point that out very clearly, that we should think of that as an opportunity. You know, don't be afraid to make money doing what you enjoy and doing something God's gifted you in. Because even as you make money, that is helping you, but you're also helping other people. You're providing a service, you're providing a product, and God's giving you a mission feel. How cool is that? You're gonna be able to rub shoulders and talk to some people that you wouldn't have had a chance to talk to in other settings. That's one of the coolest things about my small business. Even when I did other kinds of small businesses, I got to interface with people, and when they asked me the why, you know, why don't you spout off all these four-letter words? Why do you calmly handle this situation when you're frustrated? I'm a Christian. This is why, you know, this God's changed my life. I'm happy to tell you about it and how you can know more about it yourself. And so that's been the most rewarding part of any small business is being able to have that inroad to the gospel with other people, people that I never would have met otherwise.

SPEAKER_00 33:36

So, folks, you can tell why I have Chris on here, why I feel so aligned, and why I get so excited every time I speak to him, because he speaks my language. And yes, remember that you hear me say so often, God has invested more in you than anyone else ever would, ever could. He's invested more in your business than anyone else ever will or ever can. So why not have him leading at the head? Why not listen to his direction for it? And that's a whole nother conversation for another day. But yes, put him in the chair at the top of the boardroom table. Let him lead. And he will be the first one to tell you that um please show me the scripture that says, no, I have to sit and be miserable all my life because I'm not allowed to profit from my gifts or find joy in it. Because he's gonna ask you that. Where does it say that? Are you aligning with scripture? Or are you just living out what you've heard and assumed? Scripture says you will go out in joy, you will be led forth in peace. And let me tell you when God is at the head of that boardroom table, you feel the peace. Does it mean all the problems go away? No, but you have peace in solving them and overcoming them. And that's why it's so important to align your faith, passion, and purpose. And Chris, what you said there about what you want, the legacy you want your children to leave is so important. We so often get caught up in, oh, the legacy I want to leave is hundreds and thousands of dollars. Yes, we want to leave financial stability and that kind of thing is a legacy, but legacy isn't what we leave to people, it's what we leave in people, and you're clearly building something eternal. And I think just by looking at the example you set in business and in ministry, that's powerful. So as we wrap up, quick question What is one scripture that keeps your heart steady?

SPEAKER_01 35:57

That's a good question. There's so many great passages of scripture, but I would say one verse that's really helped me in a myriad of situations is James 1.5, which talks about if there is anyone who lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives freely, liberally, and it will be given to him. And I latched on to that verse as a young adult because there came a point in my life where I humbled myself and realized I don't know everything, I never will know everything. In fact, I've said this in another interview: the more I learn, the dumber I feel, but the dumber I feel, the more I want to learn. It's it's just this ongoing cycle. And I put that verse in the forefront of my mind because I am not God's gift of business, and I know that there are so many other people out there who can probably tell me about profit and loss and margins and this strategy, that strategy. You know, if I had that person beside me, maybe my business would be doing better than it is now, but that's not my concern. It's that when I do have an issue, when I am struggling with something, it's a James 1.5 moment. Lord, I really don't know what I'm doing here. I need your wisdom. How can I best represent you? And how can I do this correctly to where I don't create all kinds of problems for myself? I really need your wisdom because if I lean on my own understanding, like Proverbs 3 says, I'm gonna mess it up every time. I know it, I know me. So help me to do this in a way that honors you. Give me the people or the the reading, whatever it is, to help me gain that wisdom that I can lead in and with integrity and do this right instead of learning through the school of hard knocks, as it were.

SPEAKER_00 38:19

Nice, Christopher, Chris, pastor, business owner, gunsmith, your story reminds us that God can use any trade and any tool and any talent for his glory. And whether it's a pulpit or a podcast, oh a pressure, oh a precision instrument like a gun, excellence done with love, but still evangelism, and you serve your clients with excellence. So thank you for sharing and showing us a great example of what everyday ministry looks like, and how ministry isn't just behind the pulpit, folks, in your businesses, you are making impact. The question is, what impact are you making? Is it a joyful and an inspiring impact? Is it a Jesus impact? Would Jesus look down and say, I am proud? So whether it's through caste craftsmanship or whether it's through the courage you stand in in the difficult times, are you standing in Christ-centered integrity from the one end to the other? So Chris, what is the best way for people to connect with you? And for those of you who don't have pen and paper on you right now, it will be in the show notes below. But what is the best way for people to connect with you?

SPEAKER_01 39:57

Well, I'm on Facebook and people can look me up under Christopher Young. They should be able to find me there. But if they want to contact me through email, I can share that with them. It's crescendo at gmail.com. It's spelled a little differently, but I'll I'll send that to you, Nikki, so you can put that in the show notes. That's probably the easiest way to contact me. Again, I'm certainly not trying to create my own platform, but if I can ever serve somebody else and be a resource to them, I'm happy to do that to continue in this conversation or to repeat this conversation with someone else who may not have had a chance to hear it. But as I have told people before, information is meant to be shared. So, you know, we're we should be willing and able to help each other in any way that we can. And that's one of the reasons why I wanted to come on with you this morning, is just you know, this this is information, this is what's on my heart. And if it helps somebody else, then to God be the glory.

SPEAKER_00 41:01

Amen. And I would encourage you, go and follow him on Facebook. You can't miss it. It's Christopher Young crescendo in parenthesis and support his work, like his ministry trip photographs, catch on to his sense of humor, and just support him in using his skills, and perhaps you'll learn some more fascinating information along the way. But also, if today's conversation sparked something in you, if it stirred your heart and you thought, well, there's another entrepreneur that gets to hear this, another business owner, whether it be with a brick and mortar store or an online business, please share this with them, invite them to listen to this. Because remember, joy is found in what we build. Because when we build it with Christ, that's the way to go. But it's not found when we build on our own, it's found in who we build it in. That's where the joy comes in. So be sure to remember that and keep Jesus at the head of the boardroom table. Keep your eyes up and your purpose anchored and keep stepping into joy. I look forward to seeing you all next week on the Joy Inspired Podcast. Bye for now. Thank you so much for joining me on the Joy Inspired Podcast.com. Make sure you hit that subscribe button so that you can get this on every other episode that comes out. We have lots of great stuff coming. And you don't want to miss it. So let's go subscribe. All of the news and comments.