"Open for Business Event" Starts in One Week
One week from today, as the Christmas comes to a close a new generation of college students will gather in St.Louis for the Open for Business Conference. The Open for Business Conference is a part of Intervaristy's triennial conference, Urbana.This is shaping up to be one of the largest gatherings of students, educators, practitioners, and authors on the business as mission movement. It will be an incredible few days of networking, learning, and experiencing Business as Mission. Unfortunately, due to some family commitments I will not be able to be at the event, so I'll be relying on some good friends and readers of this blog to keep me updated as to what happens!
The event will offer over 40 seminars related to business as mission (BAM). Only those Urbana delegates who have selected "Open for Business" as their track will be able to attend these seminars. However, Jimmy Quach and John Terrill of the Event's Leadership Team have mentioned that they plan on making a lot of the materials available online in some form or fashion once the event is over. Until then, I've copied a list of the topics featured at the event in the rest of this article to give you an idea of the content.
In order to foster an integrated, holistic approach to business, we encourage delegates to attend seminars from each of the following five sets. Because some BAM practitioners operate in sensitive places, their names have been withheld to protect their privacy.
BAM in Practice: This set of seminars help you integrate Christian faith with all operations associated with running a business. These are necessary building blocks for successful Christian engagement in business.
Spiritual Formation: These seminars seek to address some of the spiritual, personal, and community challenges that confront the BAM movement and its participants.
BAM Expressions: These seminars allow you to explore unique challenges and opportunities inherent in the range of BAM strategies and enterprises.
Contexts: These seminars help you to think through all that you’re learning in your own particular context of work and ministry.
Case Studies: These seminars highlight a wide range of BAM enterprises and strategies in a multitude of country and cultural settings.
Seminar Session 1 — Thursday, December 28, 7:30 – 8:45 PM
A Biblical Perspective on Business – BAM in Practice (Millenium - Meramec)
Bill Pollard
A biblical view of business becomes real in the practice of doing business. What are the practical ways God’s purposes can be demonstrated in the practice of business? We'll "get real" in several areas: pursuing excellence in our business activities; framing jobs so that what workers are doing is more than the task they are performing; giving (and receiving) authority and the freedom to make decisions; dealing with suppliers; and considering the boundaries between work and personal/family life.
Funding BAM: Donors or Investors? – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Lower)
Paul Park
The financial requirements and financing strategies of BAM initiatives vary widely. In what situations are donor models appropriate, and when are investment approaches to be preferred — and can we bridge the gap between the two?
Human Resources: A Christian BAM Perspective – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Middle)
Sam Lam
How do we create work that honors, engages, and motivates people? How do we develop organizational and human systems that respect the dignity of human beings? How can HR practitioners facilitate job design, compensation, selection, termination, performance management, leadership development, and benefits in ways that honor God?
Rethinking Strategy from a Biblical Perspective – BAM in Practice (Millenium - Mississippi)
Daniel Byrd
How sure are you that what you have learned about strategyis appropriate for a kingdom-driven business? Using Scriptural principles we will sift traditional strategy concepts to determine which are valid tools for our use. With a kingdom perspective on strategy in-hand, we will then address how our business practices should conform accordingly.
Production and Manufacturing: A BAM Perspective – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Meramec West)
John Beckett
How do we resolve the tension between achieving efficiency and respecting people? Can we outsource in ways that protect domestic employees and don't devalue offshore workers? Can a biblical perspective on quality and safety positively influence business?
Marketing Strategies from a BAM Perspective – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Meramec East)
Tom Buckles
How do we develop marketing strategies in a developing-world context? Which goods and services are appropriate for a given culture? What are the right channels? What is the right level of marketing to address the legitimate needs of people and not just the marketer's greed? How do we find the right balance of pricing and margins to ensure sustainability yet meet customer needs?
Spiritual Disciplines for Business People – Spiritual Formation (Crowne Plaza - Missouri)
Kent Humphreys
What are the spiritual practices that can be most useful for businesspeople — and what impact do they have in a business context? We'll survey practical disciplines to grow spiritually, stay humble, make wise choices, and draw near to God in your business, not despite your business.
The Elusive Notion of Success – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Upper)
This seminar is also offered in Seminar Session 3.
What is success from a Christian perspective? How should BAM practitioners develop robust goal-setting, achievement, and accountability measures? What does "the bottom line" really mean for BAM? How can apparently competing outcomes be resolved in the practice of BAM?
Seminar Session 2 — Thursday, December 28, 9:00 – 10:15 PM
Business Plan Competition Finals – BAM Expressions (Millenium - Meremac)
The finalist teams in the $40,000 business plan competition will present their ideas to a live judging panel and the seminar audience. Teams must field questions from judges, who will use responses to help determine the winners. Winners will be announced Saturday.
Biblical Principles of Business as Mission – Spiritual Formation (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Middle)
Mats Tunehag
We'll look at specific biblical texts that have bearing on the mission, strategies, relationships, cultural dynamics, and the day-to-day world of the BAM professional. What does the creation story tell us about work and business? What can we learn from Jesus about BAM? And what does the theology of Paul have to offer?
Building Christian Community for Business People – Spiritual Formation (Crowne Plaza - Meramec West)
Bob Lynn
Being part of a community of like-minded businesspeople enhances your ability to discern the mind of Christ for your own life and the mission, operations, and future of your business. Community can speak into our ethics and decision-making and provide both accountability and encouragement. How can you find — or build — a vital Christian community relevant to both your business and your faith?
Small-to-Medium Enterprises – BAM Expressions and Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Meramec East)
Bob Kuhlman and David Johnson
The role of small-to-medium businesses in building healthy economies is crucial and can transform whole societies. This seminar will consider the opportunities and limitations of SME businesses and will discuss specific examples in Eastern Europe.
Discernment of Calling: A Personal Case Study in Calling – Spiritual Formation (Millenium - Mississippi)
Steven Preston
The Honorable Steven C. Preston was recently appointed by President Bush to become the Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Hear his convictions on what it means to be called into leadership, how we serve God every day in our vocational callings, and how throughout his 25-year career, he has been led to switch careers at times when it seemed most unlikely.
Central Asia – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Upper)
Central Asia is home to a number of former Soviet republics that are still seeking to establish themselves economically. A BAM practitioner will provide first-hand accounts of the opportunities and challenges in working in this predominantly Muslim region.
Sub-Saharan Africa – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Lower)
Jim Hocking
Notable challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa include endemic poverty, lack of safe water, and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Hear first-hand accounts of the opportunities and challenges in working in this extremely difficult environment.
Money and Motivations: Understanding God and Profit — Spiritual Formation (Crowne Plaza - Missouri)
Gary Ginter
Jesus said money is dangerous to one's spiritual health, yet business keeps score with money. Can Kingdom Professionals learn how to deal in money without getting seduced? We will survey practical scriptural principles for stewardship lifestyles, strategic investment, and Kingdom finance as well as common myths and understandings about money and wealth.
Seminar Session 3 — Saturday, December 30, 12:00 – 1:15 PM
Branding, Advertising, and Selling from a BAM Perspective – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Meramec East)
Mark Neuenschwander
Given the developing-world context of many BAM enterprises, how should we label and talk about the products and services we offer? How should Scripture inform our advertising and selling strategies? How do we stay accountable to God and others so that what we deliver matches our declarations?
Case Studies in Business Ethics – BAM in Practice (Millenium - Meremac)
Al Erisman
Bribery, intellectual property, fair compensation, child labor, misrepresenting tentmaking — the ethical hazards in the BAM context are many. What are the ethical challenges in these particular areas for a business? How can Christians fruitfully approach such issues?
Finance: Managing Money without Going over the Edge – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Meramec West)
John Mulford
How does God think about money as it flows through a business? How do fair pricing and fair wages fit into a financial system and economic return? Is there a biblical way to work with vendors and suppliers on money matters? What are other less tangible financial issues in business? We'll cover financial pressures to take into account and hidden traps businesspeople must avoid.
Leadership from a BAM Perspective – BAM in Practice (Millenium - Mississippi)
Brad Smith
BAM can be more difficult than either traditional missionary work or business for profit-maximization. What tensions can you expect and how do you navigate them? Where have others found the great challenges and opportunities? What does it mean to lead from a BAM perspective? How do you pursue Jesus in this pioneering call?
Lessons Learned from the Business as Mission Movement – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Middle)
Steve Rundle
The history of the BAM movement is rich with examples — both success and instructive failures — to guide reflection about your business practices. We'll look at case studies as well as trends drawn from different BAM approaches and different global regions.
East Asia – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Missouri)
Beverly Liu and Morris Li
East Asia is now a global leader in technology and manufacturing. BAM practitioners will provide first-hand accounts of the opportunities and challenges in integrating the gospel and business in this fast-paced region.
Middle East / North Africa – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Lower)
The Middle East and North Africa is predominantly Muslim and includes some of the most unreached nations on earth. A BAM practitioner will provide first-hand accounts of the opportunities and challenges in building a business that witnesses to Jesus.
The Elusive Notion of Success – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Upper)
This seminar is also offered in Seminar Session 1.
What is success from a Christian perspective? How should BAM practitioners develop robust goal-setting, achievement, and accountability measures? What does "the bottom line" really mean for BAM? How can apparently competing outcomes be resolved in the practice of BAM?
Seminar Session 4 — Saturday, December 30, 7:30 – 8:45 PM
Micro-Enterprise Development – BAM Expressions (Millenium - Meremac)
Peter Greer
This seminar will focus on how to help the poor enter into economic activity, presenting global opportunities to engage in MED as well as an examination of the limitations of the sector. We'll also consider the interface between this sector and other sectors in the BAM movement.
BAM Strategies in Context – BAM Expressions (Crowne Plaza - Meramec East)
John Mulford
Igloo manufacturing in Sudan? Fish farming in Siberia? What businesses — and business models — fit what situations? This seminar will examine the fundamentals of strategy with attention to the market, competition, resourcing, geopolitical, and religious contexts.
Overseas Private Equity Enterprises – BAM Expressions (Crowne Plaza - Missouri)
Dwight Nordstrom
What does a large-scale business look like, what challenges does it face, and what role does it play in the global BAM movement? Financing, human resourcing, and government relationships are some of the practical aspects we'll cover in this seminar.
Transitioning from Disaster Relief to Economic Development – BAM Expressions (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Lower)
Bill Toannon
Tsunami and earthquake, flood and famine, disease and plague, all represent an initial point-of-entry for a Christian response. Pitfalls of relief and development programs will be realistically examined and consideration given to the necessity of transitioning from humanitarian aid to sustainable nation-building and commerce.
Business as Ministry in a Multi-National Corporation - Contexts (Millenium - Mississippi)
Timothy Liu
How do you, as an individual in a large company, pursue business as a ministry, wherever God has currently placed you? What’s the potential global impact when Christians are mobilized to impact their marketplace? We'll discuss geographic and cultural differences to take into account and how to think about being a small — but transformational — part of a big organization.
Latin America – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Middle)
David Befus
Overall, Latin America has one-fifth the per capita GDP of the United States and is marked by inequalities in income distribution. Hear about the challenges and opportunities in promoting holistic economic development in places where there are no jobs.
U.S.-Based Global Business – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Meramec West)
Brian Chan
Workers in the United States are adapting to globalization and looking to find new roles as many traditional jobs move overseas. Hear about the opportunities and challenges in starting up a company that adds value to the global economy while building a global business that advances the Kingdom.
Starting Your Own BAM Business – Contexts (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Upper)
This seminar is also offered in Seminar Session 5.
Sarah Smith
Starting any business takes wisdom, courage, and resources — and all the more to start a BAM enterprise. You'll need a business plan that pursues an integrated "triple bottom line." And how will you find partners, resources, and funding? How will you gather advisors and supporters and build a network with BAM entrepreneurs? This seminar will get practical without forgetting the big picture.
Seminar Session 5 — Saturday, December 30, 9:00 – 10:15 PM
BAM and Justice – BAM in Practice (Crowne Plaza - Meramec West)
Julie Hindmarsh
Business done God’s way promotes God’s justice. How can business in its various manifestations tackle and make a difference to some of the real-world issues of our time? We'll give attention to gender inequality, child labor, fair trade, the environment, capital flows, and related topics.
Tentmaking – BAM Expressions (Crowne Plaza - Missouri)
Dwight Nordstrom
How does the popular notion of tentmaking fit into the global business-as-mission movement? How might you use your vocational skills and talents to make a fruitful and fulfilling contribution to the Kingdom of God globally through working as a tentmaker?
Mobilizing Your Church... or Any Church – Contexts (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Middle)
Duane Moyer and Doug Hunter
How can you help your church engage with the BAM movement and deploy every believer to be a work/life missionary from their “Jerusalem” to the ends of the earth? We'll look at what resources work/life ministries provide and how you can integrate them with your church’s mission. Expand your vision for the transformational possibilities and get ready to take practical next steps.
Pursuing BAM in a North American Company – Contexts (Millenium - Meremac)
John Beckett
This seminar will address the current challenges and opportunities facing North American Christians in business. What BAM concepts can a North American company deploy in their strategy and operations? What is God's purpose for you in your organization?
Starting Your Own BAM Business – Contexts (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Upper)
This seminar is also offered in Seminar Session 4.
Sarah Smith
Starting any business takes wisdom, courage, and resources — and all the more to start a BAM enterprise. You'll need a business plan that pursues an integrated "triple bottom line." And how will you find partners, resources, and funding? How will you gather advisors and supporters and build a network with BAM entrepreneurs? This seminar will get practical without forgetting the big picture.
Discernment of Calling: How to Find Your Niche — Spiritual Formation (Millenium - Mississippi)
Scott McFarlane
Are you seeking God to lead you into the calling and vocation that best utilizes the gifts He has given you? Hear about some of the creative ways God is using Biblical principles to extend His Kingdom and meet people's needs around the world through people in business.
South Asia – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Meramec East)
South Asia is home to a dizzying array of people groups and belief systems, but also marked by fast economic growth, spurred on by the high-tech sector. A BAM practitioner will provide first-hand accounts of the opportunities and challenges in this complex region.
Southeast Asia – Case Studies (Crowne Plaza - Mississippi Lower)
David Kwok
Southeast Asia is a diverse region with countries that are predominantly Muslim, Buddhist, or Catholic. While some economies are growing rapidly, others are trapped in long-standing poverty. A BAM practitioner will provide first-hand accounts of one set of opportunities and challenges here.
Labels: Events and Conferences
