HISTORY
In 1896, Charles M. Sheldon’s book, “In His Steps,” was first published. It challenged readers to ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” before making decisions or taking action.
Almost eighty years after “In His Steps,” was published, Robert L. “Bobby” Mitchell, a young Atlanta businessman, received a copy. He understood that applying the question “What would Jesus do?” has incredible ramifications. Nevertheless, he was determined that following Jesus’ steps through the business world was exactly what God was calling him to do.
Bobby’s commitment to Bible study led him to join a group of business people – many of whom were top Atlanta executives. Their integrity and faithfulness impressed him, and it did not take long to discover that God was calling others to walk with Him in their businesses. Bobby’s prayers for the future were answered when his friend B.G. “Bert” Stumberg, approached him about a company – Applied Ceramics, Inc. – that was in need of new direction and fresh leadership. Bobby brought Bert to his Bible study and soon, Bert renewed his commitment to Christ, and the two dedicated themselves to operating their companies based on Biblical principles. In 1977 their search for wisdom led them to a Leadership Dynamics meeting in Point Clear, Alabama, where their vision of leading a company for Christ was clarified and Bill Leonard accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. Bill joined Bobby and Bert in their passionate pursuit of Christ-centered business stewardship.
Larry Burkett soon joined their growing circle and became an invaluable instructor, friend and so much more. Together they invited many of Georgia’s Christian business leaders to hear the vision that God was developing, and to encourage them to join in pursuing that vision. Out of that meeting came a group of seven that wrestled together for the next two years learning how to walk with Christ in their personal and business lives.
Bobby, Bert, Bill and Larry along with Jim Moye, Ben Lively and Tom Harris formed a nucleus that actually functioned much like what has become an FCCI Business Leadership Group. These men, along with Jim Pursell and Smith Lanier, became the original FCCI Board of Directors.
What began as a few business leaders searching for answers on how to run their companies for Christ, grew to a globe-spanning Fellowship of company stewards united by a common vision. We believe that God can use the why and how of our businesses to positively impact the world for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
FCCI’s rich four decade plus history is more fully explored in the book A Walk in The Market.
A Walk in the Market
Author Robert L. Mitchell highlights the history of FCCI in “A Walk in the Market.” Request a copy with a donation to FCCI of $10 or more. Select “Book Offer” in the Choose your Designation drop-down menu when you donate online.
