Business As Mission: The Power of Business in the Kingdom of God

by Michael R. Baer

We are living in the Business Age. The historic role of nation states is rapidly being replaced by the corporation. Like never before, Christian business leaders have the chance to play a pivotal role in transforming society and spreading the gospel. But seizing this opportunity requires thinking differently about God, about his kingdom, about his purposes in the world, and about business.

While some Christian professionals dream of being "freed from business" to go into the ministry or see business as enemy territory to be invaded for Christ, others are convinced that Christian principles simply don't work in the "real world". In this book, Michael Baer challenges each of these positions. He rejects the unbiblical thinking that ministry and business are by definition separate activities - that our lives can be compartmentalized into the sacred and secular. Instead he guides business leaders in developing the vital characteristics of a kingdom business - the kind of business that will free them live fully integrated lives and lead organizations that significantly impact the world.

Genres: Business, Christian

156 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Joel Ratcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, challenging

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was about building businesses in other countries using the principles of the bible. Enjoyed reading something so different but didn't finish it because I am not in the business world nor an international traveler at this time!

[Mike Studdard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, insightful and actionable

[Abby Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, very encouraging how our careers in and of themselves and holy!

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read meant to introduce the concept that there should be no separation between business/work and one’s faith.

[Ellyn M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good as an introduction to the concept of business as ministry, but very vague and incomplete. It's more of a surface level overview.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it. Currently setting up in business, I wanted some Christian perspective on the whole thing.

Baer's book came at just about the right level for me, with it resonating with ideas I'd already been putting into place in regard to my motivation to move into business as someone active in the Christian faith.

Will read it again soon but with more attention to the outworking. Will update this review then.

[Dayo Adewoye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely written book on approaching and practising business from God's perspective.

Business is as much a calling, just like pastoral ministry. There is no sacred-secular split. It should be engaged in with the understanding that it is a high calling from God, we are to develop relationships in it through which we can impact others and hopefully point them to Christ, and we should seek excellence in every aspect of the operations. For it is to Christ that every operation is carried out.

[Hannah Tekle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was much better than I anticipated. For being such a short book and for being published by YWAM rather than a traditional publishing house, I honestly wasn't expecting much. However, the perspective was incredibly encouraging and it also gave some great responses to the business nay-sayers in ministry. Not to mention some excellent verses to stay encouraged!