The Fifth Bottom Line: Why Business as Mission Must Reclaim Its Focus on the Unreached
What Is the Bottom Line in Business as Mission?
In the business world, the phrase “What’s the bottom line?” is common. In Business as Mission (BAM), the answer has become deeper and more purpose-driven over time.
Today, many BAM practitioners embrace the Quadruple Bottom Line, a framework that blends spiritual purpose with entrepreneurial practice:
- 💰 Profit – Creating sustainable, income-generating businesses
- 👥 People – Providing jobs and improving lives
- 🙏 Purpose – Making disciples through workplace relationships
- 🌍 Planet – Stewarding creation through environmentally responsible practices
This model is both biblical and effective. But I believe we’re leaving out something critical to God’s global mission.
Introducing the Fifth Bottom Line: Reaching the Unreached
If you’ve been part of BAM circles lately, you may have noticed what’s missing: intentional focus on Unreached People Groups (UPGs).
These are not simply non-believers—they are entire ethnic groups with:
- 🚫 No church movement
- 🚫 Less than 2% evangelical presence
- 🚫 No internal gospel witness
According to the Joshua Project:
- 🌐 17,000+ people groups exist globally
- 🌍 Over 4,000 remain unreached
- 🧭 Most live in “closed” or “restricted” nations—especially in the 10/40 Window
This should give every Kingdom-minded entrepreneur pause.
Why Traditional Missions Can’t Reach the Unreached
Here’s a sobering reality:
- Out of every 30 missionaries sent, only 1 goes to a UPG
- Most unreached regions restrict or prohibit missionary work
But Business Can Go Where Missionaries Can’t.
Business as a Strategic Bridge to the Unreached
Here’s why Kingdom business is more than a model—it’s a mission strategy:
✅ Legal Access – Businesses can operate where missionaries cannot
✅ Community Trust – Businesses offer value, jobs, and dignity
✅ Sustainable Presence – Long-term impact that doesn’t rely on donor support
✅ Discipleship in Action – Faith integrated into daily work, relationships, and ethics
Business as Mission is not just a platform—it’s a powerful vehicle for gospel presence in unreached places.
A Call to Kingdom Entrepreneurs: Make the Unreached Part of Your Mission
If you’re a BAM leader, entrepreneur, or investor who wants to serve God through your work, here’s your challenge:
🔄 Don’t leave the unreached off the table.
Your business can—and should—align with all five bottom lines:
- Generate profit
- Bless the local community
- Make disciples through daily work
- Care for the environment
- Reach the unreached with the gospel
Let’s not tuck UPGs under “discipleship” and move on. Let’s name them. Let’s pursue them.
Final Word: A Clarification and a Challenge
No, I’m not suggesting we rewrite the Quadruple Bottom Line framework. If we are truly obeying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), the unreached should already be part of our disciple-making strategy.
But too often, they’re not.
Let’s make it explicit.
Let’s measure it.
Let’s prioritize it.
Because the gospel isn’t just for your town, your team, or your customers.
It’s for every tribe, every language, every people, every nation. (Revelation 7:9)And maybe—just maybe—God will use your business to reach them.