J
ohn Mullen, a seasoned entrepreneur and author, shared his remarkable journey with students at the Colangelo College of Business during the T.W. Lewis Speaker Series. As he spoke about "Real Estate With Eternal Impact: Living Out the Gospel Through Business and Generosity," Mullen introduced a concept that resonated deeply with the audience - redemptive real estate.

    Mullen's definition of redemptive real estate is simple yet profound: it's taking real estate and repurposing it for God's glory, rather than just focusing on financial returns. This idea has been at the heart of his business ventures, which have taken him from civil engineering to real estate development.

    A pivotal moment in Mullen's life came when he was held at knifepoint as an 18-year-old. The experience left a lasting impact and made him realize that he lived in an unprotected life. However, it also marked the beginning of his spiritual journey, as he began to understand God's plan for his life.

    Mullen's faith has guided his business decisions, including his involvement with organizations like HOW International and Believer's Edge, which aim to assist people around the world through faith-based initiatives. He credits his college dean, John Kaites, with introducing him to the concept of redemptive real estate.

    One notable project Mullen was involved in was a complex where tenants were charged fees based on the number of people living in each unit. He worked with Behind the Door Ministries to conduct Bible studies and provide free music programs for children, demonstrating how redemptive real estate can be used to make a positive impact.

    Mullen's story is one of perseverance and faith. After being fired by his brother-in-law and struggling to find work during his wife's pregnancy, he turned to God for guidance. He received a vision from the Lord, which led him to start a development company that would ultimately fund a real estate developer.

    Today, Mullen believes in the potential of redemptive real estate to transform lives and communities. He has started a conference with the Turner Foundation, bringing together 150 real estate developers and officials to discuss this concept. By repurposing closed churches and other properties for God's glory, Mullen envisions a future where faith and business intersect in meaningful ways.

    As he looked back on his journey, Mullen emphasized the importance of listening to God's voice and aligning oneself with His plan. He encouraged students to turn their antennas towards Him, just as he had done, and to trust that God will guide them towards their purpose.