By Integra Ventures - Integra is making a significant impact in a difficult environment in Moscow and Irkutsk in eastern Russia. This overview of our work in the post- communist era will help you understand the realities—and opportunities—of using business as a tool to impact society. A new generation is excitedly embracing business development concepts and is eager to do it right. Integra’s practical, community impact strategy meets this need and presents the Gospel at the same time. Click here to watch the video.

Labels: Integra Ventures, Video Stories of Business as Mission

Continue reading 'Video Spotlight: Sustainability and Credibility of Business in Russia'

The team at C12 is gearing up for their 2009 Conference, to be held November 4-7 in beautiful San Antonio, TX.

Labels: C12 Group, Events and Conferences

Continue reading 'C12 Leaders Conference Update Nov 4-7 in San Antonio'

By Bob Kuhlman - Remember the experiment you did as a kid in school, pouring a cup of oil into a bottle of water? No matter what you did, the oil sank below the water. They just don’t mix. Shake the bottle all you want, turn it upside down. Within a moment, the water’s back on top and the oil’s on the bottom.

When I took the job as president of Integra, lots of people started asking me what Integra does. My standard response was that we do mission work by helping people start businesses. I’d always get a blank stare when I gave that answer. So I set out to educate myself a bit more so I could give a better answer. Since I was going to be president of an organization that did business as missions it made sense that I should know a thing or two about it and be able to explain it.
When I started digging I discovered that quite a few people are talking about business as mission these days. It’s a topic at missions conferences and in magazine articles. A few books have even been written on the subject. Reviewing printed information, along with sitting face to face with some of Integra’s 90 staff who actually work in the field of business as missions, I began to get a clearer picture about how this is all done on a practical level.

One of the leading proponents of the concept of business as missions is Ken Eldred, who has released a dynamic and thought-provoking book entitled God is at Work. The double meaning of the title captures Eldred’s perspective succinctly. And in his mind, business and missions are more like Ovaltine and milk than oil and water.

I heartily commend God is at Work to you as a good read on the subject. Simply stated, as Ken says, “Kingdom business is a for-profit business venture designed to facilitate God’s transformation of people and nations.” Eldred doesn’t just think business and missions go side by side. He’d say that they’re two parts of a whole.

What could possibly be more natural than a Christian in business doing business like a Christian? And as that happens, so does ministry. As a “businessman” Eldred wants to help Christians in business see their work as an uninterrupted extension of their walk. The book is full of helpful illustrations and principles about how to do just that. There’s a connection between business and missions on a practical level, and leveraging that connection will help spread the Gospel, transform nations, and change lives. Business becomes the tool for ministering to those with real needs, both economical and spiritual.

This perspective rests soundly on the notion that God cares about people’s spiritual, social, and economic transformation. Work in the business world is both a ministry and a calling. Making a profit is a sign of useful service that addresses poverty as a social disease. Ken goes on to say that a Kingdom approach to business is missions. The objective is to foster sustainable companies that support the mission of the local church and provide jobs and financial resources.
By growing a successful business, Christian entrepreneurs can influence the business culture and practices of other companies, which in turn fosters a ministry to nations. This is a big vision! But one that is firmly grounded in the Scriptures.

Kingdom business professionals are ideally suited to teach the Gospel by word and deed. By speaking truth and living out their faith in the workplace, they are able to lead many to Christ. They consider their work in business as ministry. Kingdom business is missions. Does this make sense to you? I hope so. Integra’s staff are mentors and financiers of Kingdom business working in Central and Eastern Europe. We provide the necessary funding and consulting aspiring business owners need to succeed, and help them start businesses and create jobs in a Christ-like way.

Bob Kuhlman is the president of Integra Ventures, a Business as Mission organization that provides training and loans for aspiring entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. More than 70 staff work in Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Russia, providing business training seminars, one-on-one mentoring, and counsel on marketing, sales, inventory management, and finance.

Labels: Editorials, God is at Work, Integra Ventures, Ken Eldred

Continue reading 'Is Business as Mission Mixing Oil and Water?'

An event for Christian business people May 29-30 in Brea, CA

By John Coghlan of Enterprise International (the business arm of CRM)

Business people are one of the greatest untapped resources in the Kingdom of God. In a developing country or in their hometown, a businessperson can have tremendous impact when they are fully immersed in God’s purposes.

CRM experienced this firsthand when Jeri Little and his family decided to live recklessly and sacrificially for the Kingdom and moved to post-communist Romania to start Little Texas.

Yet for all the excitement about Business as Mission, and all of the heroic stories like Jeri Little’s, many simply do not know how to get involved. In fact, this lack of “on ramps” has become a critical issue for the long-term success of the movement.

But what if a lack of “on ramps” is not the root of the problem?

What is your calling? For years CRM has ministered to over 10,000 church leaders around the world through a seminar built upon the Christian Leadership Emergence Theory of J. Robert Clinton. The success of this tool has proven repeatedly that a strong sense of personal calling is the key to fulfilling your potential.

“But why do the church leaders get to have all the fun?!” Coupling the success of this ministry to church leaders with the great need for mobilizing businesspeople around the world, Enterprise International has tailor-made a version for Christian business professionals.

For God not only wants to work through us, but in us. All of our most daring deeds and heroic efforts fall short of eternal value when we ask God to bless our plans. Truly, the most abundant life happens when we first ask God what His plans are and how we can then join Him.



This is a two-day event that will help you:

• Infuse your career with God’s direction
• Gain tools to strengthen your character and integrity
• Leverage your professional ability to help change the world for God
• Discern God’s plan for your future by discovering his hand in your past

This upcoming event is May 29-30 in Brea, CA. All are welcome: at whatever point you are at in your career, whether you are pursuing business and ministry in an international location or desiring a more integrated and Christ-centered life at home.

You can visit the Enterprise International website for more information at: enterpriseinternational.org. Register here online: Register for Monday Morning Calling

CRM empowers leaders to strengthen and start churches in over 25 countries around the world. Enterprise International is a division of CRM that creates businesses alongside ministries to create sustainable sources of local funding and expand the Kingdom through the skill and passion of people in business.

Labels: CRM, Enterprise International, Events and Conferences, Jeri Little, Little Texas

Continue reading 'Event Spotlight: The Monday Morning Calling'

By Integra Ventures - Business as mission Integra Ventures has been a leader in bringing solid business counsel and encouragement to struggling entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia in the wake of communism. And now, nearly ten years later, they are still going strong. See how God has blessed the initial efforts of a handful of visionary believers who had a heart for "business as mission." Click here to watch the video.

Labels: Integra Ventures, Video Stories of Business as Mission

Continue reading 'Business as Mission in the Wake of Communism'

While teaching English in Thailand during the summer of 2003, Alisa Volbeda’s merely cultural Christianity became vividly real and personal. Back at Calvin for her junior year, she asked God a big question: How does a business-communications major work in international missions?

Labels: Calvin College, Recruitment and Job Opportunities

Continue reading 'Calvin and Biola Alumni Building a Redemptive Business Model'

By Kevin Ring - “The Parable of the Minas” (Luke 19:12-27) teaches a number of principles that should shape how profit is considered in the Business as Mission context.

Kevin Ring is a thought leader and researcher for Business as Mission and the church. You can find him nlogging at his blog, Kingdom Strategist.

Labels: Kevin Ring, Parable of Minas, Parables

Continue reading 'Business profit and the Parable of the Minas - Kevin Ring'

I love that friends are always passing through the DFW Airport. Last week I had the chance to share some good mexican food with Trevor Sworn of Yejj in Camdodia.

Trevor's story of transitioning from missions with a traditional agency to the cutting edge of self sustaining Business as Mission is pretty inspiring. Here's a background into Yejj from Trevor's summary. For more information check them out at http://www.yejj.com/.

Yejj background - Yejj was established in 2001 as a response to the need to provide high quality IT related services & training products to clients, combined with capacity development & employment to underprivileged young people in Cambodia.

Yejj Group Comprises; Yejj Info Co Ltd

• Outsourcing; Website & database development
• Domain registration, hosting & management
• Network, server & data support & management

Yejj Training Cambodia NGO

• eAcademy – Cisco, Microsoft, ICDL, Pearson Vue
• Hospitality Training Centre
• Café Yejj

The Yejj Social Enterprise Model - combines the best of business & NGO principles, using revenues to create successful business & sustainable social impact in the long term.
Our core focuses are Enterprise, Education & Employment.

From it’s inception, the company has been built on internationally recognized standards of technical expertise and achievements in the IT industry. Equipped with strong local business knowledge and using qualified and experienced human resources, coupled with high standards of consulting and customer support, Yejj provides cost-effective services and solutions in a process-driven, quality-focused systems management environment.

Yejj Web Department - The department is part of Yejj Info Co Ltd. Although part of the IT service and support dept since 2003, as part of our long term strategy to provide outsourcing services to overseas clients, it became a department in it’s own right in June 2008.

From July – December 2008, we provided, whole or components of, 17 websites outsourced to clients abroad Three of these clients have since given us additional work, acknowledging the excellent service we have provided. We also provided 9 local clients with websites, including Wing Bank (ANZ Royal).

Definition of Outsourcing - We define the term outsourcing as; Yejj providing web development services (in part or whole) to overseas clients, who are also web developers. It can also be called ‘offshoring’. It is not call centres which is also sometimes referred to with the same term.

Long-term Business and Export Plans - Our long term (5 year) business and export plans are to build a consistent base of business-to-business (B2B) clients, providing ongoing high quality web services, growing the overall revenues by a minimum 30% per year for the next 3 years (2009-2011), then by minimum 25% for the following years (until the end of 2013). HR and other resources are projected to grow proportionately.Our aims in 2009 are to have a consistent 3 month full order book. We will achieve this by: Raising our marketing strategy, focused at export markets, Using traditional and new media for marketing, Exhibiting at conferences and expos in Dallas, Hamburg and Berlin in 2009, Doubling the amount of staff, room space and resources to ensure deliverables.

Increase the capacity of existing staff - Putting greater processes into place to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

Primary focus of expansion strategy in 2009 - Our primary focus is at three main conferences in 2009 (below), plus related marketing and promotional strategies.

Yejj Uniqueness – why people use us - We provide high quality services, saving our client time, money and effort, plus they contribute to social impact in Cambodia through providing their business to us.

· ‘One stop’ service of web development, graphics design, hosting and management.
· high quality service
· costs and time saving
· business partnerships with Yejj contributes to lasting social impact in Cambodia.
· International standards of compliance
· Local expertise and understanding
· We are a pleasure to work with (they like us)
· We are consistent
· Centralised admin, etc, reduces costs
· Transparent reporting, documentation​ and business practices

Yejj Web Dept Social Goals - The Web Department plays an integral and central role as part of the overall social vision of Yejj, As a web development partner, your contracts with us directly impacts the social situation in Cambodia.

Departmentally there is a program of capacity building of staff in technical and interpersonal skills, regular internships for those at the start of their career ladder (in partnership with non profit organisations), development of management skills for those with aptitude, plus a positive, pleasant working environment, health cover, insurance and other benefits that all Yejj staff benefit from.

Revenues - Revenues from the business are used in our non profit to directly subsidise training courses for disadvantaged students as well as contribute to utility and infrastructure costs and investment, which allows us to provide training at lower prices.

The Yejj Social Enterprise Model combines the best of business & NGO principles, using revenues to create successful business & sustainable social impact in the long term.

Core Values - Our core values are; Integrity, Compassion, Courage, Commitment and Worth. See Yejj Core Values page on our website for more details.

Summary - Since 2001 we have created and established a strong social business model, with a proven track record. In 2009 we have over 53 staff, with at least 40% from disadvantaged backgrounds. We accomplish all this by maintaining and improving our core competencies & business deliverables, plus developing our training portfolio and accreditations, including the infrastructure needed to deliver these.

Other Yejj Sectors

Café Yejj is a bistro café in the popular Russian Market tourist area, serving a range of Mediterranean style dishes, desserts & drinks at lunchtime & the evening. A core focus is providing skills training & employment in catering & hospitality, especially to women from ‘at risk’ & vulnerable backgrounds.

Chab Dai, Yejj Charitable Trust is a registered charity in the UK. It raises funds & awareness towards work with disadvantaged young people & young people at risk in Cambodia based on Christian principles. The Charity has a board of 5 Trustees.
See http://www.yejj.org.uk/ for more details.

Labels: Trevor Sworn, Yejj

Continue reading 'Web Development and Outsourcing Solutions with a Mission - Yejj'

By Kent Humphreys - Do you remember the last time that you signed over the deed or title of something that you owned? The last time you sold a car, you signed over the car title. When you sold your last house, you signed over the deed at closing. Have you ever sold a business or a commercial property?

With a property we may do that quite casually and be glad to get rid of the debt and make some cash. I remember when, in 1997, I signed over ownership of our distribution firm which our family had owned for 38 years. It took me about 45 minutes to sign papers on two or three long tables. The next day I was still CEO, but someone else owned the firm. I then had a stewardship position, I still felt responsible and wanted to succeed, but a huge burden was lifted from my shoulders. I was no longer ultimately responsible for the debt, the livelihood of four hundred families, and the final decision. I was accountable to the owner to run it properly.

On my recent visit twelve business owners in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, signed over the deed to their businesses to Jesus Christ. It was a special privilege for me to be there. Four local pastors were also present. Each company owner read the deed and signed it. The pastors prayed for each business steward individually. Then we prayed, laid hands on the pastors, and commissioned them to be involved in the equipping of each CEO to run their business for Christ. Finally, the pastors prayed for the group of leaders as a whole that their actions would impact the companies, the city, and the nation. We had two witnesses sign each deed and took photos to help remind all involved.

These leaders had been involved in small groups of business owners for several months. Each group met for three hours a week, instead of the one and one half hours that most groups in the States meet. Just as I did in 1997, they assumed the role of CEO as stewards, no longer owners. Every decision must be made in the best interest of the owner, Jesus Christ. They must be obedient stewards and be honest and faithful CEO’s. However, Christ is the owner and He will make the final major decisions. That takes the pressure off. All we have to do is submit to His vision, mission, principles, and leadership.

If you feel led to do the same as these Malaysian leaders, just adapt the form below. I suggest that you have your spouse, pastor, fellow group members, and key employees attend the ceremony. Have witnesses sign the deed with you. Make sure that your peers hold you accountable. God already owns every thing; we are just acknowledging our position as stewards of the business.

DEDICATION OF BUSINESS BY BUSINESS OWNERS

I ………………………… the legal owner/part-owner of ………………………………… solemnly declare before everyone present and before all Heaven and Earth that I on this day willingly deed the ownership of this company over to the Almighty God, the creator of all things.I believe that God, my heavenly Father desires that all things be reconciled back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. As of today I acknowledge that God is the rightful owner of …………………………………. and I am merely His steward looking after His resources.

Therefore, I now repent of all the past wrong doings done by …………………………………; it’s owners, officers and employees and ask you God to forgive us and cleanse us by the blood of your son Jesus Christ. God, I ask you to redeem …………………………………., all it's assets and reputation so that it can be used to bring glory and honor to your name. I desire to be a Priest in this company and pledge to lead this company for Christ to the best of my ability. I will do everything in my capacity as ………………. to honor you in all the practices and dealings of ………………………………….

I now dedicate …………………………………., all it's assets to you for the advancement of your Kingdom.Help me God to carry out all that I pledge to do, in Jesus name. Amen.

Signed by ……………………….. (Name)

Witnessed by:…………………………..…………………………..…………………………..

Date:

Written by Kent Humphreys and used with permission. All rights reserved.

Labels: Editorials, Kent Humphreys

Continue reading '12 Business Owners Sign away their Company to God'

By BLDNG THE WALL BLOG - Raising capital for a business can be one of the most (if not THE most) challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur. Especially so for Christian entrepreneurs. The shortage of Christian capital sources makes it a seemingly insurmountable task for Christian startups. Christian startups have fundamentally different goals, needs, marketing and exit strategies than traditional "for-profit" businesses. As a result they need capital sources that understand this, so that the Christian entrepreneur does not have to sacrifice the god-given mission and impetus behind the forming of the business, in order to maximize the ROI for the capital source.

Christian start-ups make up only a fraction of the millions of new businesses opened each year. We have no way of knowing what those exact numbers are, since the US Census does not track Christian businesses, but the potential is very large. Lets extrapolate some numbers based on recent studies. According to the American Religious Identity Survey (ARIS) conducted by the City University of NY, Christians make up 76.5% of the population. Obviously, not all who profess to be Christians are practicing their faith, but this large number points out the potential number of Christian start-ups. According to research from the Barna Group, "15% of those who regularly attend a Christian church ranked their relationship with God as the top priority in their life". If we expect these percentages to hold true for business start-ups as they do for the general population, 16,830,000 of start-ups would be started by a Christian entrepreneur, of those 2,524,500 would be businesses that are operated with Kingdom values and goals (see Christian Capitalism). Which would mean that 72,958 of those would fit in the category of Christian employer firms (having more than one employee), that would need a larger amount of start-up capital. This shows that although the greater need seems to be that of micro loans for smaller Christian start-ups, there is also a pressing need for more, than the handful of existing, Christian capital sources.

Control over the ability to operate the business as a ministry, the validity of making God-guided business decisions, and the probable dilution of the God-given mission, are major obstacles to overcome when seeking capital and resources from secular sources. The exit strategy can be another possible sticking point, if the existing exit strategy is to "continue until God says to do otherwise". Try explaining that to a secular VC! Can a company truly be a Christian company when it brings in a secular partner, raises capital through a secular source such as a Venture Capital firm, or when it goes public?

“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13)

In my opinion when a company gives up any amount of control to outside secular capital sources, it gives up the ability to follow God's will without compromise. To some Christian companies especially those closer to the secular social entrepreneurship end of the spectrum, this may not be as important, but for those who are practicing Business as Mission, serving Christians exclusively, or operating their businesses as a ministry this would be a deal breaker. God's way is to plant his resources where they can do the most good. Secular businesses invest their capital where it can bring the biggest return on investment. A Christian business may invest in ventures that may not maximize its return on investment, but may provide a good balance of capital return and social good. Secular corporations though, are accountable to their board of directors (BOD), and ultimately shareholders who elect the BOD, and have invested in the corporation for one reason and one reason alone, and that is to make as much money as possible. This highlights the huge need for Christian capital sources. Christian businesses need capital resources such as Venture Capital, Hedge funds, Mutual Funds, and others, that are focused on, and understand their specific needs. 2Corinthians 6:14-16 says "do not be yoked together with unbelievers...". It is of utmost importance that Christian companies be owned by shareholders with Kingdom goals and values, in order that Christian start-ups may form, blossom and become companies that are capable of redefining the business landscape and can accomplish their Godly missions. I believe that as this Christian capital infrastructure grows, we will see an explosion of Christian entrepreneurship and a great movement of God in the business world (see reclaiming the 7 mountains).

Labels: BLDNG the Wall Blog, Editorials, Raising Capital

Continue reading 'The Need for Christian Capital Sources- A Call to Action'

The President of Campus Crusade for Christ along with the Presidents of YWAM and several other leading missions agencies are convening a conference in Thailand in a few weeks (call2all.org). What I found most signifcant is the candor in an open letter that they wrote, and emailed out to hundreds of business leaders. Here's a the letter we're forwarding on at the request of the organizers. Notice some of the candid phrases we've bolded.

Dear Market Leader,

Greetings from the conveners of the call2all.org global initiative to be gathered in Hong Kong from May 31st - June 5th 2009.Would like to invite you to be part of we believe to a significant world event. We hope you'll find a way to join me and leaders from around the world in Hong Kong.This is the first Call2All Global Congress. Call2All is a partnership of hundreds of the top missions agencies, denominations, and organizations in the world. Including tens of thousands of Christian leaders and Marketplace leaders all working together to complete the Great Commission in our generation. If God's stirring your heart about being part of this historic event, I would encourage you to register as soon as possible. There is tremendous interest in this Hong Kong gathering all around the world, and space is limited.

God has been speaking to us about involving the "whole church" in the Call2All movement. We have realized that for too long we have focused on the "professional" mission agencies and churches to get the job done. We now want to release the other 95% of the Body of Christ to join us. In that effort, we want to warmly invite leaders from the Workplace, including the Market Place ministries, BAM (Business as Mission), Business Leaders, and the everyday workplace believer. We are not doing this primarily to get your financial support but your involvement on the front lines. We apologize for our past actions of asking for money without getting your heart and hands in coordination with us first. We look forward to seeking God together and finding ways we can serve you and your calling as workers in the great commission.

Planning events at the Hong Kong call2all to,

1) Have several breakouts with opportunities for you as leaders to interact with key church, missions and business leaders from China, across Asia and around the world.

2) Arrange strategic meetings for you with key business, mission and church leaders in adopting strategies that are new and different in keeping what God is doing in using BAM "for profit" companies, workplace leaders, professionals, and ordinary "lay" people to use their gifts and callings to reach the unreached. This will demand us to think outside the box and began to emphasize what God is already blessing rather traditional methods which are no longer useful.

3) We plan to promote the calling of business, missionaries, pastors, and professionals as platforms to extend the gospel. Programs include real people like you who are representing Christ every day in the workplaces of the nations. We plan to not just speak this message but MODEL this message from the platform, the pulpits, and our communication. We will model the Priesthood of Every Believer in accomplishing the Great Commission and bringing His Kingdom to every part of this world.

Will you join us in Hong Kong as we seek to work together in finishing the job of reaching the world for Christ?

Signed by: Mark Anderson - President GPN/call2all, Loren Cunningham - Founder, Youth With A Mission and Steve Douglas - President Campus Crusade for Christ

Pretty remarkable. Almost enough candor in these words to make me want to hop on a plane to Hong Kong and see where it could go from here! I love the candor and hope that more of that will lay the foundation for enabling more people in the pews of the church to use their time and talents to serve God.

Labels: Campus Crusade for Christ, YWAM

Continue reading 'We Must Think Outside the Box of Traditional Methods - YWAM and Campus Crusade Presidents'

By Dr. Peter Heslam of Cambridge - When Jeff Skoll became the first full-time employee and president of eBay, he had two failed businesses behind him. But he wrote a business plan that led this start-up company to legendary success. It was so successful, in fact, that when he cashed out a portion of the company, he joined the ranks of the world's billionaires.

The climax of the 3-day Forum is the giving of the Skoll Foundation Awards. This year's recipients included a young woman called Soraya Salti. She left a job in business consultancy to join INJAZ al-Arab, the only education programme in the Arab world that helps students learn entrepreneurship and life skills as part of their school education.

Another awardee, Gary White, is the founder of WaterPartners International. Over twenty years ago in Guatemala, he watched a young girl carry contaminated water back to her shack alongside a stream of open sewage. At that moment he decided to dedicate his life to helping poor people gain access to safe drinking water but in a way that was commercially viable.

Similar stories of vision, passion, risk and adventure have poured forth, not only from the podium but in hundreds of hushed but animated twilight conversations in darkened streets and college precincts. It is as if the dreaming spires above have born silent testimony to the enduring values of stewardship and responsibility that put such things as entrepreneurial skills and a cup of clean water in the hands of a poor child.

For the faith that inspired those spires teaches us that the hands that receive them are Christ's own. It's the kind of faith that inspires business plans for start-ups from people who have failed more than once in business but who have a social conscience. It can even help lift the global economy from its knees.

Dr. Peter Heslam is Director of Transforming Business, Cambridge University.

Labels: Editorials, Peter Heslam, Social Capitalism, Social Entrepreneurship

Continue reading 'From eBay to Social Entrepreneurship'

This is a great article written a few months ago from the London times. Click here to read the full article. Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem. The crushing passivity of the people's mindset by Matthew Parris

Labels: Africa, Editorials

Continue reading '"As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God"'

Steve Hollingsworth and 4H.I.M. will be hosting him for a two day Business as Mission conference here in Oklahoma City, May 10th at 5:00-7:00pm and Monday, May 11th from 6:30-8:30pm.

According to Steve, Mats will be presenting his "God Means Business" materials. There will be no cost, though they will be taking up an offering from the participants to cover our costs. You can learn more about 4H.I.M. and Steve Hollingsworth at www.4-him.net.

Labels: 4HIM, Steve Hollingsworth

Continue reading 'Mats Tunehag Speaking at Conference in Oklahoma City'

Orphaned heads of households find unique combination of work and discipleship through a Rwandan greeting card producer

Labels: Business as Mission News and Notes, Cards from Africa, Genocide, Rwanda

Continue reading 'On 15th Anniversary of Rwandan Genocide, Greeting Cards are rebuilding Orphaned Families'

What is God trying to tell us in His word about the purpose of business?

Landa Cope* had us against the ropes and there was no escaping with pat answers. She was teaching and we were wrestling! What is God’s response to poverty? What exactly is sinful about corruption? Where are the integrity issues? How do we build economies, as well as building businesses? How do we disciple nations, as well as discipling individuals?

By the end of the first week we were exhausted, but exhilarated… our thinking transformed, our dreams a little bigger.

This is what the Introduction to Business as Mission (iBAM) course is all about. We explore the subject of business as mission in concept and practice. Our aim: to prepare participants for the next step in business as mission and to build their businesses on stronger foundations.

Week on week, we delved deeper into business as mission, it’s history, it’s context, it’s practice. What kind of theology and strategy do we need to bring transformation? How do I develop a marketing plan? Stretching our thinking, our understanding and addressing the practical questions, the how-to’s.

A crucial component of the iBAM course is getting out to see real-life examples of business as mission. This year we visited a diverse range of enterprises, both locally and in the region, for an inside look at business as mission. The course is strongly interactive throughout and time is given for participants to discuss and apply principles they are learning and to spend time articulating their own ideas and plans.

iBAM 2009 has just ended, here is what participants said:

“This course was in tune with a voice in my heart. This is something that I’ve really had a desire for, but was not quite sure what it was. I’ve always had a heart for transforming nations, but felt that the typical missions route was not what I wanted to do, though I didn’t see an alternative... The iBAM course has helped me further my understanding of business as mission and get a clearer sense of God’s calling on my life. I am really thankful for this course, especially coming from a mission organization, it has given me, as a business person, confidence in my call and encouraged me that I can be used in God’s kingdom in business.” Ben, business professional from the USA.

“This course has been a blessing to me, it’s really helped me to know all it takes to start-up and run a business in a Godly way, not just to make profit but to help and support the less privileged.” Yakubu, mission staff from Nigeria

“For me the program has been very strategic. I have been greatly stretched in my thinking; I have had old understanding strengthened and had some new concepts seeded. The course has helped me to overcome fears with regards my own role in the business world and has helped me have a freedom in my thinking for the future.” James, business as mission practitioner in Central Asia

“This course has been very valuable for me and helped me learn how to grow a business as mission business. Meeting with the staff and speakers has really helped me. We have had very powerful speakers and all of the speakers have been willing to take time for the students. The coaches have been really willing to help me with my questions about business. Now I understand more about the importance of business planning and also about the plan for business in the Kingdom of God!” BN, fledging business as mission entrepreneur from Vietnam

“The teaching has really been a highlight for me – I understand much more about the meaning of business as mission and God’s perspective about business. The course has helped me find my confidence, it’s helped me strengthen my weakness… and now I feel able to communicate to others, to tell them what I am going to do and about the burden God has put in my heart.” Pan, mission staff from Thailand

“As someone from a corporate business background with more recent missions training and experience; I can say that this course integrates the two very well.” Joel, business as mission multiplier from the UK

The iBAM course incorporates classroom teaching, visits to local businesses, group work, one –on–one consultations from experienced business coaches and a 1 week field trip to locations in China, Cambodia and Thailand. Click here for a week-by-week account of iBAM 09 and more details about iBAM courses.

The next Introduction to Business as Mission course will start again in mid-January 2010 in Chiang Mai, North Thailand. NEW! iBAM will now be offered as a 5 week course, plus we will offer a 3 week option. Click here for more information or please contact bamtraining@oval.com

*Landa Cope, international speaker and author of The Old Testament Template: Rediscovering God’s principles for discipling all nations.

Labels: IBAM, Landa Cope, Recruitment and Job Opportunities, Thailand, Training, Training the Next Generation, YWAM

Continue reading 'Get Practical Training on Business as Mission - An update from the iBAM 2009 course in Thailand'

Earlier this week Doug Seebeck, Director of Partners WorldWide came by the office. If that ministry sounds familiar, its because Partners Worldwide's conferences have been featured on the business as mission site and in some emails over the past year.

Labels: Doug Seebeck, Greg Elzinga, Partners Worldwide

Continue reading 'Tangible ways to get involved! Use your Talents and Experience to Coach other Business Owners!'

"My biggest personal milestones - and consequently the things that have most furthered my career - are activities that I undertook on my own initiative. Organizations are extraordinarily risk-averse. Even Walt Disney had to pay for the drawings of his theme parks with his own money."

Ben Arment - Experience & Innovation Director at Catalyst in Atlanta and founder of The Whiteboard Sessions. Click here to visit Ben's blog.

Often times I'm asked why there isn't an extensive listing of Business as Mission job descriptions, benefits and comparable salaries. While we're in the process of trying to define more "on ramps" for people to get involved I thought this quote says it all. What do you think?

Labels: Ben Arment, Quotable, Recruitment and Job Opportunities

Continue reading 'Quotable - There's no job application for your dream'