BUSINESS AS MISSION: THE WAY FORWARD FOR YOUNG & OLD

Not all BAM companies are success stories.  Even in the U.S., at least 50% of startups do not survive beyond five years.  Entrepreneurship in emerging economies and foreign cultures means a high entry threshold and a steep learning curve.  Despite the daunting challenge, hundreds of trail blazers are already out there. 

Churches need to learn more about BAM and its strategic role in global outreach. Believers should be encouraged to explore how they can contribute to BAM, even if they are not entrepreneurial or going to do startups overseas.

A brother has been in Central Asia for twenty years doing BAM. As his business grew, he needed a stronger team. An early retiree joined him recently, committing to six years of service as his senior accountant.  Two brothers in their 30s also came on a three-year managerial apprenticeship, bringing with them solid corporate and business school training.  

Early retirees with experience in accounting, marketing, operations, etc. could undergo training to become consultants, short-term volunteers, and bring their business knowhow to BAM companies on the field for a few months or even a few years. 

For students, invest your summers wisely to discover what God is doing in business around the world.  An internship with a Fortune 500 company in the U.S. will be good for your resume.  But spending several weeks with a BAM company in a developing country offers a unique international and missional experience.  You will learn and grow spiritually from spending time with BAM workers. 

GLS is developing strategic partnerships with other organizations to offer exciting opportunities for young people to explore BAM.