As I write the U.K. is in a state of confusion and flux. There have been and are arguments that float terms such as ‘sovereignty’ and ‘taking back control.’ People on all sides have strong views which have sometimes led to violence and even bloodshed on English streets. Emotions flow freely, in a torrent that divides nations, families and tribes.
Category Archives: Business
Who can go?
It was a joy earlier this year for me (Ben) to be commissioned by my church into the ministry of Mission through Business. The local church has the authority and precedent to do this (eg Acts 13), and it was very significant for us as a family to have the church standing as a commitment to pray, encourage and hold us accountable as we move forwards.
In the run-up, the church took time to understand me and the ministry, testing the purposes against the Lord’s will. This went through various cycles, with the leaders, the deaconate and the membership all involved. The process will differ at each church, but one of the key tests remains the same:
What do we look for in a worker sent by the church?
Mueller on five steps to determine God’s will
It’s the question many would love a clear answer on.
“How do I know it’s the will of God? How can I become better at discerning His desires and purposes?”
I’ve been reading Mueller’s autobiography recently, reflecting on his dependence on God and desire for God’s glory in everything. There’s a little section in there that’s worth sharing – how to ascertain the will of God.
Types of missional business
Missional business (or Business As Mission) has been developing as a concept for mission for centuries, but has seen a reinvigoration in the last twenty years. One of the key questions facing those involved in deciding on missional business is: what type of enterprise is best?
Maybe you’ve started thinking and praying about how you could use the skills and experience God has given you in business or the trades. Maybe you have been convicted that God can use you to cross cultures to where the church isn’t yet present, in the UK or overseas? Perhaps you’re a church planting organisation or mission agency, thinking strategically about how you might cross barriers into a community, building relationships to enable a church to be planted.
So does it matter what type of enterprise is chosen?