Bridging Business and Missions: Erik Cooper on Marketplace Ministry and Global Impact

In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Erik Cooper, a leader whose career path moved from music to accounting to ministry—and back into the marketplace with a mission. Erik shares how CRF (Community Reinvestment Foundation) leverages affordable housing and assisted living to generate profits that fund global missions through The Stone Table. They unpack the sacred–secular divide, what it means to work from “it is finished,” and how business leaders can view their work as worship and service. From family legacy and nonprofit strategy to the Great Commission and the unreached, this conversation is a blueprint for mission-minded leadership in the marketplace.Main Talking Points:Erik’s nonlinear journey: Belmont music major → IU accounting → worship pastor → church planter → nonprofit presidentThe founding model of CRF: acquiring affordable housing to generate profits for global missionsHow nonprofit real estate can combine high-quality housing impact with sustainable mission fundingWhy The Stone Table was created to bring missions giving and marketplace mobilization in-houseThe meaning behind “The Stone Table” (Narnia inspiration) and anchoring the org to the gospel story“Tetelestai” / “It is finished” as the foundation for work, identity, and purpose in businessDismantling the sacred–secular divide: why marketplace work matters to GodPractical coaching for leaders: putting your work inside God’s story, not asking God to bless your story“Avodah” (labor / worship / service) and viewing everyday work as worshipful serviceMarketplace as missions strategy: why business is often the access point in unreached regionsFamily leadership dynamics: working with his dad and daughter; legacy and stewardshipRisk & Resolve: church planting as entrepreneurial risk; unfinished goals (kids debt-free + global gospel access)