Caesar and Christ: Business Strategy Lessons from the Early Christians and the Roman Army by Kelly Coughlin, CPA

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I’ve always been fascinated by the story of how the early Christian Church transformed the world. It’s a story that begins with a single visionary—Jesus of Nazareth—and a modest management team of twelve apostles. They had no wealth, no armies, no political connections, and no infrastructure. They operated in a Roman Empire that was the epitome of power, wealth, and cultural dominance. Yet, within just a few centuries, the Church overtook and surpassed the Roman Empire, not only in influence but in reshaping its culture and values.

This wasn’t just a matter of religious belief. It was an unprecedented organizational triumph. The early Church succeeded in creating a movement that spread across regions, languages, and cultures, all while enduring relentless persecution. Christianity became an unstoppable force—not because of political power or military might but because of its ideas, strategies, and the resilience of its followers.

While the conversion of Emperor Constantine in 325 AD is often considered the turning point when Christianity became the religion of the state, its acceptance and influence had begun far earlier. By the time Constantine adopted the faith, Christianity had already survived centuries of martyrdom, grown across diverse territories, and built a robust infrastructure of leaders and communities. It had become not just a religion but a movement so compelling that it reshaped the identity of the Roman Empire itself.

What intrigued me most was how this was accomplished. How did a small, marginalized group build something so enduring and expansive? What strategies did they use to thrive in a world dominated by powerful systems and institutions? As someone who works with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and visionaries, I began to see parallels between the early Church’s growth and the challenges that modern businesses face in building a brand, winning followers, and creating communities.

At its core, the story of the early Church is a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and perseverance. It’s about starting with a mission and staying true to it, even when the odds seem impossible. It’s about using limited resources creatively, leveraging existing systems, and building relationships that turn followers into advocates. It’s about creating a product—in this case, spiritual salvation and community—that resonates so deeply with people that they’re willing to share it, fight for it, and sometimes even die for it.