Asian Company
A manufacturing enterprise in Asia was started in 1988 with an idea, 5 employees, and $10,000 in
capital. Within 15 years, the enterprise had grown to 350 employees, exports of $3,000,000 and
$400,000 in profits.
(a) Early misunderstandings
The founder “Jim” had some early misunderstandings regarding the purpose of his business and
good business practices. He thought that because he was doing “God’s work” that God would cut
him some slack and not make him adhere to normal business laws that other successful business
people follow. It took time for Jim to understand that business is a system that God has ordered by
His laws and ordained in creation. To redeem it we must understand and operate within its “natural
law”.
Jim assumed that the business was only a vehicle for something more important. He didn’t realise
that people would connect his authenticity in business with authenticity in other things, including his
words.
Pressures in the business that should have caused Jim to trust God more wore him down instead.
He expected ministry to happen after work rather than through opportunities in business. He did not
look to daily normal business activities as a means to disciple people. He missed opportunities. Jim
admits he wasn’t prepared for the spiritual warfare he encountered. He didn’t do the work of praying
well, either by himself or with the few believers he knew.
(b) Lessons learned through experience:
Jim learned that the system of ‘business’ is another of God’s creations. Learning the system is like
getting to know Him. It is honourable, not worldly. The ‘world’s ways’ are attempts to short-circuit His
system. Business was never meant to result in temporary reward, but always intended to create
money and develop eternally valuable skills which gives us the chance to invest in other eternal
things.
Prayer is important work and is the key to seeing results. Jim found that praying for people BY NAME,
not by group, gave the most visible results. He mobilised many to join the prayer effort. Jim found that
systematically having someone praying for each employee each day was the best investment he ever
made.
Business is God’s training ground to teach us to serve. Look at management books and see what
they say about serving. Service is a skill we will need to be able to put on our employment application
in the New Jerusalem. Business allows us to practice it now!
Jim realised that the events of the business day were the best place to disciple people. It is possible
to see hundreds of people and their relatives impacted by the gospel while running a business.
(c) Bearing Fruit
Jim learned that successful business can holistically transform both individuals and communities.
The majority of employees in the business have now accepted Christ. Christ’ name has been lifted
up in hundreds of ways and events. The influence of the gospel has been extended to many people
beyond the business itself. In addition, Jim and his team have been able to start new companies in
remote places which have resulted in new churches. A fellowship of newly employed beggars has
emerged.
In addition many employees are actively investing time to influence their communities. Believers are
trying to establish Christ’s kingdom in an area known to be in the control of many witches.
Business creates opportunities. Governments recognise an entity positively when it has benefited its
people. The government has given the business awards for their activities. As a consequence, Jim
and others in the business have had a chance to model Christ and witness to local government
officials.
Money is being put back into society and the church, rather than taken from them for support (millions
of dollars in salaries). Many “missionaries” have been on the field for many years without need of any
external financial support.
Jim is aware of all that could be done better and his own incredible weaknesses. However, he hopes
that his lessons learned will be able to encourage others - to God’s Glory.
A manufacturing enterprise in Asia was started in 1988 with an idea, 5 employees, and $10,000 in
capital. Within 15 years, the enterprise had grown to 350 employees, exports of $3,000,000 and
$400,000 in profits.
(a) Early misunderstandings
The founder “Jim” had some early misunderstandings regarding the purpose of his business and
good business practices. He thought that because he was doing “God’s work” that God would cut
him some slack and not make him adhere to normal business laws that other successful business
people follow. It took time for Jim to understand that business is a system that God has ordered by
His laws and ordained in creation. To redeem it we must understand and operate within its “natural
law”.
Jim assumed that the business was only a vehicle for something more important. He didn’t realise
that people would connect his authenticity in business with authenticity in other things, including his
words.
Pressures in the business that should have caused Jim to trust God more wore him down instead.
He expected ministry to happen after work rather than through opportunities in business. He did not
look to daily normal business activities as a means to disciple people. He missed opportunities. Jim
admits he wasn’t prepared for the spiritual warfare he encountered. He didn’t do the work of praying
well, either by himself or with the few believers he knew.
(b) Lessons learned through experience:
Jim learned that the system of ‘business’ is another of God’s creations. Learning the system is like
getting to know Him. It is honourable, not worldly. The ‘world’s ways’ are attempts to short-circuit His
system. Business was never meant to result in temporary reward, but always intended to create
money and develop eternally valuable skills which gives us the chance to invest in other eternal
things.
Prayer is important work and is the key to seeing results. Jim found that praying for people BY NAME,
not by group, gave the most visible results. He mobilised many to join the prayer effort. Jim found that
systematically having someone praying for each employee each day was the best investment he ever
made.
Business is God’s training ground to teach us to serve. Look at management books and see what
they say about serving. Service is a skill we will need to be able to put on our employment application
in the New Jerusalem. Business allows us to practice it now!
Jim realised that the events of the business day were the best place to disciple people. It is possible
to see hundreds of people and their relatives impacted by the gospel while running a business.
(c) Bearing Fruit
Jim learned that successful business can holistically transform both individuals and communities.
The majority of employees in the business have now accepted Christ. Christ’ name has been lifted
up in hundreds of ways and events. The influence of the gospel has been extended to many people
beyond the business itself. In addition, Jim and his team have been able to start new companies in
remote places which have resulted in new churches. A fellowship of newly employed beggars has
emerged.
In addition many employees are actively investing time to influence their communities. Believers are
trying to establish Christ’s kingdom in an area known to be in the control of many witches.
Business creates opportunities. Governments recognise an entity positively when it has benefited its
people. The government has given the business awards for their activities. As a consequence, Jim
and others in the business have had a chance to model Christ and witness to local government
officials.
Money is being put back into society and the church, rather than taken from them for support (millions
of dollars in salaries). Many “missionaries” have been on the field for many years without need of any
external financial support.
Jim is aware of all that could be done better and his own incredible weaknesses. However, he hopes
that his lessons learned will be able to encourage others - to God’s Glory.
Solutions, Resources And Opportunities For Your Kingdom Business
... business as no ordinary mission
Kingdom Business Case Studies
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |