Podcast appearances and mentions of pat ennis

Most business owners understand the importance of confidentiality during a sale process. What many do not fully appreciate is just how fragile that confidentiality can be once the business is taken to market. A single conversation, unusual document request, or shift in behavior can create concern among employees, uncertainty among customers, and speculation among vendors or competitors. And once uncertainty enters the picture, business value can begin eroding long before a transaction ever closes. In this episode, Greg Kovsky joins Pat Ennis and Walter Deyhle to discuss how business owners can explore a sale while protecting the relationships and stability that make their company valuable in the first place. Drawing on more than three decades of M&A experience and over 300 completed transactions, Greg shares practical insights into confidentiality, buyer screening, information control, and the realities of taking a business to market without creating unnecessary disruption. Whether you're considering a sale in the near future or simply want to understand how the process works, this conversation provides valuable perspective on preserving trust, protecting value, and maintaining leverage throughout the transaction process. In This Episode, We Discuss:What "selling in stealth mode" actually means in practiceWhy confidentiality is critical to preserving business valueCommon mistakes that unintentionally expose a sale processHow experienced advisors screen potential buyersThe role and limitations of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)When employees, customers, and vendors should be informedHow to protect key relationships during due diligenceWhat a well-managed confidential sale process looks likePractical advice for owners considering a future saleGuest Gregory KovskyPresident & CEO, International Business Associates (IBA) Greg is President & CEO of International Business Associates, the Pacific Northwest's oldest and largest business brokerage firm. With more than 30 years of experience as an M&A intermediary, he has facilitated over 300 transactions involving privately held companies and family businesses across multiple industries, typically ranging from $1 million to $30 million in enterprise value. He is also a published author, seminar speaker, and advocate for entrepreneurship. Connect with Greg (Insert website and contact information)  ───────────────────────────────────────── Trying to build your exit plan yourself? ExitReadiness® DIY™ provides a proven framework, AI-powered tools, assessments, and practical guidance to help you increase business value, prepare for a future transition, and make more informed decisions. When you need additional expertise, credentialed exit planning professionals are available to help you navigate the issues that matter most.  Check it out at exitreadiness.com.Conversations that move you closer to a regret-proof exit. Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking HERE!Learn more about working with Pat and Walter at ennislp.com Connect with Pat: linkedin.com/in/pat-ennis-25b4a111/Connect with Walter: linkedin.com/in/walter-deyhle-cpa-abv-cff-maff-cexp-cepa-57386614/#PatEnnis #WalterDeyhle #ExitReadinessDISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. ENNIS Legacy Partners assumes no legal liability for any loss related to information contained in this presentation.

Most business owners know their company depends heavily on them. Fewer understand how much that dependency impacts transferable value, scalability, leadership continuity, and long-term optionality. In this episode, Laurie Barkman joins Pat Ennis and Walter Deyhle to discuss three practical actions owners can begin taking now to reduce owner dependency and build businesses that are more scalable, transferable, and valuable. The conversation focuses on the tension many founders experience: building something successful while unintentionally remaining at the center of every important decision. A business that cannot function without the owner may still produce strong income—but it becomes significantly harder to transfer, sell, or scale with confidence. This episode explores how owners can begin stepping back intentionally while strengthening the business at the same time. In this episode, we cover:Why owner dependency reduces transferable business valueThe hidden risks of being central to every decision and relationshipHow leadership teams gain confidence and accountabilityPractical ways to create operational independenceWhy scalable businesses create greater freedom and optionality for ownersThe connection between self-sustaining companies and stronger exit outcomesGuest: Laurie Barkman — Growth Strategist, Certified Exit Planner, M&A Advisor, Author, and Founder of The Business Transition Sherpa® Laurie helps engineering, architecture, and design services firm owners build scalable, self-running businesses that create more time, freedom, and long-term value. She is the author of The Business Transition Handbook and host of the award-winning Succession Stories podcast. Connect with Laurie:Website: Laurie Barkman WebsiteBook: The Business Transition HandbookSuccessor Assessment: Successor Assessment SurveyLinkedIn: Laurie Barkman on LinkedInYouTube: Laurie Barkman YouTube Channel ─────────────────────────────────────────Ready to assess your own exit readiness? Take the free ExitReadiness® DIY™ Assessment at ExitReadiness® DIY™ Learn more about working with Pat and Walter at ENNIS Legacy Partners Connect with Pat: Pat Ennis LinkedIn Connect with Walter: Walter Deyhle LinkedIn───────────────────────────────────────── DISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. ENNIS Legacy Partners assumes no legal liability for any loss related to information contained in this presentation.Conversations that move you closer to a regret-proof exit. Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking HERE!Learn more about Pat and Walter: https://ennislp.com/about CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwUmJP3Fm4rYbRAQhYQkpg ExitReadiness Blog: https://ennislp.com/read-our-blogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/exitreadinessWebsite: Ennislp.com#PatEnnis #WalterDeyhle #ExitReadinessDISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. ENNIS Legacy Partners assumes no legal liability for any loss related to information contained in this presentation.

AI is quickly moving beyond experimentation and becoming part of how buyers evaluate operational maturity, scalability, and future growth potential. But not every use of AI increases business value. In many cases, owners are implementing tools without a clear strategy, measurable impact, or understanding of what sophisticated buyers are actually looking for. In this episode, Janet Waring, CEO of ArtForm Agency, joins Pat Ennis and Corby Megorden to discuss how AI is beginning to influence valuation conversations—from operational efficiency and market intelligence to scalability and decision-making. The conversation focuses on practical application rather than hype, helping owners think more strategically about where AI fits within long-term value creation and exit planning. This discussion is particularly relevant for owners trying to determine whether AI is simply a productivity tool—or an emerging factor in how businesses are evaluated, differentiated, and ultimately valued. **In this episode, we cover:** * What separates meaningful AI implementation from experimentation * How buyers and private equity groups may evaluate AI capabilities * Where AI can improve operational scalability and efficiency * Risks associated with fragmented or poorly integrated AI adoption * Practical starting points for owners planning an exit within the next few years * Why thoughtful AI strategy may increasingly influence transferable value Guest: Janet Waring, Co-Founder & CEO, ArtForm Agency ArtForm Agency combines strategy, creativity, and data science to help organizations scale through AI enablement, market intelligence, and performance-driven marketing strategies. Janet brings more than 25 years of experience in business development, audience research, positioning, and data-driven growth strategy. Connect with Janet: artformagency.com ─────────────────────────────────────────Ready to assess your own exit readiness? Take the free ExitReadiness® DIY™ Assessment at exitreadiness.com Learn more about working with Pat and Walter: ennislp.com You can also access free exit-related assessments and educational resources at ennislp.com. ───────────────────────────────────────── Conversations that move you closer to a regret-proof exit. Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking HERE!Learn more about Pat and Walter: https://ennislp.com/about CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwUmJP3Fm4rYbRAQhYQkpg ExitReadiness Blog: https://ennislp.com/read-our-blogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/exitreadinessWebsite: Ennislp.com#PatEnnis #WalterDeyhle #ExitReadinessDISCLAIMER: The information in this presentation is provided as education only. Neither the presenter nor ENNIS Legacy Partners is engaged to render legal, accounting, or other professional services. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. ENNIS Legacy Partners assumes no legal liability for any loss related to information contained in this presentation.

Pat Ennis and Corby Megorden are business partners at ENNIS Legacy Partners whose mission is to help business owners enjoy life in the business and plan for exit and life after the business. In this episode we delve into the world of business exits. They explore the critical strategies business owners use to exit their ventures effectively.Pat and Corby highlight the importance of maximizing exit options through comprehensive planning and readiness assessments. They offer practical advice on the initial steps owners should take to prepare for their exit, from evaluating business value to creating a robust exit plan. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to secure their legacy and achieve a successful exit.Website: www.exitreadiness.com (for a FREE exit readiness assessment that scores an owner in four key exit planning categories)Connect with Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-ennis-cexp-cap%C2%AE-25b4a111/Connect with Corby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corby-megorden-cepa-ccea-mea-fmva-cbca-b4816b1a/Let's Stay in Touch! LinkedIn (be sure to mention you heard the podcast ;-)) Twitter Instagram Website - B.O.O.S.T.® Your Brilliance

Promo Pack: Does the word hospitality fill you with excitementor dread? Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Drs. Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock explain why you are called to hospitality and why it doesn't need to be complicatedon REVIVE OUR HEARTS WEEKEND. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/453/29

Promo Pack: Does the word hospitality fill you with excitementor dread? Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Drs. Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock explain why you are called to hospitality and why it doesn't need to be complicatedon REVIVE OUR HEARTS WEEKEND. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/453/29

New Livestream guest- Pat Ennis, CExP, CAP® I'm happy to have Pat join me on a live broadcast. Pat has been in the wealth planning business since the 90's and helping SMB owners plan their exit for over a decade. Tune in and as we'll be discussing getting a business ready for your exit and just what, exactly, that might mean. This is a ‘must see event' for anyone who owns a business or want to one day. Find Pat online at https://www.ExitReadiness.com

Succession Stories host, Laurie Barkman, is joined by Pat Ennis, Founder of Ennis Legacy Partners. With decades of experience in financial services, Pat has extensive understanding of the challenges business owners face. Because 100% of owners will eventually exit, it's important to understand the 6Ds– risks that can derail a business like death, divorce, and disasters. Understandably these risks can feel like taboo topics so that's why we're diving in.  “Owners need a plan to prepare the business to maintain essential functions to avoid potential disaster or crisis.” Learn why having an ownership contingency plan can enable you to preserve your business legacy, ensure business continuity, and prepare potential successors. Listen in to learn more about: Importance of Planning 6 Ds and Business Continuity Avoiding Business Dissolution Key Planning Steps   Find Pat Here: https://ennislp.com/   My Links: ⏰️ Meet With Laurie: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/connect/

This week, John is joined by Pat Ennis. Pat is the founder of ENNIS Legacy Partners. Pat has a history of financial planning, and since founding ENNIS has been able to help his clients plan for the lifestyle that they dream of after exiting their business.Want to learn more? Go to: https://exitmap.com/meet-the-team/Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfdini/============================================“In the past decade surveys have shown that 75% of former business owners are “unhappy” or “have regrets” a year after their transition. The Exit Planning Coach podcast is dedicated to reducing that number by helping advisors create deeper conversations with their clients.”John F. Dini, CEXP, CEPA============================================

Episode 38 |  In today’s episode, my guest Sherri Patterson and I discuss “The Middle Years: Setting Goals and Letting Go.” The responsibility to guide our children’s hearts wisely and then prepare to see them leave the nest can at times feel a bit overwhelming. But knowing this, that we can have confidence in God’s Word and in His ways will guide us in both setting these goals and in preparing our hearts to let go.  Sherri, with 5 daughters of her own, gives us a glimpse of how this played out in her own home. Happy listening friends! The Christian Homemakers Handbook by Pat Ennis and Dorothy Kelley Patterson Check Us Out:  Website Instagram Facebook   Media Director: Jennifer Beil Social Media Coordinator: Mindy Tingson Logo Design: Jamie Hurst

Episode 23 - I talk to family and friends of the late Pat Ennis about his life on and off stageThanks for listening.Lloydwww.littletownmedia.com

What does it mean to practice hospitality in a radically ordinary way? What if we started to view our homes as jumping off points for the Gospel and as very powerful forms of ministry? In today's episode we discuss all of that and more! Listen in: Listen to the Podcast: You can find important links & info below. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. Links & Resources: Book recommendation: The Gospel Comes with a Housekey: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in our Post-Christian World by Roaria Butterfield Book Recommendation: Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock Our sponsor: Ooak Dental - get all your dental needs from Amazon now! Our sponsor: Get 50% off your First Care Of order by going to TakeCareOf.com and using promo code: home50

What does it mean to practice hospitality in a radically ordinary way? What if we started to view our homes as jumping off points for the Gospel and as very powerful forms of ministry? In today's episode we discuss all of that and more! Listen in: Listen to the Podcast: You can find important links & info below. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. Links & Resources: Book recommendation: The Gospel Comes with a Housekey: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in our Post-Christian World by Roaria Butterfield Book Recommendation: Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock Our sponsor: Ooak Dental - get all your dental needs from Amazon now! Our sponsor: Get 50% off your First Care Of order by going to TakeCareOf.com and using promo code: home50

Fr Peter McVerry, Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, Elaine Dunne, John Boyle, Gabrielle Colleran, Damien English, Barry Cowen and Pat Ennis

On Episode 35, we are joined by Pat Ennis & Corby Megorden, two of the partners behind Ennis Legacy Partners. Since being founded in 2010, Ennis LP is a Bethesda, Maryland based firm that specializes in helping business owners strategically plan and execute the process of exiting their businesses. On Episode 35 we unpack the following items and more: - How to Build a Sellable Business? - How to Sell A Company? - Where is the Value in a Sellable Business? - If the Business Depends on the Owner, can it Still Be Sold? - What's are Common Misconceptions for Those Selling Their Company? - How to Maximize Valuation? - What Happens After It's Sold? ... and so much more! Ever imagined or dreamed of selling a company? Well, a big thank you goes to these kind folks! Pat & Corby brought you some gifts! Gift #1: Mention "Jeremy" For 10% Off "Exit Readiness Base Plan" ($600 Value!) Learn More: https://ennislp.com/ Gift #2: Use Code "Academy-15" For 15% Off "Online Exit Planning Course" Learn More: https://learn.exitreadiness.com/

Show NotesPat explains early work history with questions [3:10]How Pat got started selling insurance right out of High School [5:20]How interest in others drives techniques [7:09]ENNIS Legacy Partners origin story and how business owners were an inspiration [9:26]Three questions Pat asks business owners about plans for selling a business [12:35]Being present in today's world and the benefit to others and yourself [16:50]Intentional about being presents and interested [18:45]Testing assumptions [20:29]Coaching Business Leaders [21:32]Counseling and recommended speaking to listening ratios [23:00]Discussing the confirmation question, "you know I'm for you?" in difficult conversations [24:30]Humility and the desire to seek to understand [28:00]Impact of social media on the ability to foster conversation [34:45]What does it look like to love others [39:30]How to meet others [47:43]Contact information for Pat Ennis [54:30] People MentionedENNIS Legacy PartnersPeter Drucker Quote: "My greatest strength as a consultant is to be ignorant and ask a few questions"David Powlison & Christian Counseling and Educational FoundationBecause Of Them We CanPhilippa HughesBrene BrownCal Fussman Questions AskedWhen did you first understand the power of questions?How did you get so interested in questions to begin with?Were you given training or sent to the wolves?Have you modified your questions through different jobs?Did your curiosity about others start with work?Have you found any particular questions that are useful in different circumstances?When are you thinking you want to exit or leave your business?Do you know how much money you are going to need to do what you want to do next?Have you thought about who you want to sell the business to?Why do you think that is the only thing you can do?Do you think there is a hack to asking better questions or do you just have to ask many to get to the answer?Do you use any other questioning techniques for other areas?Do you know I'm for you?Have you had any mentors that helped you with questions?How do you see questions used in the world are they used enough?Do you think social media is impacting our ability to have conversations?Do you find that asking questions communicates care for other people?What are three go-to questions to meet new people?Why is your best friend your best friend?

Pat Ennis & Corby Megorden, co-founders of Ennis Legacy Partners, explain how they help business owners get an estimate of business value, create a financial plan to build a sellable business, and develop strategic exit strategies. Listen in to learn about Pat and Corby's backgrounds in wealth management and financial planning, business partner advice, how to determine business value and exit successfully on your own terms. ENNIS Legacy Partners LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter Exit Readiness Exit Readiness Podcast Awesome Women

In this episode, hosts Pat Ennis and Corby Megorden of ENNIS Legacy Partners discuss with bankers Matthew Mapes and Ryan Goral of Sunflower Bank, a bankers perspective on financial due diligence for both the buy and sell side of transactions.Matthew and Ryan address the following questions:- What do you as bankers recommend to business owner customers about their due diligence process when acquiring another business?- What do you see as a common challenge for sellers as they prep their company for sale?- How would you advise a seller in setting expectations for the financial due diligence process of selling their company?- What would you advise a seller to do that would drastically improve the probability of selling his/her business? Whether you have goals for growth through acquisition or your eventual exit, you will find our conversation with these experienced bankers very helpful. One point discussed that could be the difference in you receiving an average or high multiple at sale is creating a “road map” for a potential buyer. Connect with Matthew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmapes/Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-goral-b799a42/

Business owners are excited when starting their business and go through a series of highs and lows of operating and building it for success. While planning for business success is always top of mind, only a few plan for an exit until it's too late. Only 30% of all first generation businesses successfully transfer it to the next. Primarily because they start planning their exit too late not realizing what's involved and what's at stake. So listen to this episode where I interview Pat Ennis of Ennis Legacy Partners who have helped businesses plan and execute successful exits since 2010.

Starting gospel conversations—whether at home or overseas—is difficult in our distracted, technology-addicted world. Is returning to a practice of holistic, biblical hospitality part of the solution to strengthen our evangelism? Jeff Dalrymple, former president of Baptist Haiti Mission and president and founder of The Hospitality Project, helps us answer that question and explains why we struggle so much to let our neighbors into our homes. You can follow Jeff on Twitter at @JeffDalrymple. In the episode, Jeff recommended a variety of resources on biblical hospitality. In case you missed it, those books were: The Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock Making Room by Christine Pohl Table Grace by Douglas Webster The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon Listeners: We need your help! If you've enjoyed listening to the podcast, you can help us bridge the divide between the gospel-centered theology movement and the world of missions. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or whatever listening platform you prefer. Also, don't forget to share this episode and follow us to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Finally, please send your ideas or questions to alex@missionspodcast.com. Powered by ABWE International.

Starting gospel conversations—whether at home or overseas—is difficult in our distracted, technology-addicted world. Is returning to a practice of holistic, biblical hospitality part of the solution to strengthen our evangelism? Jeff Dalrymple, former president of Baptist Haiti Mission and president and founder of The Hospitality Project, helps us answer that question and explains why we struggle so much to let our neighbors into our homes. You can follow Jeff on Twitter at @JeffDalrymple. In the episode, Jeff recommended a variety of resources on biblical hospitality. In case you missed it, those books were: The Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock Making Room by Christine Pohl Table Grace by Douglas Webster The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon Listeners: We need your help! If you've enjoyed listening to the podcast, you can help us bridge the divide between the gospel-centered theology movement and the world of missions. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or whatever listening platform you prefer. Also, don't forget to share this episode and follow us to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Finally, please send your ideas or questions to alex@missionsshow.com. Powered by ABWE International.

Starting gospel conversations—whether at home or overseas—is difficult in our distracted, technology-addicted world. Is returning to a practice of holistic, biblical hospitality part of the solution to strengthen our evangelism? Jeff Dalrymple, former president of Baptist Haiti Mission and president and founder of The Hospitality Project, helps us answer that question and explains why we struggle so much to let our neighbors into our homes. You can follow Jeff on Twitter at @JeffDalrymple. In the episode, Jeff recommended a variety of resources on biblical hospitality. In case you missed it, those books were: The Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock Making Room by Christine Pohl Table Grace by Douglas Webster The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon Listeners: We need your help! If you've enjoyed listening to the podcast, you can help us bridge the divide between the gospel-centered theology movement and the world of missions. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or whatever listening platform you prefer. Also, don't forget to share this episode and follow us to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Finally, please send your ideas or questions to alex@missionspodcast.com. Powered by ABWE International.

Today we are chatting about a topic that is always on my heart and mind this time of year. Hospitality and how summer is the perfect time to start practicing hospitality or begin again. Summer is the perfect time for fun and easy hospitality ideas! Listen in today:  Listen to the Podcast: We also recorded this blog post as an audio podcast. If you want to listen in instead of reading, click play below or do a combination of both  And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.  Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. Challenging ourselves to selfless hospitality "Offering radically ordinary hospitality is an everyday thing at our house. It starts early, with minestrone soup simmering on one burner and a pot of steamed rice warming on another. It ends late, with Kent making beds on the couches and blowing up air mattresses for a traveling, stranded family. A truly hospitable heart anticipates everyday, Christ-centered table fellowship and guests who are genuinely in need. Such a heart seeks opportunities to serve. Radically ordinary hospitality doesn’t keep fussy lists or make a big deal about invitations. Invitations are open." - Rosaria Butterfield Cultivating a heart of service "In radically ordinary hospitality, host and guest are interchangeable. If you come to my house for dinner and notice that I am still teaching a math lesson to a child, and my laundry remains on the dining room table unfolded, you roll up your sleeves and fold my laundry. Or set the table. Or load the dishwasher. Or feed the dogs. Radically ordinary hospitality means that hosts are not embarrassed to receive help, and guests know that their help is needed. A family of God gathering daily together needs each and every person. Host and guest are permeable roles." - Rosaria Butterfield Hospitality begins with humility: "Clothe yourself with humility (1 Peter 5:5) as you extend biblical hospitality. Walls are built when we think that we have all of the answers or our choices are the best choices for everyone. Learn the difference between biblical mandates and preferences and then expand your borders to include people of differing socioeconomic levels, family size, school choice, and even theological persuasions. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that as believers we should sharpen one another. There is no better way to abolish cultural differences between families than to purpose to dismantle the unbiblical walls we have constructed. Food is always a good lubricant to assist in the demolition process." - Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock An open letter to a hesitant host:  "Dear friend, Are you busy? Are you important? Do you work on a tight schedule? Are your boundaries well-fortified? Those are not, in and of themselves, bad things. But they will become idols if you don’t add something: Christian hospitality—the scriptural command to regularly, transparently, and sacrificially come together in homes over a meal, gathering with neighbors and brothers and sisters from the church, and welcoming strangers.... ...Over the years, we have come to learn this. What stops us from practicing hospitality is our plenty, not our lack. We have too much, and we love too much what we have. Statistics have borne out this truth: meager homes and poor churches give and gather more; wealthy homes and upscale churches horde and micromanage more. Daily ordinary hospitality, practiced for Christ’s glory, sanctifies your boundaries and fortifies your faith. It also exposes the idolatry in our hearts that falsely declare our homes our castles and our time our own. Hospitality combats the crushing loneliness that too many brothers and sisters in Christ bear by offering basic care: a meal, a hug, a prayer. When we share a rhythm of life, we know before anyone asks how we can help and what others need. Right before the eyes of this post-Christian world that dismisses orthodox Christianity as dangerous or useles...

Today we are chatting about a topic that is always on my heart and mind this time of year. Hospitality and how summer is the perfect time to start practicing hospitality or begin again. Summer is the perfect time for fun and easy hospitality ideas! Listen in today:  Listen to the Podcast: We also recorded this blog post as an audio podcast. If you want to listen in instead of reading, click play below or do a combination of both  And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.  Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. Challenging ourselves to selfless hospitality "Offering radically ordinary hospitality is an everyday thing at our house. It starts early, with minestrone soup simmering on one burner and a pot of steamed rice warming on another. It ends late, with Kent making beds on the couches and blowing up air mattresses for a traveling, stranded family. A truly hospitable heart anticipates everyday, Christ-centered table fellowship and guests who are genuinely in need. Such a heart seeks opportunities to serve. Radically ordinary hospitality doesn’t keep fussy lists or make a big deal about invitations. Invitations are open." - Rosaria Butterfield Cultivating a heart of service "In radically ordinary hospitality, host and guest are interchangeable. If you come to my house for dinner and notice that I am still teaching a math lesson to a child, and my laundry remains on the dining room table unfolded, you roll up your sleeves and fold my laundry. Or set the table. Or load the dishwasher. Or feed the dogs. Radically ordinary hospitality means that hosts are not embarrassed to receive help, and guests know that their help is needed. A family of God gathering daily together needs each and every person. Host and guest are permeable roles." - Rosaria Butterfield Hospitality begins with humility: "Clothe yourself with humility (1 Peter 5:5) as you extend biblical hospitality. Walls are built when we think that we have all of the answers or our choices are the best choices for everyone. Learn the difference between biblical mandates and preferences and then expand your borders to include people of differing socioeconomic levels, family size, school choice, and even theological persuasions. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that as believers we should sharpen one another. There is no better way to abolish cultural differences between families than to purpose to dismantle the unbiblical walls we have constructed. Food is always a good lubricant to assist in the demolition process." - Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock An open letter to a hesitant host:  "Dear friend, Are you busy? Are you important? Do you work on a tight schedule? Are your boundaries well-fortified? Those are not, in and of themselves, bad things. But they will become idols if you don’t add something: Christian hospitality—the scriptural command to regularly, transparently, and sacrificially come together in homes over a meal, gathering with neighbors and brothers and sisters from the church, and welcoming strangers.... ...Over the years, we have come to learn this. What stops us from practicing hospitality is our plenty, not our lack. We have too much, and we love too much what we have. Statistics have borne out this truth: meager homes and poor churches give and gather more; wealthy homes and upscale churches horde and micromanage more. Daily ordinary hospitality, practiced for Christ’s glory, sanctifies your boundaries and fortifies your faith. It also exposes the idolatry in our hearts that falsely declare our homes our castles and our time our own. Hospitality combats the crushing loneliness that too many brothers and sisters in Christ bear by offering basic care: a meal, a hug, a prayer. When we share a rhythm of life, we know before anyone asks how we can help and what others need. Right before the eyes of this post-Christian world that dismisses orthodox Christianity as dangerous or useles...

Pat Ennis is the Founder of ENNIS Legacy Partners and has years of successful leadership, management and strategic planning experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.  As a Certified Exit Planner (CExP®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy (CAP®) there is broad understanding and knowledge of financial, philanthropic and estate planning and the leadership and management challenges faced by business owners and non-profit leaders.  With this distinct blend of knowledge and experience, he is specially equipped to advise owners and founders on building enterprise value, their eventual transition/exit, and legacy plan. Reach Pat at www.ennislp.com  

You may have heard that joke if the mother's not happy, nobody's happy. How true! The wife, the mother creates the atmosphere of the home, and a peaceful ambiance provides the best place for everyone to thrive. Katheryn von Bora, also known as Katie Luther, the wife of the Reformer, gave us a fabulous example. She created a boarding house in Luther's former monastery, and she purchased farms to provide for her family, staff, needy beggars, and students. In the context of the dinner table, Luther discussed Scripture around the dinner table, passing along a legacy of his faith. Students later published these as 'table talk' giving insight to the next generation. What what an impact she had. How can our lives have such an influence? Pat Ennis shares how we can make our homes such a haven.

Over the past several years I’ve wrestled with what a homemaker really is. What does it meant to “keep my home?” How do I decide day in and day out what I should be spending my time on?Where do I turn when I feel overwhelmed by it all?? Getting to the roots of what a homemaker is (and really understanding what that means) has time and again given me encouragement. It has freed me up to focus on what is important in life and let go of those insecurities that plague us all.     Keeping a home means transforming four walls into a place of rest from this world. It means creating a haven for your family to slow down and focus on Christ. In today's episode that's what we are going to be taking a look at. What does it really mean to be a "good" homemaker? Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer. In This Episode, You Will Learn: A little bit about what our family has been up to the last 6 months What it means to be a homemaker Challenging your idea of what it means to be a homemaker Thinking outside the box when it comes to our daily activities How can we be a "Good" homemaker (and what that looks like) Learn how to be more efficient and effective within your home How to invest in your home [Tweet "Creating a Gospel-Centered Home means crafting an atmosphere of Christ-likeness."] Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Hf #7: Determining How You Should Spend Your Time as a Homemaker Hf #1: What Does it Mean to be a Homemaker? The Homemaking Ministries Online Conference 2015 Homemaking Foundations Podcast on iTunes Sign up for my weekly podcast emails Book of the Week: The Christian Homemaker's Handbook by Pat Ennis & Dorothy Patterson This book is a massive resource that would take you a while to just sit down and read! But each chapter which is some what self contained as each chapter is written by a separate author. The book is broken up into 6 parts: God's Design for the Home, God's View of the Sanctity of Life, Foundations for Parenting, The Practical Aspects of Establishing a Home, Planning and Preparing Healthy Meals, Making Wise Clothing Decisions. This is a big book with 40 full chapters. It's a great book and a good one to have for reference. However, if you are really struggling in your homemaking and feel totally overwhelmed: This book is probably not for you right now. If that's you, I suggest you instead pick up a copy of Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman. Thanks for Listening!