As Christian entrepreneurs, we want our businesses to reflect our faith, honor God, and make an eternal impact. But how do we practically align our work with God’s plan?

The Three Fish Model offers a powerful biblical framework for entrepreneurship. Inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14, this model teaches us how to bring the little we have—our talents, resources, and time—to God and trust Him to multiply it for His glory.

At IBAM, this model is the foundation of our mission and process, which is designed to help entrepreneurs build businesses that create impact. Our IBAM Process is based on these three core principles:

Give a Fish – Providing start-up loans to launch businesses.

Teach to Fish – Offering entrepreneur training for sustainable growth.

Equip for Discipleship – Encouraging generosity and discipleship to multiply Kingdom impact.

In this post, we’ll break down the Three Fish Model and show you how it connects to our IBAM Process. With practical examples and biblical wisdom, you’ll learn how to align your business with God’s Word and create lasting change.

What is the Three Fish Model?

The Three Fish Model is inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13–21. Here’s a quick recap of this miraculous event:

• A large crowd followed Jesus, and they were hungry.
• A boy offered Jesus his two fish and five loaves of bread.
• Jesus blessed the food, multiplied it, and fed over 5,000 men, plus women and children.

What does this story teach us about entrepreneurship?

Faith – The boy brought what little he had, trusting Jesus to use it.

Stewardship – Jesus managed the resources wisely, organizing the crowd and distributing the food effectively.

Generosity – The boy’s small offering blessed thousands.

These three principles—faith, stewardship, and generosity—are the foundation for biblical entrepreneurship. Let’s dive into each one and see how they connect to the IBAM Process.

1. Faith: Trusting God with Your Business

Faith is the first fish in the model. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Faith is the foundation of everything we do as Christian entrepreneurs.

Faith in business means trusting God with the unknown—whether it’s launching a new product, hiring employees, or navigating financial challenges. It’s about surrendering your plans to Him and believing that He will guide you.

IBAM Process: Give a Fish
At IBAM, we reflect this principle through our Give a Fish function. We provide start-up loans to help entrepreneurs take that first step of faith.

Example:
Imagine a single mother in an underserved community who dreams of starting a small bakery. She has the skills but lacks the resources to get started. Through a start-up loan from IBAM, she can purchase her first batch of supplies and open her doors. This act of faith—stepping into the unknown while trusting God—can lead to a ripple effect of blessings.

Reflection Question:
Are you trusting God with your business, or are you relying solely on your own strength? Bring your ‘fish’—your talents, resources, and ideas—to Jesus, and watch how He multiplies them.

2. Stewardship: Managing God’s Resources Wisely

The second fish is Stewardship. Stewardship means recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and managing it in a way that honors Him.

In Matthew 25, Jesus shares the parable of the talents, where the master rewards the servants who managed his money wisely. This reminds us that God values faithful stewardship.

As Christian entrepreneurs, stewardship involves:

• Managing your time effectively.
• Treating your employees and customers with care and respect.
• Using your profits for good, like reinvesting in your community or supporting ministries.

IBAM Process: Teach to Fish
At IBAM, this principle is reflected in our Teach to Fish function. We provide entrepreneur training to equip business owners with the tools they need to grow sustainably and make wise decisions.

Example:
Consider a farmer who receives training through IBAM on sustainable agriculture practices. By learning how to use his land more effectively, he’s able to increase his yield, provide for his family, and even employ others in his community. Good stewardship leads to growth, not just for the individual but for everyone around them.

Practical Steps for Stewardship in Your Business:

Time: Use your time intentionally—focus on tasks that move your business forward.

Money: Budget wisely and use profits to honor God.

People: Treat your employees and customers with kindness and integrity.

Reflection Question:
Are you managing your business as a steward of God’s resources? Stewardship is not just a responsibility—it’s a way to glorify God in your work.

3. Generosity: Using Your Business to Bless Others

The third fish is Generosity. Generosity is about giving freely, whether it’s your time, money, or resources. It’s recognizing that everything we have comes from God and is meant to bless others.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity in business could look like:

• Giving a portion of your profits to support ministries or local charities.
• Mentoring younger entrepreneurs to help them grow.
• Creating jobs that uplift your community.

IBAM Process: Equip for Discipleship
At IBAM, generosity is the heart of our Equip for Discipleship function. We encourage entrepreneurs to use their success to disciple others and create ripple effects for God’s Kingdom.

Example:
A small clothing business owner who received support from IBAM decides to pay it forward by mentoring other aspiring entrepreneurs in her community. She shares her knowledge, offers advice, and even donates a portion of her profits to fund start-up loans for others. Her generosity multiplies as those she helps begin to help others.

Reflection Question:
How can you use your business to bless others? Generosity isn’t just about financial giving—it’s about using your resources, time, and influence to glorify God and serve others.

Putting It All Together: The IBAM Process

The Three Fish Model comes to life through the IBAM Process, which connects faith, stewardship, and generosity in practical ways:

Give a Fish: Start-up loans help entrepreneurs take their first step of faith.

Teach to Fish: Entrepreneur training equips business owners to steward their resources wisely.

Equip for Discipleship: Encouraging generosity inspires entrepreneurs to disciple others and create Kingdom impact.

Real-Life Success Story:

Meet Patience Chiesu, an entrepreneur in Kenya who dreamed of starting her own tailoring business. Through a start-up loan from IBAM, she was able to purchase her first sewing machine. With training on financial management and customer service, she grew her business into a thriving operation that employs three other women in her village. Now, Patience mentors young women, teaching them tailoring skills and sharing her faith. Her generosity is transforming lives and advancing God’s Kingdom.

The Three Fish Model—Faith, Stewardship, and Generosity—is a powerful framework for living out your faith in business. It reminds us that our work is more than just a job—it’s a ministry that can glorify God and change lives.

At IBAM, we believe that every entrepreneur has the potential to make an eternal impact. Whether it’s taking that first step of faith, managing resources wisely, or using your business to bless others, small actions can create ripples that reach far beyond what we can see.

Challenge: Which of the three fish—Faith, Stewardship, or Generosity—do you need to focus on this week? Take a moment to reflect, and consider how you can align your business with God’s plan.

Ready to take the next step in your faith-driven business journey? Join the IBAM Impact Membership for just $10/month. Your support helps provide start-up loans, training, and discipleship to entrepreneurs in underserved communities, empowering them to thrive both spiritually and economically.

👉 Click here to become a member today!

Let’s build businesses that glorify God and transform lives—together