Welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast where faith meets entrepreneurship. Each episode, we uncover the strategies, stories, and spirit-led insights that help Christian business owners align their goals with God’s call. From practical tips to real-life testimonies, we explore what it takes to build a business that honours Christ, serves others, and impacts the Kingdom.

In this episode of the Christian Business Growth Podcast, Lyle Leads sits down with Ed Anderson, a minister-turned–financial professional with New York Life. Ed’s story is one of faith, obedience, and stewardship — showing how God can use every season of life to expand our impact.

With nearly 30 years in ministry, Ed shares how he transitioned into business to help families protect their financial future, while still keeping his mission centered on Christ. From tithing and stewardship to faith-driven decision-making, this episode reminds Christian entrepreneurs that business can be ministry — when our hearts and priorities align with God’s will.

“My first job is always to share Christ. Finances come second.”

“Money isn’t evil — it’s a tool. The love of money is where the problem begins.”

“If God called you to business, He’s already equipped you for it.”

“Tithing is elementary. True blessing comes when we become givers from the heart.”

Lyle Leads: Welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast! I’m here with Ed Anderson from New York Life. Ed, how did you get into business — and how did God lead you there?

Ed Anderson: Well, that’s a long story, but I’ll make it short. I’ve been in ministry for nearly 30 years and pastored for a while. I loved what I was doing, but I also wanted to do more — to help people not just spiritually, but practically.

As a pastor, I saw many families struggling financially when a loved one passed. Some didn’t have plans in place, and the church had to step in to help. I thought, there has to be a better way. So I prayed about it, and God opened the door for me to work in financial services.

Now, I get to help families prepare wisely and make sure their loved ones are protected — and that’s ministry too.

 

Lyle Leads: When you meet new people, how do you decide whether to talk about finances or faith first?

Ed Anderson: For me, it’s always Jesus first. Finances come second. I’m very relational — I like to connect first, listen, and build trust. People open up when they feel seen and heard.

“Once that relationship is there, it naturally leads to deeper conversations — about life, faith, and sometimes finances. But my priority is always the gospel.”

 

Lyle Leads: How did you decide to expand your ministry into the business world?

Ed Anderson: Two reasons — one, I’ve always wanted to help people in every area of life. And two, I needed to care for my own family financially.

Anyone who’s been in ministry knows that it doesn’t always pay well, and you don’t do it for the money. But I prayed for something that would allow me to continue serving God while providing for my family — and this was that vehicle.

Once I studied it, researched it, and saw how I could impact others, I knew this was the right fit.

 

Lyle Leads: The Bible talks a lot about money. How does Scripture shape your view of it?

Ed Anderson: The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil — not money itself. Money is just a tool God gives us to do His work, support others, and further His Kingdom.

“Problems start when money becomes the goal instead of God. We have to be intentional about keeping money in its proper place — under His authority, not above it.”

 

Lyle Leads: What’s something God’s been teaching you lately — in life or business?

Ed Anderson: Faith. My walk with God has always been about trusting Him completely.

Years ago, God told me to pray in every state capital across the U.S. I tried to bargain — “Can I just step over the border and pray?” — but He said no. I had to go to each capital. That mission taught me trust on a new level.

Later, He told me to go to the nations. Since 2007, I’ve ministered in over 60 countries. Each step required faith — and He’s never failed me.

 

Lyle Leads: A lot of believers struggle with their relationship with money. What’s your advice?

Ed Anderson: Many people think Christians should live in poverty — but Scripture says God wants us to prosper in all things, not just financially. Prosperity includes health, relationships, and spiritual growth.

The key is stewardship. We must manage what God gives us wisely. Learn how to budget, save, and invest. Stewardship isn’t about greed — it’s about gratitude. When we handle money well, we can fund ministry, bless others, and still enjoy the fruit of our labor — even a family vacation!

 

Ed Anderson:

Listen to God first. Be sensitive to His voice and courageous enough to obey.

Ask questions and seek wisdom. Don’t assume you know it all — invite God and godly counsel into your financial decisions.

Follow through. Hearing God is one thing; acting on His direction is another. Obedience activates blessing.

Lyle Leads: Let’s talk about tithing. Many business owners wonder how and when to tithe.

Ed Anderson: Early in marriage, I thought I could make “arrangements” with God about tithing. My wife quickly corrected that! She reminded me that as the spiritual covering of our home, my obedience affected both of us.

That was nearly 30 years ago, and I’ve never forgotten it. Tithing is the starting point — the elementary level. But true growth happens when you become a giver — giving above and beyond out of gratitude, not obligation.

When you do, God blesses abundantly. We’ve seen that in our own family time and again.

 

Lyle Leads: What’s helping you grow your business right now?

Ed Anderson: Relationships. I connect with other Christian entrepreneurs and join faith-based business groups.

When you meet someone new, focus on relationship — not selling. Listen more than you talk. People don’t buy from a pitch; they buy from people they trust.

And for those who are nervous about networking? Ask the Holy Spirit to go before you. You’re not alone in that room — He’s already there.

 

Ed Anderson: God has called you, and He’s equipped you. If you’re in business right now and you believe God put you there — trust that He’s already given you what you need. Lean into your relationship with Him, and let Him guide every decision.

 

Ed’s story reminds us that business and ministry don’t have to be separate. When faith leads, business becomes an extension of the Kingdom. Whether you’re a financial professional, creative, or entrepreneur — you’re called to steward your influence well.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with another Christian entrepreneur who’s learning to trust God in both business and life.

“If He called you, He’s also equipped you.”

Lyle Leads:
Hello and welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast. I’m here with Ed Anderson. He’s from New York Life. He’s got quite a story to share with us today. So, Ed, kick us off. What brought you into business? How did God get you there?

Ed Anderson:
Wow, well, that was a long, long story, but I’m gonna make it really short. First of all, Brother Lyle, thank you for this opportunity to be able to share. I don’t take it lightly. It’s an honor to be able to do this with you of all people because we haven’t known each other for a long period of time, but I know that you are anointed and you’re gifted to do what God has called you to do, so I really appreciate this.

How did I get here? It started with me being in ministry for a number of years. I’ve been in ministry now for just shy of 30 years and was pastoring for a while. I really enjoyed what I was doing, but I wanted to do something a little bit different. I wanted to get involved in some other things. The opportunity to help people walk through life is something I was already doing, but I also wanted to help them with the gaps in their finances to make sure their families were taken care of.

As a pastor, I saw that a lot—especially when people passed away and their families didn’t have anything in place. We had to go through the process of either the church helping the family or the family trying to get help from others, even doing GoFundMes. I thought there had to be a better way. So I prayed about it, and God opened up this opportunity. I learned more, gained experience, and now I’m able to help families protect what matters most.

Lyle Leads:
Awesome. I’m gonna ask you a hard question. Do you mind? When you meet someone new, how do you decide whether to have a conversation about finances or about Jesus?

Ed Anderson:
Very good question. For me, I always lean into Jesus first. Finances may come up later. I’m a very relational person—it starts with relationship. I get to know the individual, share who I am, and that breaks down walls. People tend to open up and share their stories with me. That gives me the chance to share Jesus, and then we can talk about finances later. My first job is always to share Christ. Anything else comes afterward.

Lyle Leads:
For someone balancing that same thing, talk us through what brought you from being in ministry to wanting to impact lives more holistically, not just spiritually.

Ed Anderson:
It was a combination of things. I’ve always had a heart to help people—helping them through challenges, protecting their families, things like that. But I also wanted to take care of my own family. Anyone who’s been in ministry knows ministry doesn’t always pay well, and you don’t go into it for the pay—you do it to further God’s Kingdom.

So I needed and desired something that would help take care of my family financially. This was the vehicle that God brought to me. Once I studied, researched, and got involved, I realized it was a perfect fit.

Lyle Leads:
The Bible talks a lot about money. Give us a couple of insights into how the Bible impacts what you’re currently doing.

Ed Anderson:
Absolutely. The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil—not money itself. There’s nothing wrong with having money; the issue is when we love it more than we love God or people. Money is a tool that God gives us to do good things, to further His Kingdom, and to support others. But when money becomes our god, that’s when problems arise. We have to be intentional about our motives and priorities.

Lyle Leads:
You’re a minister, so you’re always in the Word. What’s God currently teaching you, both personally and in your business life?

Ed Anderson:
God continues to teach me faith and trust. I’ve always had to rely on Him completely. A friend once told me that I truly have the gift of faith because of the situations I’ve walked through. God constantly teaches me to trust Him even more. Even after decades of walking with God, I’m still learning. We’re all disciples—learners—and He keeps teaching me to walk by faith.

Lyle Leads:
Can you share an example of one of those faith moments you’ve had to overcome?

Ed Anderson:
Sure. When I first gave my life to God, I told Him, “If you’re real and you reveal yourself to me, I’ll do whatever you want, say whatever you want, and go wherever you want me to go.” And He’s held me to that.

One example: God gave me an assignment to pray in every U.S. state capital within a year. I pastored a small church at the time and asked God if I could just cross the border and pray, but He said, “No, go to the capital. That’s where the laws are made.” So I did it.

Later, He told me to go to the nations. Since 2007, I’ve ministered in over 60 countries. Each step required deeper faith and obedience.

Lyle Leads:
A lot of Christians deal with financial issues. It’s not the love of money, but confusion about their relationship with money. How do you see that relationship?

Ed Anderson:
Many believers see money as evil or believe they should live in poverty to be humble. There’s nothing wrong with being content, but God wants us to prosper—in our health, relationships, and finances. The key is stewardship.

We must learn to steward money well—budget, save, and invest wisely. When we steward well, we can bless others and support the Kingdom. Money can fund ministry, bless our families, and even allow rest and enjoyment. Stewardship makes that possible.

Lyle Leads:
That’s good. Our audience is business owners. What are three quick tips for being a good financial steward?

Ed Anderson:
First, position yourself to hear what God is saying—and have the courage to obey. That’s not always easy, but it’s vital.
Second, ask questions. Ask God for wisdom and strategy.
Third, follow through. Many hear God or gain strategy but fail to take action. As Christian business owners, we must execute what God reveals.

Lyle Leads:
Let’s talk about tithing. There’s a lot of confusion about gross versus net, tax returns, and what to tithe on. What’s your take?

Ed Anderson:
When my wife and I first married, I didn’t fully understand tithing. I thought I could “make an arrangement” with God. My wife corrected me and said, “You’re my covering now. What you do affects us both. You can’t make deals with God about obedience.” That was a life lesson I never forgot.

I’ve learned that tithing is foundational—it’s obedience. But giving goes beyond that. God calls us to be givers, not just tithers. When we give above the tithe with the right heart, we experience blessing.

For business owners, your success is often tied to how willing you are to honor God’s principles. If you’re faithful in tithing and giving, God blesses that.

Lyle Leads:
That’s a great word. People are often afraid of tithing, but it’s just about honoring God. Money’s a tool—put it to work for good.

What are some things you’re currently doing to grow your business that might help others?

Ed Anderson:
I’m connecting with other believers and business owners. That’s actually how we met! Find Christian business networking groups in your area.

Also, be willing to make new friends. Don’t lead with a sales pitch—just connect with people. Build relationships first, and the business conversation can come later. Authenticity builds trust.

Lyle Leads:
Exactly. If you lead with the sale, you miss the relationship. Sometimes it takes multiple conversations before someone decides to work with you. For those who are nervous about starting conversations, what advice would you give?

Ed Anderson:
Ask the Holy Spirit to be with you. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. You’re not alone—He’ll lead and guide you. The worst thing someone can say is “no,” and most won’t even say that. Keep it light, keep it simple, and trust God.

Lyle Leads:
Right, and don’t focus on yourself. Focus on the other person. When you do that, the fear fades.

Ed Anderson:
Exactly. And be an active listener. Don’t think about your next line—listen to what they’re saying. Ask questions to show you care. That builds real connection.

Lyle Leads:
Amen to that. Active listening is a skill everyone should learn. So as we wrap up, what’s one piece of wisdom you want to leave us with?

Ed Anderson:
God has called you and equipped you. If He’s called you into business, trust that He’s given you everything you need. Lean into your relationship with Him and follow His lead.

Lyle Leads:
Amen. Thank you for that, brother. How can people get in touch with you?

Ed Anderson:
You can reach me by phone at 214-551-3759 or by email at EAnderson09@ft.nyl.com
.

Lyle Leads:
Great. Thank you for your time today, brother. I look forward to getting to know you even more. Have a great day!

Ed Anderson:
You too, same here.