Every ministry platform provides a context that enables us to go out of the comfort zone of the church into a world that knows little of what we as Christians represent. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:13 to be salt and light to the world. The message I take away from that verse is that the salt is not accomplishing its purpose unless it leaves the safe environs of the salt shaker.
Business as a ministry platform provides a context where we can leave that salt shaker and actively engage with people who are going about doing their jobs in the marketplace. Economists have defined the purpose of business as maximization of shareholder wealth. A Business as Ministry (BAM) company or Kingdom business has another vital purpose – to extend the Kingdom of God within its sphere of influence.
BAM is a term that has gained popularity in the last decade. However, the concept of using business as a platform for ministry, in the way that we understand it, has been around for two and a half centuries, starting almost around the same time as the modern missionary movement pioneered by William Carey.
Business is a wonderful ministry platform because every believer is involved in making a living in one way or another. This means that each of us as Christians cannot fulfill his or her calling by intentionally engaging those we know and work with in the marketplace.
But BAM goes beyond the ministry platform that is our daily work. BAM is focused on creating purpose driven businesses that will act as platforms or bridges to bring many Christians into the marketplace and multiply the reach of the Church around the world.
So where to start?
- First start to represent Jesus faithfully in your current work. Utilize your job or current business as a platform to reach out.
- Be thinking and praying about the type of business you might start that would intentionally be designed to bring Kingdom impact.
- Get a team of prayer partners around you to help you pray through the opportunity.
- Ask God for the right time to establish this new ministry platform.
- Be obedient when He makes it clear that it is time!