“God’s plan for your career isn’t small. He’s called you to operate, not just participate.” — Patrick Lowndes
What does it look like to live out your faith at work — not just as a CEO or pastor, but as a faith-driven young professional?
That’s the question Patrick Lowndes, founder of Frontier Operators, is answering for a generation of believers stepping into the marketplace. On this week’s Corral Call, Patrick joined Mark and Dr. Jay to share his story — from selling scrap-wood toys as a kid to scaling tech startups — and how God is now using him to equip young leaders to bring the Kingdom into business across the globe.
From Scrap Wood to Startups
Patrick’s entrepreneurial spark began early. As a first-grader, he scavenged scrap wood, built toy guns, and sold them to neighbors for $1 and $2.
“I didn’t have the words for it then,” he laughs, “but that was my first lesson in product positioning and value creation.”
Years later, he co-founded and sold a SaaS company to ServiceNow, one of the world’s largest enterprise software firms. After the acquisition, Patrick began asking deeper questions: What now? How do my gifts fit into God’s Kingdom story?
From Tech Founder to Faith Founder
Patrick’s background in technology and investing keeps him connected to innovation — but his passion now lies in shaping faith-driven professionals who bring spiritual excellence to the marketplace.
Through Frontier Operators, he mentors and mobilizes emerging leaders to see their careers not as “just jobs,” but as callings — opportunities to operate businesses, teams, and systems as an act of worship.
“We’ve done a good job discipling entrepreneurs,” he said. “But what about the 95% of believers who aren’t founders? The employees, analysts, engineers, and managers who make things run? They need purpose, too.”
Why “Operators” Matter
In the corporate world, “operators” keep the vision alive — turning plans into performance. In God’s Kingdom, Patrick believes, operators are equally essential.
“God’s not just after CEOs. He’s after spreadsheet people, project managers, finance folks — anyone willing to steward their skills for Him.”
Frontier Operators exists to restore dignity to everyday work and to help believers discover how their unique gifts can advance God’s mission — from boardrooms to front lines.
What “Frontier” Really Means
The name Frontier Operators points to both geographic and spiritual frontiers.
“When we say frontier,” Patrick explained, “we mean the edges — the places that are underserved, the parts of the world and the marketplace where the Kingdom is seldom on display.”
While the Pacific Northwest may be one of America’s least religious regions, Patrick notes that vast areas overseas are even more underserved.
“In some cities, you have a one-in-66,000 chance of meeting a Christian. That’s a real frontier.”
His vision: to see faith-filled professionals deployed globally, bringing both excellence and eternal impact into emerging markets.
Calling, Community, and Clarity
At the core of Frontier Operators’ mission is helping people clarify their marketplace calling — the intersection of their gifts, passions, and God’s purpose.
Patrick teaches that Christians have both a general calling (to know and follow Jesus) and a specific calling (to use their God-given abilities in a particular way and place).
To help young professionals discern that, Frontier Operators offers:
- Clarity of Calling Assessment – a free 6-minute tool to identify where faith and work align.
- Online Community – peer discussions and monthly calls focused on spiritual formation and skill development.
- The Collective & The Forge Programs – structured mentoring and leadership training that integrate professional excellence with Kingdom impact.
“It’s about transforming employees into operators,” Patrick said. “We teach them to lead from wherever they are, with both competence and conviction.”
The Power of Intimacy and Obedience
Patrick’s RISE framework helps believers integrate faith into work: Research, Intimacy, Support, and Engagement.
“The ‘I’ — intimacy — is everything,” he said. “We can’t make Kingdom decisions apart from hearing the King’s voice.”
He challenges professionals to invite God into daily work decisions, not just Sunday worship.
“How dare we run hard after things without asking Him? The goal isn’t just success; it’s obedience.”
Practicing for Eternity
Patrick closed the conversation with a powerful challenge:
“If you follow Jesus, you’re in full-time ministry — whether you write code, teach, sell, or manage projects. This life is practice for reigning with Him in eternity.”
His prayer? That every believer would gain conviction about their purpose — and courage to live it out.
“The enemy wants you complacent,” Patrick said. “God wants you activated. So get clarity, get community, and get moving.”
Connect with Patrick Lowndes
🌐 Website: FrontierOperators.com
📘 Take the Clarity of Calling Assessment: Join The 70 to Access (FREE)
🎧 Podcast: Buried Talent — uncovering lies that hold back Kingdom leaders