by Graeme Kent, SIM Advocate for Business Ministries
Originally published in Momentum Magazine, May 2007
4 June 2007

	Learn more from Graeme Kent, SIM's Advocate for Business Ministries, in this video

Using legitimate business and professional activities as platforms for ministry is not a new concept for SIM. During its long history as a church planting mission, many people such as school teachers and health-care workers have served with SIM in paid positions. In more recent years, SIM has established commercial businesses as a means of entry into countries with restricted access.

The significant potential of business-based ministry is clearly recognized by SIM. An "Advocate" was appointed in 2006 to stimulate the development of new styles of ministry and to foster networks, both within SIM and with other agencies and groups active in this area.

The SIM Business Model

There are many models in use linking business, mission, and ministry, and so SIM has adopted several guiding principles:

1. The primary focus will be on ministry rather than business per se. Business or professional platforms must facilitate SIM's strategic ministry priorities for the country concerned.
2. Business-based ministries will be integrated, as far as possible, into existing organizational and leadership arrangements. However, it is clear that separate legal entities are required in some cases to ensure security of personnel and to provide an appropriate level of expert governance.
3. People appointed to business-based ministries must meet normal SIM membership requirements and have appropriate ministry skills and experience.
4. All business activities must be legitimate and run to high professional and ethical standards.

Moving Ahead

Looking ahead, SIM faces several significant challenges:

• Identifying and assessing suitable opportunities for expanding our portfolio of business and professional activities. Even in countries where access is not a problem, there is real potential for reaching specific target groups (professionals, business people, diplomatic staff, etc.). We see considerable scope for helping to strengthen our partner churches through business ventures. SIM is also keen to see how paid employment opportunities may be used to enable new missionaries from poorer countries get to the field.
• Adapting our mobilization, appointment, and orientation procedures to reflect the needs and expectations of people with business and professional experience who feel God calling them to serve as SIM missionaries.
• Developing effective links with other agencies and groups, especially those further advanced in this type of ministry.

Remaining Focused

SIM's main focus will continue to be on its well-established ministries in evangelism and church planting, leadership development, and a range of ministries meeting human need. However, it is also committed to developing a wider range of business-based ministries, designed to help build God's Kingdom and grow His Church.