Top 10 BAM Books: Roadmap to Business as Mission Success

“Missions Disrupted” is a beautiful description of how real business is being used for God‘s mission in the world. What makes the book unique, however, is Sharp’s background as a missions director. He sees missionaries abandoning the old model of BAM for a new,  more holistic approach that is not rooted in two identities. Larry also points out the ways that missions organizations can come alongside these missional entrepreneurs and use their expertise, not as a barrier to change, but as an engine for the mission of God.

The aptly subtitled book focuses on how missionary work is rapidly changing. If we are to reach the unreached, we need to begin raising up the whole church, not just a select few ministry professionals to do so.

Larry Sharp has been instrumental in the development of the BAM movement. He is one of the founders of IBEC and for many years was VP of business partnerships at the missions organization CrossWorld.

“BAM Global Movement,” co-authored by Gea Gort and Mats Tunehag, stands as a distinctive and authoritative resource within the Business as Mission (BAM) literature. Gea Gort, a cofounder and leader of the BAM movement in the Netherlands, and Mats Tunehag, Chairman of BAM Global, bring a wealth of firsthand experience and leadership to the table, offering readers an insider’s perspective on the evolution and current dynamics of BAM worldwide.

What sets this book apart is not just the depth of knowledge of its authors but also their global perspective and network, which allows them to present a diverse and comprehensive view of BAM practices across different cultures and economies.

The book is rich with real-world examples, case studies, and stories that not only illustrate the transformative impact of BAM but also provide practical guidance for navigating the complexities of doing business with a missional heart.

The book emphasizes the global implications of BAM versus the purely cross-cultural missions use of the term as was seen in earlier years, and provides a rich education on the nuances and developments across the world.

“Scatter” is a unique perspective in the sea of BAM books that addresses the often forgotten take-a-job route for work among UPGs.

If the mission of God is for all of us and not just a select few, then it is not limited to pastors and missional professionals, but it is also not limited to entrepreneurs and investors either.

Globalization has come.

There are non-believers living as expats and taking jobs in foreign countries than there are believers. Why is this?

Andrew Scott challenges our view of what a “missionary” looks like, and aptly subtitles the book “Go Therefore And Take Your Job With You.”

Scott is the President and CEO of Operation Mobilization USA.

The book is a vibrant manifesto for the ‘Scatter Movement,’ a vision where men and women are mobilized in their professions to go into the world, live out their calling, and bring about transformation in their spheres of influence. Scott’s message is clear: mission is not just for missionaries; it’s for engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is willing to be used by God.

“Great Commission Companies” by Steve Rundle and Tom Steffen is a seminal work in the Business as Mission (BAM) literature, penned by two of the early pioneers of the modern BAM movement. The authors focus on larger scale businesses and point out the measurable differences between those and other BAM or traditional missions work.

Rundle and Steffen bring a wealth of experience and scholarly research to the table. Notably, Rundle’s work on the comparative effectiveness of investment versus donations in BAM is groundbreaking. His findings that investment in BAM not only leads to more profitable outcomes but also yields greater spiritual impact are both compelling and instructive.

“Great Commission Companies” goes beyond theory, providing readers with practical guidance on how to establish and run businesses that align with the Great Commission. The authors’ deep understanding of the complexities of cross-cultural mission work, combined with their expertise in business, makes this book an insightful read for Bammers.

“Business for Transformation” by Patrick Lai is a very practical guide for those looking to use business as a platform for spiritual and social impact among UPGs. As one of Lai’s later books, Business for Transformation came to be defined as a more specific subset of BAM that is exclusive to UPG areas.

If you’re going to be launching a business among the least reached, this one is a must read.

Lai discusses how businesses can be strategically used to bring about positive change in communities, addressing social issues, creating jobs, and ultimately, introducing people to the Christian faith. He provides a clear framework for how to set up and run a business that is financially viable, socially responsible, and spiritually impactful.

What makes “Business for Transformation” stand out is Lai’s emphasis on practicality. He doesn’t just present ideals; he offers real, actionable steps and considerations for entrepreneurs and business professionals. From understanding cultural nuances to developing a robust business plan that aligns with missional goals, Lai covers a range of crucial topics with clarity and depth.