Business as Mission, Business on Mission or Business for Missions?
A small word can be typically found connecting the words "Business" and "Mission". While it may only be a few small letters it can make such a distinct difference in it's meaning.Several people have asked to talk discuss what each of them mean. I believe that it is important to define and discuss the meaning of each. At the same time let's be careful not be consumed by the theoretical. Let's define it, then live it out.
Business as Mission :: From a foundational perspective, I think this is the key piece in the puzzle. This approach believes that the business itself is the mission and the vehicle for life transforming change. Far and above this is the approach that we will be talking about on this site.
The limiting factor may just be the degree of difficulty and the time and energy it takes to develop a business as mission company. If you look at the series we did on the "25 Most Admired Kingdom Companies" you will see a lot of companies that have taken 10, 15 or even 20 years to reach a point where both their financial bottom line and spiritual impact where thriving. Not to mention those that have started and failed along the way.
Business for Missions :: The business exists primarily as the platform or in order to enable ministry to take place. This typically results in a business giving the vast majority or all of it's profits back to support ministry projects. The ministry is the premier priority and the business is secondary.
When taken to this extreme it can blur the line between business and the idea of a business. Sustainability is a key issue. Profits are the lifeblood of a business and without them the core of the business can suffer and endanger it's long term impact.
In the past 20 years too many stories have centered around a motivation of just getting access to a country. The business itself is viewed so much as a platform that there is no substantial effort to make the business profitable. Over time it is continually supported by donations. Simply stated, that's not business. When taken to this extreme it can be defined as ministry but it doesn't fall in the league of business.
Business on Mission :: Probably the more ambiguous of the three ideas that get tossed around in conversation. A business can be "on mission" in a lot of different ways. Is it to meet physical needs? Is it to improve and change a society economically? Spiritually?
These words are often thrown around when defining social capitalism companies. Their is a desire to meet real needs and make a difference. However the missing component is a motivation of faith.
So... Business as Mission. Business on Mission. Business for Missions. Are they all right? Is one better than the other? What do each of them mean?
Obviously I think the best idea is Business as Mission and that is what this site is designed around. At the same time this movement to integrate faith and business is a 500 piece Jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces have a place and we need to discuss the pros, the cons and how they can adapt to make the greatest impact.
Labels: Editorials
1 Comments:
I wholeheartedly agree, AMEN! Part of my understanding of the importance of business AS mission is the opportunity we have to provide meaningful work for people that is not dehumanizing.
commented by 
Bonita, 12:20 AM
Bonita, 12:20 AM
