Motivations for BAM as a strategy (part 3)

Organization consideration of Business as Mission as a strategy is typically in response to three (3) drivers:

• Response to global trends
• Challenges facing the organization
• Perceived benefits of Business as Mission

In Part 1 of this series I discussed the first driver, identifying key trends facing missions organizations. In Part 2 I discussed how organizational challenges makes BAM an attractive solution for missions organizations. Finally, in this post I will identify some of the perceived benefits of Business as Mission and discuss some misconceptions that are common among missions organizations. ...

Motivations for BAM as a strategy (part 2)

In part 1 I discussed how global trends are leading missions organizations to pursue business as part of their missional strategy. In part 2 of this three post series, I talk about how Business as Mission is appealing in the face of many of the challenges facing those in the missions field today. In part 3 I’ll conclude with a discussion of the benefits of Business as Mission that missions organization look for and shine some light on to how to avoid being blinded by optimism.

2. Business as Mission as a means for addressing challenges facing the organization

According to my work at Unconventional Method developing Business as Mission programs for global missions organizations, some of the top challenges facing both field missionaries and organizational leadership can be classified into five (5) categories:

• Lack of strategic focus
...

Motivations for BAM as a strategy (part 1)

As Business as Mission increases in popularity, it is gaining the attention from traditional missionaries who perceive its potential for enhancing their ministries, solving challenges, and addressing needs. As you consider the role Business as Mission will play in your organization, it is important to know what environmental factors as well as what internal perceptions have lead to BAM’s consideration.

My research shows that interest in Business as Mission is typically in response to three (3) drivers:

• Response to global trends
• Challenges facing the organization
• Perceived benefits of Business as Mission

In this article, I will discuss the first driver, identifying key factors facing missions organizations and making recommendations on how much weight these issues should be given when considering BAM. In ...

Business profit and the Parable of the Minas

“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.

1. Profit is good.

During the settling of accounts, the master responds positively to the servants who had earned profit by:

• Saying “Well done!” – the master views their efforts as good.
• Calling the servants “good” and “trustworthy” – the master expected his servants to pursue profit.

2. Profit is not the motivation. (more…)...