Over the past several decades, scholars and practitioners have increasingly discussed the relationship between missions and business. For some people, business exists to fund the mission enterprise. However, others see business as a legitimate vehicle for missions itself. The debate surrounding Business as Mission (BAM) underlines many important issues with practical implications.
In this volume of the EMS annual series, contributors address several critical questions. For example, what are the marks of integrity in business conducted with mission objectives in a cross-cultural context? Which business models make the greatest impact on the communities they serve? Do we need to change how we train business personnel? How will missionary training need to be adjusted?
While this book does not provide an exhaustive list of answers, it does seek to provide much-needed definition, theological clarity, and missiological focus. The contributors disagree with each other at times. This is a welcome feature of
Business as Mission
, because it enables people to understand a variety of concerns and approaches related to the topic. Readers will also benefit from actual case studies from different parts of the world. Accordingly, this volume demonstrates how holistic ministry can move people from poverty to empowerment.