Global Perspectives on Business as Mission Course Outline
Course Description:
This course will help people to develop a Biblical foundation for Missions through the sphere of business. The Biblical Basis for the Integration of Business and Missions; Historical Precedents in Business and Missions; Current Models; Principles and Success Factors in Business and Missions are subjects that will be explored. Participants will gain an understanding of the potential to reach the unreached through this new paradigm for 21st Century Missions.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
- 1. Understand the Biblical Basis for the Integration of Business and Missions
1.1 Describe the two Great Commissions (Gen. 3 & Matt. 28) and how they are related.
1.2 Identify the reasons why God created Man to work.
1.3 Identify the rationale behind the Great Commission
1.4 Explain how the two mandates can be integrated and achieved together.
- 2. Know some Historical Examples and Lessons from Business and Missions initiatives.
2.1 Describe early models of Business and Missions, identify the rationale behind these initiatives and differentiate the different principles practiced by different groups.
2.2 Give the Chronology of the development of these initiatives and locate historical examples geographically and in the context of the development of the Modern Missions Movement.
2.3 Give examples of how Business and Missions concepts were implemented during the history of Business and Missions and the positive or negative results from these initiatives.
- 3. Understand the present reality and context for Business and Missions and the reasons behind this new paradigm for Missions.
3.1.Describe present day Business and Missions Models and the rationale behind them.
3.2 Explain the significant factors that favor the implementation of a Business and Missions paradigm in the context of modern missions.
3.3 Identify the resources available for the development of Business and Missions Initiatives.
- 4. Identify and apply principles and success factors for Business and Missions Initiatives in the context of 21st Century Missions.
4.1 Identify important Integrative principles for Business and Missions Initiatives
4.2 Identify Success and Failure factors from historical and modern day examples of Business and Missions.
4.3 Write a research Paper on three Business and Missions Initiatives comparing and contrasting methods and motivations behind each initiative. Bibliography should include at least 50 references.
4.4 Develop and Present a Case Study of a Business and Missions Initiative in class that identifies and corrects potential problems in methods and motivations.
4.5 Review Two Books and three Articles on Business and Missions with analysis and application.
Instructional Methods and Procedures
The Classroom methods of this course will be lectures presentations; question and answer interaction; group discussion; student presentations; written research papers and book reviews.
Course Requirements
Required Reading:
Danker, William J.
Profit for the Lord.Eerdmans, 1971.
LIBRARY BIOGRAPHY; MISSIONS
Danker’s informative book is a study of two groups – the Moravians and the Basel Mission Trading company. It concentrates particularly on the economic structures they created to support their mission work. The author hopes that it will "help free Christians on mission frontiers on all continents to find the forms that will carry out the tentmaking mission of the Church in the marketplace today."
And one of the following:
Gibson, D.
AVOIDING THE TENTMAKER TRAPWEC International, 1997, 155pp
Tentmaking as a missionary strategy is more than a modern day fad. It is biblically sound with a long history of Christian practice, beginning with the Apostle Paul. However, tentmaking today can be fraught with difficulties and disappointments. Drawing from many years of experience, Mr. Gibson will guide you through some of the pitfalls that may await the would-be tentmaker. Includes a resource list of over 130 book titles and over 100 addresses for further contacts and information. (Source: Mission Books)
.
Hamilton, Don.
Tentmakers Speak: Practical Advice from over 400 Missionary Tentmakers.Regal Books, 1989. ISBN#: 0830713212.
A significant proportion of the world’s population cannot be reached by traditional missionary methods. But millions of these same people can be reached with the gospel through the non-traditional ministry of tentmaking. This volume provides you with the invaluable insight of over 400 veteran tentmakers worldwide. TMQ Research, California, 1987, 99pp Source: Mission Books)
.
Lewis, Jonathan.
Working Your Way to the Nations: A Guide to Effective TentmakingInterVarsity Press, 1997
Tentmaking is a subject of strategic importance to world evangelization. The concept is biblical, historical precedents abound, and today’s missionary context demands it. This book will fill a gap in the area since it provides a set of essays on effective tentmaking by experienced and knowledgeable missions specialists from around the world. Its concerns are practical but what makes this book doubly useful is the fact that it is designed as a study text either for individual or group use. Anyone contemplating the tentmaking role would be well advised to check out this book. Edited by Jonathan Lewis, Wm Carey Library, 1993, 193pp (Source: Mission Books)
.
Suter, Heinz & Gmur, Dr. Marco.
Business Power for God’s Purposepublished by VkG, CH-3280 Greng-Murten, Switzerland, 1997.
LIBRARY MISSIONS
"Many countries where Christian witness is lacking are not open to overt missionary work. Thus, missionaries have to find other means of accessing these countries as so-called "tentmakers." The second necessary group of workers includes development aid helpers who meet material needs of the poor. Finally, the world is also in need of Christian businesspeople who are willing to share God’s concern for the hundreds of unreached ethnic groups, especially in such restricted-access countries."
.
Wilson, Jr., J. Christy.
Today’s Tentmakers.Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1979.
LIBRARY MISSION; SMALL BUSINESS
.Yamamori, Tetsunao
PENETRATING MISSIONS’ FINAL FRONTIER -A New Strategy for unreached PeoplesInterVarsity Press, 1993, 214pp
LIBRARY MISSIONS
In this fast-paced book, you will get a whirlwind tour of the world that remains virtually untouched by Christianity. In addition, the author offers creative strategies for penetrating those parts of the world that have been most resistant. This book will be of special interest to would-be tentmakers. (Source: Mission Books)
http://www1.gospelcom.net/ivpress/title/1370.html
.
Those having read Danker may substitute another book from the List. The second book may be read during or after the course. A book review of each book with analysis and application will be required. No book may be selected which has been read for another course.
Other Course Requirements:
A 3 hour take home examination based on reading, class lectures and discussions (3 essay answers for 3 credit hour students)
Students will write and present to class a 2 page (double spaced, typed) response to an business and missions problem scenario of their choice. Topics must be approved with the professor, and students will sign up for a day on which to make their presentation. Analysis will include i. A summary for the key issues; ii. An analysis of the issues from a Business perspective; iii. An analysis of the issues from a Missions perspective.
Each student will prepare a written 14-16 page (double spaced, typed) research essay on an Business and Missions topic of their choice which describes the issue, analyzes it from both business and missions perspectives and makes recommendations for the proper integration of business and missions. Evidence of thorough research through footnotes and a bibliography plus a good essay style are essential.
Two Book reviews of 500 words each will be required with a re statement of the thesis of the book, critical analysis and personal application.
Grades of written work will be based on evidence of critical thinking, evidence of comprehension of the issues and principles from an integrated perspective and evidence of research and reading, depth of personal reflection, grammar and writing.
Note: Students must properly document through quotations, references of all sources with foot or endnotes, and provide a thorough bibliography. All Internet accessed sources must be appropriately noted.
Classroom Participation: 10%
Book Reviews 20%
Case Study Presentation 20%
Take Home Examination 25%
Research Paper 25%
Course Outline:
I. Introduction of Mike McLoughlin (Scruples@csi.com)
II. Why Business?
III. Why is Business a good idea? – Some Models of Business and Missions
IV. Why is Business NOT a good idea? – Some Objections to Business and Missions
V. So Why Not Business? Some Principles in Business and Missions.
I. Exposition of the two great Mandates
i. Creation Mandate (Gen. 1-3)
ii. The Great Commission (Matthew 28)
II. Why Work?
An overview of a Theology of Work
III. Why Missions?
An overview of the Abrahamic Covenant
IV. Together or Apart?
An overview of the Sacred/Secular Dichotomy and its impact on the Modern Missions
I. Business and Missions in the Old Testament
From Abraham to Joseph to Amos
II. Business and Missions in the New Testament
From Paul to Lydia to Luke
III. Business and Missions in the Early Church
IV. The Moravians
V. The Basel Mission Trading Company
VI. Other Historical Examples
I. World Perspectives on Business and Missions
II. Modern Day Business and Missions Heroes
