Our History

1981 In 1981, a group of young business leaders desired to establish and maintain Christian relationships in the market place. Realizing the need for continued growth through personal Bible study and accountability, they committed to meeting on a regular basis. Along with their commitment to spiritual growth in their private and professional lives was a strong desire to reach their peers in the market place. As a result of team desire to reach other businessmen in the Birmingham, Alabama community, they held their first outreach in the spring of 1981. Several men attended the initial banquet and as a result, 2 new small group Bible studies began.
   
1983 Realizing the importance and potential of a strong market place ministry, the decision was made to formalize the organization. With the invitation of a nationwide search for an executive director, Young Business Leaders was coming of age. No longer was Young Business Leaders a reference to an affinity group. Young Business Leaders was now the name that referred to an organization focused and committed to reaching business leaders for Christ.
   
1984 Concluding an extreme search, the lay leaders chose Phil Reddick as the director and first staff member of Young Business Leaders. Having served 10 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, Phil was capable of maintaining their commitment to ministering to businessmen as well as giving businessmen the opportunity to learn ministry.
   
1987 There was a major meeting of all the Advisors and Board members of Young Business Leaders to decide about expansion. That year it was decided we would not expand the ministry because Birmingham was growing at a phenomenal rate. However, business leaders in Decatur, Alabama, asked Phil to come up and share the vision of the Young Business Leaders ministry. After a compelling presentation, the vast potential of this ministry for their city was realized.
   
1988 Montgomery, Alabama had a banquet in the spring.
   
1990 Huntsville, Alabama had their first banquet with Pat Morley. It was at that time we realized there was a groundswell of opportunities, and another staff was added.
   
1991 There was a missions trip taken to Brussels to help reach businessmen in that city.
   
1993 Jackson, Mississippi was added to the mix of Young Business Leaders.
   
1995 We took a mission's trip to Santiago, Chile, and had a banquet with businessmen there. As a result of that banquet two studies continue to go on.
   
2004 We opened the city of Cincinnati by adding a key man William Plott and a Key Church.

We still have a presence in Montgomery and Cullman, Alabama, although no staff is present in either location. We are presently laying ground for sites in Charlotte, North Carolina, and other cities across the nation and abroad. We are looking to working with churches that are willing to step out with this vision to reach businessmen.