Global Approaches to Business as Mission (BAM): Beyond Borders and Definitions
What Is the True Meaning of BAM?
The meaning of Business as Mission (BAM) has sparked plenty of debate—but not much progress. The truth? BAM isn’t limited to one definition or model. What unites the movement is the belief that:
Business is a sacred calling—a way to glorify God and advance His Kingdom.
So the question isn’t if business can be missional. The real question is: how can we do it faithfully and fruitfully?
From “Overseas Only” to Everywhere
In the early days of BAM, particularly in the 1990s, the focus was on going overseas. Many believed if you weren’t operating internationally, you weren’t really doing BAM.
Even this author once thought so.
Thankfully, that mindset has changed. We’ve come to see that God is at work everywhere, and so business can be missional anywhere.
God’s Glory Isn’t Bound by Geography
“International” is a human label. To God, there’s no such thing as domestic vs. foreign missions—only obedience and glory.
God isn’t more glorified in Pakistan than in Perth.
He desires to be glorified everywhere—through your life and your work.
Two Real-World Examples of BAM
Here’s a comparison:
✅ Example 1: An American entrepreneur moves to Indonesia to start a furniture business. He hires workers from a local Unreached People Group (UPG) with the goal of blessing them and sharing the Gospel.
✅ Example 2: A Chinese-Indonesian Christian already in Jakarta runs a similar business with the same purpose.
Which one is BAM?
Both. Absolutely.
The idea that one is more valid than the other is both outdated and unbiblical.
Defining the Heart of BAM
At its core, BAM is business done for God’s glory. That means it can—and should—happen:
- In your hometown
- In a megacity across the globe
- In startup hubs or rural villages
- By locals, expats, or immigrants
The mission isn’t about geography. It’s about purpose.
Final Thoughts: BAM Happens Wherever God Sends You
Whether you’re running a shop in Nairobi or a software firm in New York, BAM is about aligning your business with God’s purpose.
✅ Forget the labels.
✅ Focus on Kingdom impact.
✅ Let your business be worship, witness, and work—all in one.
“If BAM is business to the glory of God, then you and I can do it anywhere and at any time.”
📌 For more insights and resources on Business as Mission, visit Third Path Initiative.