The Introduction to Business As Mission (iBAM) course is designed to take men and women with a calling to business and equip them on their journey to become cross-cultural entrepreneurs for the Kingdom of God.

The iBAM Course was developed and will be delivered in partnership with experienced BAM practitioners, seasoned business professionals, lecturers and training specialists. The vision for this training is to prepare and launch individuals and teams into successful business as mission initiatives. The training will be run in Chiang Mai, Thailand, due to its central location in proximity to established business as mission initiatives.

Course Topics: 

o         Introduction to Business As Mission – historical & Biblical foundations

o         The Biblical Mandate to Disciple the Nations

o         BAM – Opportunities & challenges

o         Importance of Prayer & Intercession in BAM

o         Business 101 – marketing, accounting, planning

o         BAM & Money

o         Finance and Investment in BAM Businesses

o         The Power of God in Business

o         Culture Shock/Stress

o         Success and Failure in BAM

Our aim is to create a hands-on, interactive approach to learning within the classroom to prepare participants for involvement in Business as Mission. Further emphasis on personal development, discipleship and mentoring are integral components of the course. The course encourages whole-person learning and development with learning processes throughout the course providing support as participants develop their business plans and personal development goals.

A key element of the course is a weeklong field trip, where participants visit business as mission companies working out the reality of building the Kingdom of God in business.  The potential field trip locations are China, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and India.

Applicants with some previous experience in business or business as mission will be given priority in terms of selection. However, we will consider anyone who is planning to work in business cross-culturally and can demonstrate experience in any of the following areas: missions; extensive cross-cultural experiences; formal business education. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in the course download an application form here below.  If you have any questions or would like further information please e-mail us at bamtraining@oval.com. 

Application packs for the iBAM 2009

          Application Form 2009 

          Reference Friend 2009

          Reference Leader 2009      

Report from the 2008 iBAM Course

They came from Togo, Cameroon, Netherlands, Germany, Central Asia, Malaysia, South Korea and the United States to learn more about becoming cross-cultural entrepreneurs. Twenty people participated in the first-ever Introduction to Business as Mission Course (iBAM 2008) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which began on 26th January and ran for six weeks. Among the participants were Youth With A Mission workers, missionaries from other agencies and business professionals. Seasoned business practitioners shared their experiences and coached course participants, most of whom came with a vision to develop their own start-up projects. Each student enjoyed a customized learning environment that uniquely prepared them with the skills they need to achieve their individual business goals around the world. The bulk of the teaching came from practitioners with much first-hand experience in the field; as a result, it was authentic and passionate, not just theoretical. 

Here is some of the feedback we received about the course from participants:   “The iBAM course gave me a better understanding and through the course I got a clearer view of my business and transformational goals…… I’m better able to integrate biblical thinking into my business.”  Anne M.L.   “The iBAM course provided a variety of experienced BAM practitioners, coaches and resources in one place for a period of intensive BAM equipping.” Bradley M.

“The iBAM course equipped me to live out my passion for business ministry in the world for the glory of God.”  Anon. iBAM participant   “Neil’s teaching this week was delivered ‘Asian-style’ and included a dynamic mix of biblical principles, first-hand BAM experience/words of wisdom, stories and cultural training. The most impressive of all was Neil’s commitment to live out his passion for God in word and deed- it was evident in everything he did this week and left an impact on us all.”  iBAM Week 3 Report   “Years of experience gained in six weeks.” Evan K.

A key element of the course was a week-long field trip to visit established business-as-mission companies. Participants interacted with practitioners in their own context, seeing how principles discussed in the classroom were applied to real businesses operating in challenging cultures. The 20 participants divided into four groups and traveled to China, Cambodia, Indonesia and Northern Thailand.

Here are some comments about the week-long field trip:

“Real needs, real people, real profit, real glory—it’s a REAL enterprise.” Anon. iBAM participant.

“Through this trip, four classmates and I soaked up the Chinese culture as we met with Chinese business people, interviewed BAM practitioners, and learned the realities of doing kingdom business where unique challenges exist.”  iBAM participant, China Field Trip.

“One of the lessons from this course, highlighted for me practically during the field trip, is the value of finding locals, training them and releasing them in their gifts.” iBAM participant, Indonesia Field Trip.

The six-week iBAM course will be offered in Chaing Mai, Thailand again in 2009.

Here are more comments from iBAM 2008 participants:

“I was blessed by the course and the whole set up.”

“The staff did an amazing job! I am impressed with how well they sought the Lord and heard from Him.  Thank you!”

“Your [staff and teachers] passion for the Lord and BAM is evident!”

“The iBAM course equipped me to live out my passion for business ministry in the world for the glory of God.”