Expanding Horizons
TL;DR: This blog is about inviting and mobilizing global workers from a different, much larger pond in addition to intercultural studies programs offered through Bible colleges & seminaries. But let’s unpack this!
Yes, BAM Canada exists for business leaders and owners. However, we’re also engaged in conversation with three other critical spheres for missional business to be holistic in our approach. Those spheres are academics, churches and agencies. But why do we engage with these groups?
Academics – Our aim is to support the business professors who are shaping the future of business leaders.
Churches – We strive to resource church leaders, so they’re able to fully understand and equip their business professionals for work.
Agencies – And that’s what this article is about! We know mission agencies benefit when they engage with BAM.
Below are five compelling reasons mission agencies become a part of the BAM movement. 👇
1. BAM BROADENS THE MISSION FRONTIER
BAM presents additional opportunities for people to go as ‘non-classic missionaries’ to the least reached parts of the world. And business for transformation is particularly needed where there is no church, and missionary visas are never available.
Consider watching the inspiring examples of this shared by one of our partners, GlobalWorks:
2. BAM ENGAGES A WHOLE NEW GROUP OF PEOPLE
If being missional through business is not being talked about or happening here at home, how can we expect Canadian Christians to see it being possible globally? How can we expect them to understand what’s involved and believe in its impact to make disciples both here and there?
We have our ear to the ground, and this is what we’ve heard from Canadians:
There is a lack of a common language and understanding of what it means to be missional in and through their business.
Christian business people feel lonely in their journey – often, they don’t feel supported by their local church.
There is a lack of stories and examples of Canadian missional businesses.
We’ve learned that there needs to be a focus on Canadian Christian business owners understanding the significance of living on mission in their work. There is SO much potential in this group of people to live an intentional, impactful life to disciple others and bring Kingdom impact as they operate their businesses.
3. BAM CATALYZES BUSINESS LEADERS
The Business as Mission movement equips and engages business leaders to integrate their faith into their work. Many business leaders feel they have few options to meaningfully utilize the gifts and experiences God has given them. Business owners and professionals can then see how to leverage their ability to create businesses and jobs not only in Canada, but into the rest of the world. 🌏
4. BAM FOSTERS HOLISTIC MISSION
Honest, competent, faith-driven business creates trusting relationships to then build a broad range of missions activity. This is because spiritual needs are addressed hand in hand with social, economic, and environmental needs. 🤝 When the division between what has been deemed as sacred versus secular dissolves, it allows for a holistic approach and business leaders are then needed more than ever.
5. BAM IS THE RESULT OF GLOBAL LEARNING & PARTNERSHIP
BAM isn't a Western concept; it's a movement that God is using globally. Mission agencies from every continent are discovering the potential of BAM for sending workers independent of Western financial support. This global collaboration allows everyone involved to learn from each other and adapt missional business practices to diverse global contexts.
We want to make this clear: The purpose of BAM is not to replace classic missionary work but to complement it with innovative perspectives. 💡
By considering involvement in the BAM movement, mission agencies unlock new opportunities, shine a light on BAM's potential, and create a sense of belonging for business people. Moreover, BAM tackles a multitude of global needs and offers an alternative support model for mission agencies, making it a valuable addition to any mission agency's arsenal.
Embracing BAM isn't just a strategic move; it's a chance to expand Kingdom horizons and explore uncharted territories, so let’s do this together!
Resources for further learning:
Read ‘Integrating a Business as Mission Focus into a Traditional Mission Agency’ by Larry Sharp
Listen to this podcast episode on Business As Mission with Joao Mordomo, Executive Director of BAM Global
Listen to Disrupting 20th Century Mission Methods, with BAM Consultant Larry Sharp, a BAM Canada podcast episode (and check out his recently published book mentioned in the episode! 👀)
Want to develop your understanding on the BAM movement within a BAM Canada community?
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