What is BAM?

Business as Mission (BAM) is a strategy for the specific purpose of the transformation of people and communities: spiritually, economically, environmentally and socially – for the glory of God through a viable and sustainable business which has Kingdom of God values, purpose, perspective, and impact. Ultimately, the business is the ministry.

What others are saying

For many years, I was told that the only way I could have an impact on the world for Christ was to either be a missionary or a pastor.  Both of those roles are critically important in Kingdom work, but God never wanted to keep out the rest of us from what He is doing around the globe.  In fact, He still calls us all in Acts 1:8 to “be witnesses” to the “ends of the earth”.  That includes people like me who love Him and love doing business in His name. This is what the YWAM-Strategic Frontiers Business as Mission (“BAM”) team understands and implements so well.  Through teaching and mentoring aspiring Christ-empowered entrepreneurs and executives, they are creating and growing impactful business opportunities throughout the world. This team introduced me to a whole new world of opportunities where I can effectively and passionately serve through teaching, mentoring, and supporting those who are doing Business as Mission.  I now serve in my local community as well as a number of communities around the globe.   They have encouraged and equipped me to better serve and understand the “least reached” people in the “10/40 Window” – an area that is challenged by severe poverty and the desperate need to hear the Gospel. This BAM team may see my involvement as a partnership, but it’s way more than that – it’s about growing, deepening relationships and seeing God’s work accomplished through transformed lives and communities.  It’s impossible to put the entire experience into words – it’s just that special. If you are looking to make a significant impact in God’s Kingdom work through business, either as an aspiring BAM entrepreneur or executive or as a Partner who is interested in a role like mine, I can tell you that you will be forever impacted by the work God is accomplishing through this team. - John H

Schools to equip you for BAM

BAM DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL (DTS)

The DTS is the core school that every YWAMer takes to lay a foundation for ministry to the nations. In the BAM DTS, students learn how Business as Mission is being used to make a strategic impact in missions. The BAM Team runs the BAM Focus portion of this DTS three times each year.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SOBE)

The SOBE is a 12-week YWAM school with in-depth training that shifts students understanding of business, while providing a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals needed for a successful Business as Mission venture.  The school can be taken online or in a classroom cohort, with the core instruction taking place through over 525 short videos divided into almost as many learning segments.  Students are presented with regular questions and exercises that promote learning and application to each concept taught.  Live staff one-on-ones, coaching sessions and weekly school processing times supplement the instruction. Pre-recording the curriculum and delivering it online results in every student, regardless of location and financial resources, receiving the same quality instruction.

INTERNSHIPS

In the BAM initiatives we run, as well as the significant network of BAM practitioners in YWAM that we serve, we can provide internship opportunities to hone your BAM skills before you step out into your own initiative.

DOING BAM

KAIROS COFFEE HOUSE

In September 2014 the BAM Team took over what was primarily a campus coffee shop run by volunteers for our staff and students and converted it to a full BAM initiative open and welcoming to the public. The business grew rapidly and was named one of Colorado Springs fastest growing businesses in 2016. Today, the public makes up the vast majority of our customers and we provide 8-10 jobs to local people. Kairos Coffee House is a model that keeps our own staff's business skills sharp while multiplying its brand and values around the world in BAM initiatives amongst the least reached. Kairos Coffee House Website

FIELD BAM INITIATIVES

We have successfully started several BAM initiatives on the field over the last several years, which now employ more than 250 people. These businesses are discipling followers of Jesus, impacting the Sphere of Business and in some cases combating human trafficking. For security reason we can not list them here.

KAIROS TRADERS

Kairos Traders is a fulfillment center for our overseas business partners, and sells retail and wholesale products made by businesses fighting human trafficking and exploitation in Asia. The businesses we partner with do this in one of two ways; prevention or restoration. Those that are preventing human trafficking and exploitation do so by bringing jobs to impoverished communities that are vulnerable. The businesses that are helping with restoration are intentionally hiring survivors of trafficking and exploitation to provide a safe place for them to rebuild their lives. We love the products we sell and the purpose behind them. Kairos Traders Website

Seminars to equip you for BAM

INTRO TO BAM SEMINAR (ONLINE)

The Introduction to Business as Mission seminar is created from the first two weeks of the 12-week School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SOBE). It is recommended both as a stand alone seminar for those wanting a "taste" of what BAM is, as well as for someone that is not yet sure if they want to commit to taking the full 12-week SOBE. All of our online learning is done using Moodle as our Learning Management System (LMS) and Vimeo as our Video Content Management System (Video CMS). The course is structured using 200 short video clips followed by questions the student answers to ensure active learning. The student can start and stop whenever they want. Moodle will resume the course at the point they left off and is accessible through a web browser on any computer or a downloadable app on a mobile device.

Human Resource Management Seminar

The Human Resource Management (HRM) Seminar is a single module in our 12-week School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SOBE).  At this time, we know of no other BAM course or entrepreneurial startup program that covers HR in any depth.  The HRM Seminar is therefore likely a first of its kind!  It combines 22 videos and 22 articles, with questions throughout that help the student to process what they are learning.

This HRM seminar is taught by Rachel Hibberd, an experience HR Director that worked with Purnaa, the largest BAM Business associated with YWAM. Purnaa has a special focus on employing marginalized people in Nepal.  This teaching is of value to all BAM practitioners, as well as anyone that works in an HR department in any Kingdom Business or ministry context.

SUPPORTING BAM

BAM COACHING NETWORK

Full-time YWAM missionaries cannot reach the least reached alone. Especially when it involves doing BAM. Our growing network of BAM coaches are serving YWAM missionaries around the world who are doing BAM. These coaches take their proven business skills that they use in the marketplace every day and use them to serve BAM practitioners.

BAM INVESTMENT FUND

This fund provides 0% interest loans for BAM startups and growth needs. We also take equity in BAM’s that have shown themselves profitable and successful in the mission. Give to an aid project and your money is spent once. Give a charitable donation to the BAM Investment Funds and your funds will be used again and again to support BAM initiatives around the world! Along with the financial assistance, we provide ongoing coaching and onsite visits to support the businesses as they pay back their loans.

Notice for donations made to this fund.

BAM TRAINERS

Not every successful business person can teach. But for those that can, we have a place for you! Pass on the skills that you have developed through years of doing Kingdom Business by teaching in one or more of our BAM training schools. In 2019 we will take the SOBE overseas. Come and join us for a few days and teach future BAM practitioners on the field where they work!

BAM IMPACT TOURS (Suspended for 2021-2023 due to COVID)

Nothing can replace seeing BAM take place first-hand in some of the hardest places to work on the planet. In the BAM Impact Tours our experienced staff guide you on a short-term mission trip where you see BAM in the 10/40 Window with your own eyes. We will keep you safe and healthy while you build relationships with BAM field practitioners that will lead to years of fruitful service. One-on-one coaching and seminar teaching opportunities will exist throughout the trip as well. Join us twice each year on these life-changing trips!