Throughout all of history it has been God’s desire that the peoples of the world come to worship Him. When he sent His Son Jesus to this earth, it was with the intent that He demonstrate His love for mankind so that each of us in turn would love Him. He left us the Great Commandments that we love God and we love our neighbors. Then he departed with the Great Commission – go and make disciples!
But missionaries are not wanted in more than 60 countries which represent about 60% of the world’s population. Yet people need to hear about Jesus. Some people call those countries “closed” or “limited access”. Not really! Maybe we just need to change our methods.
Professional fully supported “missionaries” are not the only way to reach people with the Gospel. What about just loving people in practical ways? Jesus always “looked with compassion on the crowds” and often met physical, social and emotional needs. What does that look like today with massive poverty and unemployment? It might look like job creation.
Business as Mission (BAM) is described as the integration of real viable profitable and sustainable businesses with the goal of making followers of Jesus. Business as Mission has a quadruple bottom line:
- Profitable, sustainable business
- Job and wealth creation
- Making followers of Jesus
- Stewardship of God’s creation
Yes, the message of Truth and salvation can be lived out in the work place with professional skills such as accounting, marketing, management, entrepreneurialship, sales, creativity. The gospel can and will reach the world through For-Profit businesses, consulting services, micro enterprises and Not-For-Profit businesses. Individuals and communities will be transformed – for the Glory of God and the building of His kingdom.
