Publication Date
4-2023
School
School of Business; School of Divinity
Major
Business Administration; Global Studies
Keywords
business as mission, BAM, shell company, cover business, social entrepreneurship, tentmaking, theology of work, transformational business, missional business, kingdom business, business for transformation, B4T, great commission companies
Disciplines
Business | Christianity | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | International Business | Missions and World Christianity | Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Summer, "Legitimate Business as Mission Ventures and Effective Witness" (2023). Senior Honors Theses. 1303.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1303
Abstract
This thesis discusses the practice of missionaries creating cover businesses solely for visa purposes, which brings a dishonest presence and harms the ministry. In contrast, Business as Mission (BAM) is a strategic business model to bring the gospel overseas through social, economic, and spiritual impact. Through a literature review, best practices for legitimate BAM ventures are explored based on studies done by BAM professionals and experts. Research shows that Christian businesspeople can establish an authentic image and credible witness through BAM businesses that are integrated into the local community, generate a profit, and incorporate biblical principles into business operations. BAM practitioners should have a proper theology of work to model an integrated life of work and ministry for unbelievers.
Included in
Christianity Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons, International Business Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons
