On Kingdom Business: Transforming Missions Through Entrepreneurial Strategies

More than one quarter of the world’s people have little or no opportunity to hear the gospel. While few of the unreached care to investigate the claims of Christ, they are concerned about their own economic advancement. This is an opportunity for the gospel. On Kingdom Business proposes a new model for using business in missions: kingdom entrepreneurship. Kingdom entrepreneurs are “job-makers,” starting for-profit businesses of all sizes—real businesses that meet real needs. On Kingdom Business provides a conceptual foundation for kingdom entrepreneurship and explores its contemporary development using case studies of kingdom businesses and reflecting on the lessons kingdom entrepreneurs have already learned.

“Probably nowhere can you find the range of actual examples and keen insights offered by the spectrum of contributors to this landmark book. We are deeply indebted to both the contributors and the editors for so stout and comprehensive a set of documents, on so crucial and yet baffling a challenge.”
— Ralph D. Winter, President, William Carey International University

“Forthright, practical, and compelling! On Kingdom Business addresses the tough questions surrounding profit making in the name of Christ, and convincingly validates the fact that authentic ministry can indeed take place within the context of authentic business.”
— Christian Overman, Executive Director, Worldview Matters, Inc.

“Kingdom entrepreneurship has come of age as global Christian businessmen and women unite to extol the virtues of investing in God's kingdom. On Kingdom Business is definitely recommended reading for discerning Christians committed to Great Commission ministry.”
— John Vong, Research Director, Geneva Global, Inc.

“Businessmen and women are fulfilling the Great Commission by more than giving money. On Kingdom Business tells their stories and reveals the methodologies that work in today's world.”
— John H. Warton, Jr., International Director, Business Professional Network

“Business is not a necessary evil or a cover for the ‘real work’ of missions but a way to create investments, jobs, economic vitality, and a hearing for a credible gospel. It is hard work, but these pages are filled with the examples and learnings of extraordinary men and women—evangelistic entrepreneurs.”
— Fred Smith, President, The Gathering

“Today's mission context demands the mobilization of tens of thousands of businessmen and women committed to spreading the gospel through genuine business. On Kingdom Business reveals several best practice models and discusses key issues related to kingdom entrepreneurship.”
— Chuck Madinger, Missions Pastor, Southland Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky

The first section covers eleven case studies each written by a different author involved in a kingdom business. True to the title, most of these are ventures that seek to make a positive impact in Christian missions, particular in countries with restricted access. They are mostly (but not all) small companies primarily with a local presence trying to figure out how to survive in a self-sustaining way in addition to finding ways to serve people with a meaningful impact economically and spiritually. This is in juxtaposition with larger multinational, leading edge businesses or businesses with a presence only in a western country. However, I found many lessons and examples in the case studies that can benefit a Christian business person in these other environments as well.

The second part covers 9 essays on the subject of business and ministry, kingdom companies, etc. again each written by a different author. And the third section is a review or analysis of the case studies and the lessons learned. These sections were full of thought provoking nuggets for me as well. The appendices also include a fairly comprehensive bibliography of related reading material.
I came away with a stronger conviction that in all of my endeavors, business or otherwise, I should be asking "what can I do to seek first his kingdom?". In addition to a business plan I need a kingdom plan. My background and experience in business can be instrumental directly in meaningful efforts to spread good news and help people, as opposed to being only a mechanism to help fund these efforts. I've purchased a couple of extra copies for others as their interest in kingdom business topics grows.