BAM: Global But Not Yet Universal

By Mike Baer

Rewinding the Tape: The Origins of Business as Mission

Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the modern Business as Mission (BAM) movement had one driving focus: UPGs—Unreached People Groups.

That wasn’t a side note—it was the main mission. We were obsessed with reaching the “uttermost” (Acts 1:8). Personally, I wouldn’t even consider a BAM venture among reached people back then. My vision was laser-focused—and yes, a little too narrow. I’ll own that.

But praise God, He’s expanded my view.

Today, I collaborate with BAM practitioners across the globe—from post-Christian Europe to Gospel-hungry Africa, urban America to emerging Asia. It’s thrilling. But amid the global momentum, a haunting question remains:

Are we forgetting the Forgotten?

Are We Leaving the Unreached Behind?

We’re building a global BAM movement, but we must not neglect the most spiritually neglected—the Unreached People Groups (UPGs).

“I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also…”
—John 10:16

Jesus wasn’t speaking generally. He was pointing toward people who still—today—have zero access to the Gospel:

• No churches
  
• No disciple-making movements
  
• No Christian presence
  

According to the Joshua Project, over 7,000 UPGs still exist. That should shake us.

Why BAM Is Perfectly Built for the Unreached

Traditional missionaries often can’t access these regions. Closed countries don’t issue visas for evangelists or pastors.

But you know who they do welcome?

• Entrepreneurs
  
• Consultants
  
• Employers
  
• Business professionals
  

That’s where Business as Mission shines. It’s not “business with a side of mission.” It’s business that is mission:

• Real companies
  
• Real job creation
  
• Real community transformation
  
• Real Kingdom impact
  

🔥 This isn’t “missions in disguise.”
It’s missions by design—and it works.

BAM is a legitimate strategy to reach the 10/40 Window and beyond, where billions still await the Good News.

From Global to Truly Universal: What’s Still Missing?

Yes, BAM is global—praise God for that.

But let’s not confuse global reach with universal obedience. We’re not there yet.

We need:

• More Kingdom-minded businesses launched with UPGs in mind
  
• More bold prayers like:
  
  • “Lord, where do You want me to go?”
    
  • “Who’s still waiting to hear?”
    
  • “Could my business be the way?”
    

And this isn’t just a Western call.

It’s a global commission. Whether you’re in Seoul, Nairobi, Bangalore, Bogotá, or Nashville, this is your invitation:

“Here am I, send me.” —Isaiah 6:8

Yes, the Nations Are Coming to Us… But That’s Not the Main Model

It’s beautiful to see unreached people moving into our neighborhoods, companies, and schools. Yes, let’s love them well and share Jesus.

But let’s not forget the original Kingdom blueprint:

“Go and make disciples of all nations…”
—Matthew 28:19

Jesus never said, “Wait for them to come.”
He said, “Go.”

And today’s most strategic vehicle for “going”?
Business.

Let’s Finish What We Started

The early BAM pioneers had a fire in their bones to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Let’s not let that fire grow cold.

Let’s stay:

• 🔥 Hot in mission
  
• 🎯 Focused in strategy
  
• 🙏 Faithful in calling
  

Because the world is still waiting.

And Jesus is still worthy.

Let’s go.