Rob Scott Cook: Mentoring Entrepreneurs for Kingdom Impact in Bristol

As Christian entrepreneurs—or really anyone navigating business—it can often feel like there’s a subtle secular/sacred divide. Almost an unspoken tension between what happens in church on a Sunday and the lane that founders, pioneers, and innovators are called to run in during the week.

We’re excited to shine a light on Rob Scott Cook, founder of the Woodlands Group Churches, a pioneer whose influence spans both church and the marketplace. Many in Bristol Spring know Rob for his involvement with many churches across the city but what you may not know is that he has always made the mentoring of Christian founders and entrepreneurs a priority. I thought it might be interesting to find out why Rob would do this.

Why Mentoring Entrepreneurs Matters

Rob has long recognised that the church sometimes struggles to engage fully with business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Wealth creation is often misunderstood — sometimes even feared — yet Scripture provides clear guidance.

Rob points to Deuteronomy 8:18:

“Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

Rob explains: “The purpose of wealth isn’t selfish gain; it’s so we can have a greater kingdom impact — caring for the poor, supporting the orphaned, and blessing the city through tangible action.”

For Rob, entrepreneurship isn’t just a career path — it’s a spiritual calling, a way to serve God while positively transforming the city.

Bivocational Ministry: Faith in Action in the Marketplace

One of Rob’s key focuses is bivocational ministry: serving God both in church and in the marketplace. Using Paul’s example with Priscilla and Aquilla as tentmakers, Rob highlights how vocational work can equip and empower ministry:

“By staying engaged in the marketplace, entrepreneurs maintain awareness of the pressures people face, and they can bring that experience into their ministry in meaningful ways.”

Entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to bridge two worlds: understanding the daily realities of the working world while bringing kingdom values and hope into their communities.

Mentoring: The Cascade Effect

Mentoring is central to Rob’s vision. He encourages founders and Christians at all stages to come alongside others:

“Even someone new to faith or business can mentor someone just starting out. Mentoring isn’t just about helping them; it deepens and clarifies your own understanding, creating a cascade effect throughout the community.”

Rob’s approach emphasizes collaboration over competition. Wisdom, experience, and spiritual insight are passed from one generation of entrepreneurs to the next — amplifying impact across Bristol and beyond.

The Power of Prayer in Business

Prayer, Rob emphasizes, is foundational to all success — in ministry and in business. He shares the story of securing the Woodies building in Bristol:

“For months, I prayed over a photograph of the property, envisioning a hub filled with light, worship, and entrepreneurial energy. Nine months later, through God’s gracious hand, I was able to secure the keys. Prayer delivered it.”

This building has since become a hub for both entrepreneurial community and worship — a tangible example of faith in action, and the intersection of business, mentorship, and kingdom impact.

Entrepreneurs as Agents of Hope

Rob also highlights the role of entrepreneurs in bringing kingdom hope to the city. He reflects on a visit to the House of Lords, where he prayed with leaders about Bristol’s future.

“Kingdom hope isn’t human optimism; it’s a deep conviction that God is at work. Entrepreneurs who integrate prayer, vision, and action become instruments of that hope, bringing transformation and renewal to their communities.”

Hearing God’s guidance daily, acting faithfully, and mentoring others are all part of building a city that reflects God’s kingdom, not just through better strategies, but through Spirit-led action.

Practical Takeaways for Christian Entrepreneurs

• Integrate faith and work: Treat entrepreneurship as a calling, not just a career.

• Mentor and be mentored: Share your experience, and let others share theirs.

• Pray persistently: Trust in God’s guidance in both business and ministry.

• Bring hope to your city: Use your work to bless others and impact the community.

As Rob reminds us: “Entrepreneurship and faith are not separate paths. When integrated with prayer, mentorship, and kingdom vision, we can see lasting impact in our city.”

Rob Scott Cook’s life and work demonstrate how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for kingdom transformation. By mentoring others, staying engaged in the marketplace, and trusting in prayer, Christian entrepreneurs can make a tangible, lasting difference. His message is an invitation: dream big, act faithfully, mentor others, and let God lead.

“Entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to be instruments of hope — not just through strategies, but through obedience, prayer, and bold action.”

How do Christian Entrepreneurs fit into Bristol?