By Scott Sneer

In high school, Steve Spinnett flunked mechanics four times and never even graduated. Also involved in the teenage drug scene, most would have pre-determined a life of futility ahead for Steve. God had different plans! At age 17, Steve's mom gave him a bible and at the age of 18 he was serving the Lord. Just before his 20th birthday, Steve began to buy and sell cars. Shortly after, he went to work for someone else but was laid off as the hand of God pushed hard again at his destiny.

Having no family background of business people and no formal mentoring relationship, he was genuinely a pioneer. And so a business, and essentially a ministry, was born in the backyard of the Spinnett's home. Periodically, he bounced around to different garages and shops until at age 21, he moved into the location where the business remains today. He leased the facility for 15 years and then purchased it. In 2000, he completed building a new facility on the business

property. Steve says that a landmark in his life as a business man was in 1993 when his family started attending City Bible. For the first time this "pioneer" had the support and wisdom to back him - City Bible - "A church who embraces the business community." Now having the strong spiritual support of the local church, God began to shift the business and breath on Spinnett's destiny in ministry even more.

The Spinnett's began building a large home that same year and consequently Steve became aware that the business was functioning just as well, sometimes better, without him. (Note: Every business person's dream!!) Steve says "letting go" has been hard. Since that time, his hours have been cut in half at the shop and doubled at church. In essence, his business is facilitating his ministry. He and his wife, Cindy, are both actively involved at City Bible as ministry team intercessors.

As Steve and I discussed his involvement at church and work further, it became apparent that business and ministry were synonymous for the Spinnett's. He firmly believes that his business experience was a training ground for excellence in ministry. Steve repeatedly reminded me that God was his "Senior Partner. " Without a mentor or any formal education, Steve had to rely on God. "Looking back, I see how God was leading me-like a father leads a son. He would hold my hand and direct me where to go next." Steve says he's "old fashioned," adhering to a philosophy of slow, steady, incremental growth. He stresses stability and feels it is "unrealistic to think your boat is coming in - unless you are willing to build it." This is a philosophy Steve has lived. Twenty years of "banging it out" as he calls it; working as much as any one of his technicians, while still managing to answer all incoming business calls.

In closing, I would like to emphasize Steve's philosophy on "the family business." He feels that not passing on the family business to his children would be a tragedy. Steve believes that this philosophy of inheritance has been lost in recent years and he is pushing to change it, at least in his own life and the life of his children. His daughter, Rebecca, has been working at Steve's Personalized Imports since she was 10 years old. Her starting position was custodian, but in the last three years she has stepped up to take on about 90% of the office operations, working closely under management. Steve's oldest son, John, is training for a wide variety of the technical aspects of the business. When talking about John, Steve grinned and mentioned how adept he was with the work. We can't leave out his youngest - Tommy, who at 10 years old, has begun the "custodial trek" to join Rebecca and John in the ranks of the "family business." Finally, let us recognize the "key support" as Steve refers to her: Cindy, his wife, who is affectionately referred to as the "homemaker" and his strength. Steve and I thought it would be appropriate to quote this awesome woman of God. Her famous quote in difficult times is: "Steve, I'm not worried at all." He says it works every time. Truly, behind every great man is a great woman of God. Congratulations on your success, Steve and family!! Keep pushing!!