Alright, so whose addicted to LinkedIn? Anyone so addicted that they have a shortcut to their LinkedIn homepage on their phone?

We've just launched a Business as Mission Network Group on LinkedIn as a way of identifying other people who share a passion for both business and ministry and are looking to connect with others in the industry.

We've just kicked it off, so go ahead and get in on the action by clicking here to join:

Labels: Business as Mission News and Notes, LinkedIn, Networking

Continue reading 'Business as Mission Group Launched on LinkedIn'

So far in this blog, we have examined how microfinance (MF) can significantly engage economic systems, reduce dependency, and provide long-term solutions to poverty. In this final post, I’d like to touch on two more important aspects of MF:

1) How it can be a vehicle for the spiritual message of Christ

2) How a US-based church can make a real difference

For those focused on holistic missions, simply meeting temporary, “physical” needs of people in poverty is insufficient. We also seek to meet eternal, “spiritual” needs. That being said, we would be dissatisfied to engage spiritual poverty while ignoring physical needs. Holistic ministry demands care and concern for the whole person, body and spirit.

We realize that it requires a community to carry out such a holistic approach. As the Apostle Paul aptly noted in 1 Corinthians 12, God has designed us as part of a body in which no one is skilled to do the job alone. In faith-based MF, the same is true. Some are gifted to be loan officers; others are managers, and others are accountants.

Meaningful partnerships with local churches are essential to ensure that our whole message of salvation for this life and the next is brought out. One such partnership has developed between Willowdale Chapel, a non-denominational church in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and HOPE International’s program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The DRC is a challenging place for any type of work. Unemployment figures fall in an almost unfathomably high range of 90-97%. People subsist by generating income outside the formal economic sector, e.g., as street vendors. Though there are many strong churches in Congo and a majority of people call themselves Christians, animism, African traditional religions, and superstitions remain rampant. If there was ever a place that needed full engagement of physical and spiritual interventions, the DRC is it.

Willowdale wanted to make a real difference, and several business leaders in the congregation were excited about an innovative, business approach to missions. Willowdale began their community involvement project in the DRC in 2005. HOPE began providing bulletin inserts with client profiles to help the church get to know the work. HOPE Congo’s Director, Nate Hulley, and other local HOPE staff were called upon to share in services and provide updates. The Willowdale staff has regular phone calls with the HOPE staff via Skype (an internet calling program), and videos are shown in worship services to connect congregants to the work.

Some time into the partnership, Willowdale made a trip to the DRC to explore how to strengthen the relationship. Greg Lafferty, lead pastor at Willowdale Chapel said:

Through regular updates, periodic visits from field staff, and firsthand exposure through HOPE Trips, we have seen that God is using HOPE and Willowdale to release thousands of people from the grip of physical and spiritual poverty.

On the surface, it appears difficult for short-term volunteers to truly help a microfinance institution (MFI). For a non-faith-based MFI, it might be more trouble than it’s worth. However, these partnerships are vital in consideration of the spiritual dimensions of HOPE’s work.

In reflection on the Willowdale partnership, Nate Hulley commented:
I feel that the relationship has been mutually beneficial. First, more important than any funding relationship, is a prayer relationship. Members of Willowdale, and Willowdale as a corporate body, pray regularly for our ministry. This coverage of the ministry in prayer is essential.

Second, I would say that we are both gaining from the exchange of ideas. Third, at Willowdale I find brothers and sisters in Christ who are interested in all aspects of our ministry, from reaching out with the Word of God to the more technical aspects of the micro-enterprise development work. Their interest in our work is motivating, and their questions and ideas push us to improve what we do.

On the other hand, we hope that for Willowdale, our work provides a direct connection for them to the work of Jesus, bringing about justice and being peacemakers through economic empowerment and testimony. It’s a challenge to reach across cultures and try to communicate … [but ultimately it] causes us to remember why we do this work and to re-dedicate ourselves to serving the Lord in Congo.

Actively sharing forces us to consider our approach to ministry. It’s interesting, sometimes when you need to explain your approach to a problem or even a victory, it gives you a gut-check to say, “Are we being Christ-like in how we’re doing this?” … I believe that with HOPE and Willowdale, there is a sense of iron sharpening iron.

In the last year an estimated 1.5 million Americans went overseas on short-term mission trips. Hopefully, more and more of these trips will be taken with long-range solutions to deeply embedded physical and spiritual problems in mind.

You can read more at hopetransformation.blogspot.com.

Mark L. Russell (mark@markrussell.org) is Director of Spiritual Integration at HOPE International, a network of 12 Christ-centered microenterprise development organizations (www.hopeinternational.org). He has a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Auburn University. His doctoral dissertation focused on Business as Mission (BAM). He has lived and worked in Russia, Chile, and Germany and has traveled extensively in over 60 countries on a variety of business, educational, humanitarian, and religious projects. Mark lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife, Laurie, and their children, Noah and Anastasia.

Labels: Hope International, Mark Russell, Microfinance

Continue reading 'How One Church Does It - Mark Russell Part 3 of 3'

Last fall, David Befus resigned from his position as president of a missions agency (LAM) and headed down to Columbia to start a "Kingdom Business" microcredit program from zero, using the principles in his book (Where there are No Jobs) as a guide.

It is a good case study for what missionaries and NGOs can do on a small scale. Starting with nothing, he's begun to see what is possible. According to David, the U.N. considers the Colombia "displaced people" phenomenon as the greatest human development problem in this hemisphere, and he decided to locate the program in the poorest area of Colombia (Atlantic Coast) to address the poorest population.

At this point they have a completely financially sustainable program with one national staff, over 300 loan clients and a fully equipped office that they rent. One bank that he borrows from in the U.S. is now asking him to help start up a similar program in Honduras. Here's an official update that David sent us last week.

Background: Leaders of the AIEC church network, with over 700 churches in the Northern Coast of Colombia, attended a "Kingdom Business" workshop in October, 2006. The Northern Coast is considered to be one of the poorest areas of the country, which has suffered "the greatest human catastrophe in the hemisphere" (United Nations), a civil war which generated over 3,000,000 displaced peoples. The guidelines in the 2001 book, initially written in Spanish ("Negocios Para El Reino") and later published in English (first as "Kingdom Business," then with the title "Where There Are No Jobs") were used to design the program, which, contrary to the "BAM" literature on micro credit, was to be entirely without subsidies, as none were available. A loan program was capitalized with commercial loans, and strict procedures crafted to guarantee on-time payment. A new organization, separate from the AIEC denomination, was created in October, 2007, and funding for enterprises began in December.

Progress: As of the end of June there are 262 business clients in the program, with 22 organized committees that provide on-going supervision and oversight. Office rent and all operational costs have been paid entirely from the interest margin, as has the salary of one full-time professional. During the summer a college intern from Biola University has also been very helpful, and when he leaves another full-time staff person will be employed. Investment funds total just over $50,000, with most of that amount owed to two U.S. entities. During the first semester, the new organization, Desarrollo Integral, applied for and received legal incorporation. The Desarrollo Integral operation, which has not yet received any subsidies, has directly created almost 1000 jobs during its first 6 months, providing income and support for more than 5000 people from households in the poorest sectors of Colombia. This outcome has been generated through a network of churches, in many cases substantially impacting the outreach of the church in a community. ("doing good")

Lessons Learned: (1) Whereas the program was initially targeted at the "displaced," it quickly became apparent that the status of "displaced" was an entitlement badge, and the term was dropped. That the program is targeted at the neediest people, who are often displaced, is now kept a secret, and the fact that many of the clients come from this sector, favored by some government welfare programs, is not discussed. (2) The money lenders in the informal market charge rates in excess of 20% per month. Small businesses that have been able to meet this hurdle rate and make a profit have been even more profitable when the interest costs decrease by 90%. (3) Even in the context of churches, there are some people who are "integrity challenged" when it comes to paying back a loan. The entrepreneurial training program, required of all clients, is a significant effort to add integrity and responsibility to Christian discipleship in the AIEC denomination, and with other churches in the region.

Come and See: Spirit Air and AVIANCA have direct flights to Cartagena, Colombia, and the Desarrollo Integral program run out of Sincelejo, 3 hours by bus from Cartagena. Travel from the U.S. is relatively inexpensive, as are the costs of room and board in Sincelejo. (for more information, send an e-mail to david.robert@telecom.com.co)

Labels: Case Studies, Columbia, David Befus, Recruitment and Job Opportunities, South America

Continue reading 'Theory to Reality - David Befus on launching a Business as Mission Effort in Columbia'

Darin Davis and the team at Baylor University just emailed us to announce their program for their upcoming conference "Bottom Up Approaches to Global Poverty: Appropriate Technology, Social Entrepreneurship and the Church." Its a pretty incredible lineup of speakers, including:

• Ken Eldred- CEO, Living Stones Foundation Charitable Trust
• Dwight Nordstrom - Chairman, Pacific Resources International
• Steve Rundle - Author and Professor at Biola University
• Ruth Padilla DeBorst - President, Latin American Theological Fellowship
• Hans Hamoen - Chairman of World Partners Foundation
• Mark Russell - Hope International
• Glenn White - Director, Business Without Borders
• Bill O'Brien - Former Executive Vice President, Foreign Mission Board (SBC) and Founding Director, Global Center

One of the more impressive things about the lineup of speakers is the powerful, diverse lineup of 30-40 professors and lecturers from universities across the country and around the world including: The University of Colorado, Oklahoma, SMU, Boston University, Baylor, Cambridge University, Bradley, Colorado State, Wartburg, William Jewell college, Hope College, Samford University, Cornell University, Messiah College, Calvin College, Houston Baptist, Rollins College, South Carolina, Hardin Simmons, Cornerstone, George Fox, Dordt and Quest University, Tumaini University, Kings University College, Azusa Pacific, Columbia International, Eastern University and many more. Check out the full slate of speakers and their topics for the October 23-25th conference, click here.

Labels: Baylor University, Events and Conferences, Hans Hamonen, Ken Eldred, Steve Rundle

Continue reading 'Baylor University Announces an Incredible Program for Global Poverty Conference Oct 23-25'

Over a year ago we featured 25 companies who are putting passion, theory, business and ministry together. These pioneers who are "living it" provide fuel for future business as mission entrepreneurs. Recently we had some avid readers add their input and help us re-rank the list. In case you're just joining the conversation, here's a recap and update:

Most Admired Kingdom Company #1: Galtronics :: Israel - Highlighted in the recent cover story of Christianity Today for their work in both business and ministry, Galtronics continues to be one of the largest and most influential business as mission companies. The recent hand off from founder Ken Crowell to new ownership begins a new phase in the life of a business as mission leader.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #2: Pacific Resources Intl :: China - Dwight Nordstrom continues to lead one of the foremost groups around the world learning how to do good business and great ministry. Dwight will be sharing some of his experience at the Baylor Conference on Global Poverty later this fall.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #3: Meixia Intl :: China- Meixia continues to be recognized as a leader in their local community and by the local government for providing great opportunities for hundreds of local employees. Recent growth has led to a US Sales office in Dallas, Texas. A little over a year ago we captured the story on video, click here to watch.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #4: EC Group :: India - Technology and off shoring continue to be hot areas for business development. Last year, EC Group helped Wycliffe Bible Translators expedite several of their translation projects, bringing the gospel to countries in half the anticipated time. They also will celebrate the 10th time of hosting a Global CEO Network conference this fall in Chicago.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #5: Little Texas :: Romania- Jerri Little and the team at Little Texas continue to be an example to others by developing a niche in the marketplace. The entrepreneurial nature of the team has carried over from their second hand clothing store to their bed and breakfast and their famous Little Texas Restaurant.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #6: Bethany Press :: United States - John DePree continues to lead this book manufacturer in its kingdom business efforts locally and internationally. Their journey to setup some international operations has the opportunity to save publishing costs, expand their impact and chart a course for other young adults to get involved.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #7 EA Brevita and Espresso Americano :: United States - A few weeks ago I had the incredible opportunity to spend some time with Ron DeMiglio and Jeff Ericson, the partners behind this very unique company who have leveraged technology to fuel their rapidly growing business. Their passion for business, ministry are opening some incredible doors in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. International revenues in 2008 will exceed 62 million US. Gross domestic revenue will be around 8.5 million. International gross revenue projections will be up by 33% next year while domestic revenue will rise by over 54% in 2009. (NEW TO THE LIST IN 2008)

Most Admired Kingdom Company #8: Bluefish TV :: United States- There's just something about the sights and sounds of video that captures people's attention. The largest Christian Video Publisher in the country caught our attention with their Business as Mission Videos (China: Kingdom Business, Olive Technology and India, Joseph- Trapped) as well as the video of the Little Girl and Psalms 23 that was viewed over 7 million times. They also celebrated a milestone of connecting over 2,000 young adults to opportunities (through the RightNow.org division) to use their passions and skills with mission agencies and companies.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #9: The Eastside Foursquare Church and Quality Inn :: Portland, OR - In a short time they purchased two major chain hotels in a run down part of town and transformed the community by providing a fresh start for many of the 80 employees. Amazingly this has also led to over 200 people coming to Christ. The transformation in the community has been so dramatic that the city officials say they have "done in 6 months what they were not able to do in 10 years". The profits continue to be reinvested into the business and heavily into the local community. Click here to watch a 4 minute video as the "Church of the Week on the 700 Club".

Most Admired Kingdom Company #10: Olive Technology :: India- Celebrating over 10 years in business and ministry, Joseph Vijayam and the team from Olive Technology have recently grown their presence in the US serving business as well as ministry clients like Campus Crusade for Christ, Frontiers, the MacClellan Foundation and Saddleback Church in California. Our team also was able to spend some time sharing their story through the video illustration, Olive Technology: Interning in India.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #11: Cards from Africa :: Rwanda- Following a win of the 2006 World Challenge Competition and the Urbana Business as Mission Competition, Chris Page and the team have expanded their sales presence in the United States and have launched other entrepreneurial efforts in Rwanda.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #12: The Barrington Group :: China- The story of twentysomething, Ben Briggs and this company's efforts to launch a Southeast Asia manufacturing plant continues to be an inspiring story for other twenty and thirty somethings looking to get involved.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #13: United States Plastic Company - Founder, Dr. R. Stanley Tam, made a promise to God that if he would prosper this business he would honor God in any way he could. Mr. Tam has placed 100% of the ownership of United States Plastic Corp. into a foundation whose purpose is to establish churches in third world countries. (NEW TO THE LIST IN 2008)

Most Admired Kingdom Company #14: Paradigm Engineering :: United States- The slowdown in the US economy challenges an industry that is centred so much on development. This in turn have led to some challenging times for the Dallas based team but in combining business and ministry these guys continue to be a leader. For the time being, the plans not to continue the Kingdom Catalyst / International Conference on Business as Mission has opened up a void in the event world.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #15: Innotec :: United States- Founded in 1992, Innotec supplies products to customers through uniquely automated manufacturing processes. Innotec has been blessed with numerous supplier awards based on cost, quality, innovation, delivery and service. They have earned a number of patents that contributed significantly to their customers success. (NEW TO THE LIST IN 2008)

Most Admired Kingdom Company #16: The Source Cafe :: Uganda- A few years ago our team at Bluefish TV traveled down to Uganda to capture the personal stories of a couple at this Business and Ministry venture. Click here to watch "An Internet Cafe in Africa"

Most Admired Kingdom Company #17: Extol :: United States- Since 1985 Extol has served the automotive, medical, furniture and various consumer-use product industries. Going beyond their personal and corporate witness, founders Chip and Ross began to use their company to help Water Missions http://www.watermissions.org/ improve their water purification system. What started out as an after-hours project grew significantly, producing generation upon generation of refinements in a system that has now seen deployment in hundreds of countries.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #18: The Vista Group :: Albania - Grant Van Cleve and Mimi Kruja continue efforts to lead a niche in the Albanian marketplace with their real estate development.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #19: Michael Management :: India- Continuing on as one of the leading HR service providers in India, the team ministers out of its corporate office in Hyderabad and branch offices in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Bangalore.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #20: Breakthrough India :: India- Robin Paul continues to lead an innovative consulting and training program for building employee confidence, team spirit and communication skills.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #21: Trade as One :: USA- Nathan George and the team at Trade One continue to be part of a growing niche of aggregators distributing handicraft goods from a variety of suppliers from third world countries.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #22: Go Africa Safaris :: Kenya- Led by some alumni and staff at Regent University's Center for Entrepreneurship, this group continues to be a growing niche business of customized travel in Africa.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #23: House Blend Cafe :: United States- Representing a growing niche of churches looking to launch local businesses with a global impact, House Blend continues on as a piece of the big Business as Mission puzzle.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #24: Yeager Kenya Group :: Kenya- Recently recognized in the Christianity Today issue on Business as Mission The Yeager Story is a great example of a twentysomething who took a step, blazed a trail and got involved.

Most Admired Kingdom Company #25: Prince of Peace Enterprises :: United States - They are well rounded, with divisions specializing in the areas of Natural Health, Ethnic Asian Marketplace and Overseas Export markets. With over 3,000 wholesale accounts, and gross yearly sales of over 20 million dollars, they are one of the leading companies in a unique market as well as a leader in giving back to business and ministry ventures.



Other Nominated Kingdom Minded Coffee and Restaurant Businesses

Ugly Mug Coffee : United States
One Village Coffee
Kafe Creative
Viva Bolivia

Other Nominated Travel Businesses

Morning Star Tours
Shemah Tours
Lighthouse: Thailand

Other Nominated Handicraft Businesses

Banyan Paper
Kingdom Ventures
Stitch and Bloom
Meiya Rugs

Other Nominated Service Minded Businesses

Cold Cup
bulembu

Other Nominated Medical Minded Businesses

Lumenous

Other Nominated Staffing Minded Businesses

Convenant India
Meador Staffing Services
the Momentum Group
Yejj Training: Cambodia

Other Nominated Automotive Minded Businesses

Cardone

Thank you for everyone's nominations and emails. If there is a company that you are aware of that didn't make the list, please email me. I've already received some great additions to the list for next year.

Labels: 25 Most Admired Kingdom Companies 2007, Bethany Press, Bluefish TV, Cards from Africa, Case Studies, EC Group, Galtronics, Jerry Little, Little Texas

Continue reading '25 Most Admired Business as Mission Companies-2008'

So often times I think businessmen and women knock on the door of ministry to find their place to serve. But often times when that knock is answered with the standard cookie cutter opportunities to be greeter and ushers, many can find the outlook purposeless, lacking of vision or even boring and turn elsewhere towards other opportunities outside the church.

Ralph Winter, the highly respected editor of Mission Frontiers recently said in an article (click here to read the full article), "If the level of significance of church services doesn't match the challenges of the real world, then some people will seek alternatives".

Business is exciting. It is a place where big dreams are dreamed, where teams are forged and where ideas come alive. When combined with a passion for Christ it can present one of the most significant opportunities for ministry that any businessman or woman might have ever dreamed possible. To imagine that every workday, every relationship and every business itself being used as a tool for ministry is a message that we can all hope will catch hold in every church across the country.

So lets hear from you. What has the journey been like in your church? Where do the businessmen and women find non-cookie cutter opportunities to use their passions and skills? What are some of the business and ministry opportunities you've dreamed of starting?

Labels: Mission Frontiers, Ralph Winter, Sacred and Secular Divide

Continue reading 'Find Significant Ministry in the Church or Find it Elsewhere'

Last week I argued that microfinance (MF) is an effective development strategy that:

1) provides more permanent solutions to poverty, not temporary hand-outs,
2) empowers individuals within their local contexts instead of creating dependency, and
3) significantly engages the economy.

These are no small assertions, and some explanation is necessary. First, let me give the layman’s view of what MF is. At its core, MF is a development intervention that targets people in poverty who are shut out of traditional banking services. MF is generally conceptualized and described as small business loans to entrepreneurs living in poverty. This is a key component of MF, however, MF has expanded to include several other important services such as savings and insurance.

People in poverty generally have no collateral and oftentimes have debt. This prevents them from accessing traditional bank loans. They also live in areas of high unemployment, where the scarcity of income-generating activities prevents them from acquiring collateral or paying off debt. They’re stuck in a vicious, negative cycle. Since they lack basic necessities, the first aid that compassionate, well-intentioned people often provide is the delivery of material goods such as food, clothing, or shelter. This is admirable and frequently absolutely necessary. However, the provision is temporary. Once they have consumed the goods provided, the beneficiaries of the aid return to the same position. Alternatively, a small business loan enables these entrepreneurs to work their way into financial sustainability and security.

I do not know where I would be today if I had never had access to financial credit or provision that I did not earn. How many of us in the USA take out loans for university studies, a car, or a home? Imagine a world in which you could never take out a loan and there was no benevolent person with sufficient financial resources to help you. This is the world of many of the poor.

The second problem that MF solves is dependency. HOPE International was founded by Jeff Rutt, a God-fearing homebuilder in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In the early 1990s he took several trips to Ukraine with containers of goods to distribute to the poor and needy in tow. These gifts were welcome and seemingly justified considering the wealth of the donors in the US and the poverty of the people in Ukraine at that time. However, after one trip, a pastor approached Jeff and said he was doing more harm than good because he was creating dependency in the beneficiaries and robbing them of the joy of personal responsibility. In place of gifts, Jeff started an MF program. Giving loans enables people to work for themselves and not rely on foreigners to meet their needs.

Finally, globalization is bringing the world together with many positive repercussions in the lives of people around the world. But the sad truth is that a significant portion of people have been shut out of recent advances and have actually been hurt by rising fuel and food prices. For example, some people in China and India are wealthier and able to consume more goods. This drives up demand. Since supply has not been able to keep pace, prices have increased for basic food staples like rice and flour. For people in the lower economic strata, the slightest increase is devastating. Like the victim in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, they are left on the roadside while everyone else trots by.

The need for MF is staggering. There are currently 100 million MF clients worldwide. An estimated 450 million other people fit the criteria for it but do not have access to it. Christian MF organizations service 1.5 million clients, or only 1.5% of the current clientele and 0.02% of the overall need. In one sense, this is appalling. However, I’m convinced the reason is that most followers of Christ are not aware of the need or how we can help. Next week, I will tell you a story of how one local US church has gotten involved and made a difference.

Mark L. Russell (mark@markrussell.org) is Director of Spiritual Integration at HOPE International, a network of 13 Christ-centered Microenterprise Development organizations (www.hopeinternational.org). He has a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Auburn University. His doctoral dissertation focused on Business as Mission (BAM). He has lived and worked in Russia, Chile, and Germany and has traveled extensively in over 60 countries on a variety of business, educational, humanitarian, and religious projects. Mark lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife, Laurie, and their children, Noah and Anastasia.

Labels: Hope International, Mark Russell, Microfinance

Continue reading 'Why Microfinance Works and the Faith-Based Gap - Guest Blog by Mark Russell Part 2'

Jesus famously summarized the law and prophets by citing the two greatest commandments, to love God and to love neighbor. To illustrate what it meant to love one’s neighbor he told the parable of the Good Samaritan, the beautiful story of a traveler who, in contrast to a priest and a Levite, cared for an injured robbing victim by carrying him to a hotel, nursing his wounds, and covering his expenses.

Living overseas as the Internet took hold around the world, we became acutely aware of the growing trend toward global interconnectedness, commonly referred to as globalization. The economy is the fuel, the engine, the steering wheel, the accelerator, and the driver of globalization. The economy of globalization has advanced technology, generated wealth, and created a more interdependent world. But in its haste, the global economy has also bypassed many impoverished, abused victims who lay helpless on the roadside. My wife and I began thinking and praying about how the Church could be the Good Samaritan in the age of globalization. We came to realize that any truly effective approach would have to seriously address the long-term nature of need and the dependency problem as well as engage the processes of the global economy. As an undergraduate student I studied International Business at Auburn University. When I sensed God calling me into international missions, neither I nor anyone else I knew acknowledged that business might have something to do with missions.

After several years of working in ministry and living overseas, I have realized that the two must go together. To engage these issues more systematically, I enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Intercultural Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. Through this process I have grown increasingly fond of microfinance, an innovative development intervention with the potential to do everything I was looking to accomplish:

1) provide more permanent solutions to poverty, not temporary hand-outs

2) empower individuals within their local contexts, not create dependency

3) significantly engage the economy

Microfinance has gained global notoriety since Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

Few people are aware, however, of how the church has used, is using and could enhance its use of microfinance as a powerful tool to be the Good Samaritan in the age of globalization. We will discuss these important issues in upcoming articles on this blog.

Mark L. Russell (mark@markrussell.org) is Director of Spiritual Integration at HOPE International, a network of 13 Christ-centered Microenterprise Development organizations (www.hopeinternational.org). He has a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Auburn University. His doctoral dissertation focused on Business as Mission (BAM). He has lived and worked in Russia, Chile and Germany and has traveled extensively in over 60 countries on a variety of business, educational, humanitarian and religious projects. Mark lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife Laurie, and their children, Noah and Anastasia.

Labels: Editorials, Hope International, Mark Russell, Microfinance

Continue reading 'The Church and Microfinance, Guest Blog by Mark Russell'

Jim Collins, the widely recognized researcher and author often says in his book "Built to Last" that the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to the next is the true test of an organizations strength.

Labels: 25 Most Admired Kingdom Companies 2007, Galtronics, Ken Crowell

Continue reading 'Recognizing a Pioneer in Business as Mission, Ken Crowell Passing of the Baton at Galtronics'

A few weeks ago the guys from the C12 Group here in Dallas stopped by the office. It was a very refreshing time to hear their passion to unlock some of that untapped potential for Christian businessmen across the metroplex. Their burning desire to get Christian men and women off the sidelines and actively engaged in thinking about how they can use their passions and their businesses themselves as a tool for ministry is really encouraging.

Labels: C12 Group, Don Barefoot, Jamie Hawley

Continue reading 'Spending time with the guys from the C12 Group in Dallas'

The Call to Business DVD is a new resource from the group "A Call to Business" located across the pond in Great Britain. Here's a quote from their recent email newsletter

"The DVD continues to make a strong impact in many nations, from personal testimonies of radical life changes to whole businesses being given away. It has now been translated into Russian, ready for distribution in a number of locations. Most recently it has been aired by satellite to a potential 50 million homes! This wake-up call is inspiring many people to understand their 'ordinary everyday lives' in a different light! Our ethos is to give away this resource - we believe God loves us to practice generosity. This has included a number of bulk shipments to various nations. We're grateful to those who have added a donation to their postage and packing. Donations may be made via the website at any point, or directly to our office. In particular if you would like to sponsor bulk shipments contact admin@acalltobusiness.co.uk."

Labels: A Call to Business, Video and Media

Continue reading 'New Business / Marketplace Ministry DVD - The Call to Business'

For years, Andy Stanley and NorthPoint Community Church have been recognized for creating leadership tools. Recently, while speaking at a conference I met someone whose business had been greatly impacted by a new initiative called "Life Lessons Over Lunch."

Labels: Andy Stanley, Books and Articles, Life Lessons Over Lunch, Marketplace Ministry

Continue reading 'Life Lessons Over Lunch with Andy Stanley'

Business as Mission Survey 2007: Taking the Pulse of the Movement represents the first annual report on the state of the global Business as Mission movement. While there is some information available on Business as Mission, very few, if any, research surveys have focused on measuring the extent or impact of the movement.

This foundational study was designed to find answers to some key questions related specifically to the perspectives and practices of Business as Mission around the world. When Business as Mission practitioners began integrating a traditional business worldview with a traditional mission worldview many years ago, they were faced with a number of fundamental issues and challenges. The current study shows how the BAM movement has addressed challenges and identifies new areas that merit further research. Created by EC Institute and based on responses from nearly 500 practitioners, educators, and supporters of Business as Mission, the study addresses the following key issues:

• Who makes up the Business as Mission community?
• How does Business as Mission create kingdom impact?
• How have BAM practitioners integrated their business and spiritual backgrounds?
• How can the church support the Business as Mission movement?

Visit www.ecgroup-intl.com/consulting/publications/bam-survey/2007_report to learn more.

With the BAM Survey 2007 report, you will learn how the Business as Mission movement is changing as it moves into its next stage of growth, including:

• The profile of who is leading the Business as Mission movement.
• Critical factors that have influenced the integration of business with missions.
• The distinctive differences between elements of company structure and management philosophy that enhance missional purpose.
• Performance measurement practices, including how BAM companies define effectiveness and manage resources.
• Capitalization strategies companies, non-profit leaders and academics endorse, including analysis of the implications of different strategies.
• Discussion of how spiritual activities are integrated into the business context.

We are please to offer two ways to access the report:

• Electronic copy of entire report – available for instant download. Price: $149.99
• Twenty five (25) part series – available online in bi-weekly installments. Price: free

We offer quantity discounts and special pricing for non-profit and academic institutions.

To order your copy:Visit www.ecgroup-intl.com/consulting/publications/bam-survey/2007_report. Follow the links to either Download Instantly or Subscribe to Series.

Follow the links to either Download Instantly or Subscribe to Series. I encourage you to take the deeper dive into understanding Business as Mission by getting your own copy of BAM Survey 2007 – Taking the Pulse of the Movement today.

Blessings!

Kevin Ring
VP Consulting Services,
EC Group International

Labels: EC Group, Editorials, Global CEO Network, Kevin Ring, Surveys, Tom Sudyk

Continue reading 'EC Group International Announces Business as Mission Survey 2007 – Taking the Pulse of the Movement'

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to spend some time with Ron DeMiglio and Jeff Ericson, the partners behind Espresso Americano and E.A. Brevita, a few very unique companies who has leveraged technology to fuel their rapidly growing business. Click here to watch a quick video about their story.

The group is based just north of Seattle. If you're in that neck of the woods, I would definitely recommend seeing if you can buy these guys lunch and hear their story. Their passion for business and ministry is evident in every conversation and every crazy big dream that these guys talk about.

Recently, their E.A. Brevita Cooperative Association (http://www.eabrevita.com/) earned the award of "Best New Product at the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Show in Minneapolis. Forbes recently wrote a great story about their unique approach and their partnership with Amazon, check it out by clicking here.

Ron and Jeff's passion is pretty contagious. From their expansion plans into Southeast Asia, to their partnerships with Amazon, you can tell these guys have a passion to equip and empower others to live a life on mission and use the skills that they've been given. I know Ron has written a couple of articles for the site, be sure to keep an eye out for more of these in the future.

Labels: E.A. Delivers, Espresso Americano, Jeff Ericson, Ron DiMiglio

Continue reading 'There's Something Big Brewing with the Guys from EA Brevita and Espresso Americano'

Have you ever wondered why they call it the Dead Sea?

I think most of us understand that our main commission from God is to be a light to an unsaved world and do so in a way so as to glorify Him. If we truly understand this then why do so many of us cloister ourselves away from the unsaved of the earth?

We seem fixated on the notion that the adage of iron sharpening iron is all that is required in order to progress spiritually. By only seeking a form of accountability that is comfortable and formulaic we do a tremendous disservice to our own walks and to those that need to see us in that process. We need to walk out the process of spiritual maturity on our knees as well as in the public square. Not so our deeds can be seen or so we are elevated but so that Jesus Christ can be acknowledged as the author of the process and other may see Gods’ hand at work. This is seldom the chosen path for most and instead they cluster with only those that are also saved and called to be salty.

Why? Why do we allow the salt content in our lives to get to toxic levels? It might be enjoyable for us to exist in redeemed exclusion but it is not an environment that allows for life to thrive in us personally or His bride as a whole. Many of us seem bent on holing ourselves up within the confines of our church, our homes, our friends and our activities without so much as a wisp of involvement with those that don’t understand the Good News of Jesus Christ.

There is no question that the act of fellowship and accountability should be vital pursuits in any Christian walk but if one’s life is a 24/7 heathen sabbatical, I think we have missed the boat. It’s kind of hard to season anything if you stay in the shaker with all the other grains and never really hit the t-bone. Given our nature and desire to enjoy the path of least resistance, it is easy to justify a life lived only among those of like mind and convictions. As easy and enjoyable as it is, it is profoundly wrong. Salt is meant to mingle and blend in order to accent and make things more delicious. Instead of accenting and mingling with the unsaved, we run back to our Morton Tabernacle and breathe a collective sigh of relief. Far too often that process results in a Dead Sea environment. The salt no longer has a seasoning quality but is concentrated to the point of it being uninhabitable. The environment becomes poisonous not because the people are poison, but because we are not using our life as instructed.

I am also not saying that fellowship is an atmosphere that is harmful. Oh contraire! It is a needed element for believers as we hold one another accountable and encourage one another to press on. I am taking about the extremes. If we allow ourselves to become utterly immersed in nothing but fellowship we may develop a life of well intentioned but counterproductive isolationism.

Isolationism can lead to the creation of our own language or inside lingo that nobody else can relate to. It can also foster an environment that lends itself to being overly critical of others that are outside of our group. A critical heart is a heart that is no more than an eyelash away from a self-righteous, callous heart. We will have all of eternity to be with those that call Jesus Lord. Our time now is to be spent spreading the good news of Christ and not completely insulating ourselves from the glare of the nonbeliever. The Great Commission can only be engaged during the act of living alongside and serving those who don’t yet know God. Then, and only then, is your salty character of eternal, kingdom expanding value.

Don’t allow your life to be lived in an environment that is so salty it becomes toxic to anyone unfortunate enough to stray into its waters. Dead Sea headquarters will always have a functional population of zero. There may be bodies present but they will not be life sustaining or life giving. We should not allow ourselves to pile up like the salt on the floor of the Dead Sea. A big ole salty pig pile on the sanctuary carpet might be fun but it won’t draw people to Jesus. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not a healthy habitat for Christians to live in either. The body of Christ is most functional when those seeking Christ, those new in Christ and those mature in Christ interact together in a common cause. The possibilities for growth, discovery, mentoring and service are endless. This type of an environment only happens when the flavor of our salvation is used as intended. Go on, take a chance, let your hair down, roll up your sleeves and venture out into the land of bland. The world will be a tastier place and your faith will be confirmed and energized.

A Prayer:

Lord, I wish for a purposeful and ordered walk in the service of you. At times my witness feels random and scattered to say the least. Bring into my life those people with whom I might share you with and those that will see you by virtue of Your hand in my life. Help me to see my life as a needed ingredient for an unsaved world. I do not wish to view those that do not know you as a source of potential conflict. Rather, cause me to see beyond the bravado of self to the obvious cry for assurance in those that do not call You Lord. I know what so many don’t and I wish for that understanding to drive me to move out of my comfort zone. I wish to season, I wish to accent and enhance. Use my life to draw others to You and keep me from seeking a life of refuge among only those of like mind.

Labels: Editorials, Ron DeMiglio

Continue reading 'An Affinity For Salinity - Ron DeMiglio'

Over a year ago we featured 25 companies who are putting passion and theory and business and ministry together. This list of the "25 Most Admired Kingdom Companies" represent the pioneers who are "living it" provide a fuel for future business as mission entrepreneurs. It's been amazing to hear how they have encouraged so many readers and aspiring entreprenuers to get involved in this idea of business as mission.

Recently we had some avid readers add their input and help us re-rank the list of top business as mission books. Now we're looking to do the same, revise and expand the list of the "Most Admired Kingdom Companies".

I'm anxious to hear your input. Who did we leave off the list last time? Which company should have been ranked higher? Which new company should we include this time around?

Add a comment, email me your thoughts and we'll post a new list soon!

In case you missed it, here's the previous list posted over a year and a half ago:

Most Admired Kingdom Company #1: Galtronics :: Israel
Most Admired Kingdom Company #2: Pacific Resources Intl :: China
Most Admired Kingdom Company #3: Meixia Intl :: China
Most Admired Kingdom Company #4: EC Group :: India
Most Admired Kingdom Company #5: Little Texas :: Romania
Most Admired Kingdom Company #6: Bethany Press :: United States
Most Admired Kingdom Company #7: Olive Technology :: India
Most Admired Kingdom Company #8: The Barrington Group :: China
Most Admired Kingdom Company #9: Paradigm Engineering :: United States
Most Admired Kingdom Company #10: Cards from Africa :: Rwanda
Most Admired Kingdom Company #11: Bluefish TV :: United States
Most Admired Kingdom Company #12: Assemble Communications :: Singapore
Most Admired Kingdom Company #13: The Eastside Foursquare Church and Quality Inn
Most Admired Kingdom Company #14: The Vista Group :: Albania
Most Admired Kingdom Company #15: The Source Cafe :: Uganda
Most Admired Kingdom Company #17: House Blend Cafe :: United States
Most Admired Kingdom Company #18: Michael Management :: India
Most Admired Kingdom Company #19: Breakthrough India :: India
Most Admired Kingdom Company #20: Extol :: United States
Most Admired Kingdom Company #21: Prince of Peace Enterprises :: United States
Most Admired Kingdom Company #22: Yeager Kenya Group :: Kenya
Most Admired Kingdom Company #23: Trade as One :: USA
Most Admired Kingdom Company #24: Go Africa Safaris :: Kenya
Most Admired Kingdom Company #25: Meiya Rugs :: China

Labels: 25 Most Admired Kingdom Companies 2007, Case Studies

Continue reading 'We Need Your Opinion. Rank and Add to the List of the Most Admired Kingdom Companies'

If God paid the highest price that could be paid to provide for the salvation of His children, how does, or should, that fact interdict the way we view and operate the businesses that we manage for Him? If it’s His property how do we use it in alignment with His ultimate ourpose, recociliation with His children?

I see it this way. The business brings us into contact with countless people who will never likely darken the door of a church. (Estimates vary between 70-75% of Americans are unchurched) Every time we have contact with the customer, employee, competitor, or supplier who make up the daily relational interaction of business, we have the opportunity to give them an impression about God. This happens as a result of how we interact with them in the various roles that we play with one another as we “do business.” We have the same opportunity as we relate to them as neighbors, relatives, friends, or others that we rub shoulders with simply by living in the world.

By what we say and what we do (both/and) we give them an impression. If that impression is positive it earns us credibility with them. Over time the relationships that we have with them may earn us the right to discuss our values with them. If we are Christians, our ultimate value is our relationship with God in Christ and we will have the opportunity to express that with them in countless ways.

Last night Bonnie and I had dinner in the home of a friend that is an atheist. I have been playing golf with him and sharing life with him for over 10 years. Last night he invited me to say grace before our meal. That would never have happened 10 years ago. I have had some very direct discussions and even arguements with him over the years. Once we even got so upset with each other that we quit speaking for a couple of months. Then God convicted me of my sin and pride and I called my friend and asked for his forgiveness and told him I valued our friendship and knew that I was wrong to treat it and him as I had. We resumed our friendship and he told me that no one had ever asked his forgivenness for anything in his life. He’s not there yet but the relationship deepens and my love for him grows and I pray that its not too late.

We have the same kind of opportunities in our businesses. People come into our lives for different reasons, not to play golf, but to buy or sell or work with us. Most of them are lost and need to know our Saviour. God brings them across our paths and plants us in their way as His Ambassador. When we understand that as our primary purpose we can respond to the opportunity appropriately and in obedience to His Spirit. When we do God’s purpose is fulfilled and “eternal fruit” is produced. What is “eternal fruit?” Stay tuned, we will talk abot that subject next.

Buck Jacobs is the Chairman of the Board and Founder of the C12 Group, a network of Christian CEO's and Owners Building GREAT Businesses for a greater purpose. As CEO of The C12 Group, Buck has written several books and feature magazine articles, including A Light Shines Bright in Babylon – A Handbook for Christian Business Owners, An Action Plan for Ministry, and Seven Habits of Highly Effective Christians – all available by visiting C12’s online store at http://www.c12group.com/index.php.

Labels: Buck Jacobs, Editorials

Continue reading 'Christian Business Owner/CEO - Fruit, Much Fruit - Buck Jacobs'

It's the list of the Top 25 Business as Mission Books that has appeared in newsletters and magazines across the country.

As everyone gets ready for that summer vacation, we had some avid readers add their input and help us re-rank the Top 25 books addressing the issue of faith and business.

Maintaining its place at the top is God is at Work by Ken Eldred. Our team also welcomed some new finds to the list (#6 Marketplace Christianity with Robert Fraser, #10 Transformation with Ed Silvoso, #18 Where there are No Job by David Befus, Kingdom Path with Alan Ross, Doing Business God's Way, and Releasing Kings for Minisry in the Marketplace).

Add your comments! We welcome any new finds to consider in the future.

The Top 25 Business as Mission Books

1. God is at Work :: Ken Eldred
2. Lausanne Forum Papers
3. Business as Mission :: Michael Baer
4. On Kingdom Business :: Eldred and Yamamori
5. Great Commission Companies :: Steven Rundle and Tom Steffen
6. Marketplace Christianity :: Robert Fraser - (NEW to the List)
7. Business for the Glory of God :: Wayne Grudem
8. God at Work :: David Miller
9. Kingdom Catalyst :: Johnny Combs
10. Doing God's Business :: Paul Stevens
11. Tentmaking :: Patrick Lai
12. Transformation :: Ed Silvoso - (NEW to the List)
13. Business as a Calling :: Michael Novak
14. Devotional Ventures :: Corey Cleek
15. Annointed for Business :: Ed Silvoso
16. Convergence :: Brett Johnson
17. God at Work :: Rich Marshall
18. Where there are no jobs :: David Befus (NEW to the List)
19. Kingdom Companies :: Knoblauch and Opprecht
20. Transform the World :: Nordstrom
21. Entreprenuer's Creed :: Oster and Hamel
22. Business as Mission :: Steffen and Barnett
23. The Gods of Business :: Albertson
24. Loving Mondays :: Beckett
25. Galtrnoics Story :: William Goheen

The Next Group ...

1. Kingdom Path :: Alan Ross - (NEW to the List)
2. God is my CEO :: Larry Julian
3. The Church in the Workplace :: Wagner
4. The 9to5 Window :: Hillman
5. Doing Business God's Way - (NEW to the List)
6. Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace - (NEW to the List)
7. Your Work Matters to God :: Hendricks and Sherman - (NEW to the List)
8. Business by the Book :: Larry Burkett - (NEW to the List)
9. Church on Sunday, Work on Monday :: Laura Nash - (NEW to the List)
10. The Other 6 Days: Vocation, Work and Ministry - (NEW to the List)
11. About My Father's Business - (NEW to the List)

New Books to Keep an Eye out for in the coming Months:

1. A new book from Ken Eldred
2. A new book from Steve Rundle

Labels: Books and Articles, Editorials, Top 25 Business as Mission Books

Continue reading 'The Top 25 Business as Mission Books - Updated'

There are at least two dimensions to this question. First, if you are the only one in your business that sees the business as the platform for ministry and stewardship responsibility that it truly is, and are using it as such, and you leave, sell, or die - the ministry, your ministry, ends with a period. It would be described as personal, singular, and single generation in scope.

If you are engaging others in the ministry, and they are actively and strategically seeking to do ministry in and through the business, your ministry, at least for a season, ends with a comma. Yet, even if you have a fantastic ministry team of co-laborers ministering with you and are experiencing outstanding ministry fruitfulness and business success, and you sell the business to unbelievers, your ministry ends with a period. Don’t be deceived, unbelievers can’t and won’t continue ministry. It would be multi-dimensional but single generational.

The choice will be yours. The consequences of your choice can be eternally significant.
We are talking about a type of succession planning here that is rarely discussed but should be considered in great depth. It is all related to the answer to the fundamental question, “Who owns the business?” If God owns it, and we are merely stewards, and if we rightly see it as our platform for ministry, and are using as such, do you imagine that God would want it to end with a period? Can you imaging God wanting the ministry in a successful church to end with a period when the pastor leaves or dies? It is possible but I think much more likely that God is into multi-generational creation, investing in us so that our ministry always ends with a comma. What do you think?

Buck Jacobs is the Chairman of the Board and Founder of the C12 Group, a network of Christian CEO's and Owners Building GREAT Businesses for a greater purpose. As CEO of The C12 Group, Buck has written several books and feature magazine articles, including A Light Shines Bright in Babylon – A Handbook for Christian Business Owners, An Action Plan for Ministry, and Seven Habits of Highly Effective Christians – all available by visiting C12’s online store at http://www.c12group.com/index.php.

Labels: Buck Jacobs, C12 Group, Editorials

Continue reading 'Will Your Ministry in God’s Business end with a “Period” or a “Comma”'

For those ministering to the poor in the Two-Thirds World, the Chalmers Center offers a series of three distance courses on conducting Christian microfinance and microenterprise. The first in the series, “Foundations and Principles of Holistic Ministry,” will be offered twice this fall. The first offering is scheduled for August 18 – September 13, 2008 and the second offering is scheduled for October 20 – November 15, 2008. The “Foundations” course is designed for an individual or a ministry team doing community outreach among the poor – pastors, church planters, ministry leaders, lay staff and missionaries. It lays the foundation for understanding appropriate goals and strategies for Christian community development in low-income communities. (The Chalmers Center also offers a U.S./Canada version of this “Foundations” course which will be offered again early next year.)

Topics covered in the “Foundations” course are:

"What causes poverty?" and why this question matters.
Should development