At the same time, another journey was unfolding.

After years in ministry and business, there was a question:

“How does this all fit together?”

The answer came unexpectedly—in Kyrgyzstan.

Right after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the healthcare system had completely broken down. There was no functioning infrastructure.

But what began as consulting work quickly became something more.

“It felt like God was suddenly turning the lights on… this is what I made you for.”

For the first time, everything connected:

• Biblical background

• Business experience

• A global mission context

And it became clear—business could be the vehicle.

Kyrgyzstan was facing extreme economic hardship.

• Over 70% unemployment in the general population

• 91% unemployment among Christians

The economy was in shambles.

So the question became:

What is the best way to serve people in this situation?

The answer wasn’t traditional aid.

It was business.

“The best thing we could do… was to help them start businesses.”

This wasn’t theoretical. It was practical:

• Training people to start businesses

• Helping them generate income

• Creating sustainability

And something unexpected happened.

What started as economic development became something much deeper.

Entrepreneurs began moving into villages with no gospel presence.

They would:

• Start a business

• Build relationships

• Share the gospel

And then:

“People are coming to Christ… they start gathering… which is what a church is.”

This pattern began repeating across regions.

Even beyond Kyrgyzstan:

• Into western China

• Among the Uyghurs

• Across borders

What emerged was clear:

“God is taking people in business… and as they integrate with society, disciples are being made.”

At one point, the concept was summarized into four key ideas:

1. Vocational Calling

Business is not accidental.

“It’s a divine call as high and holy as any other.”

2. Connection to God’s Work

Business must connect to what God is doing globally.

3. Intentionality

Relationships in business are not random.

“You get these relationships… to steward and manage for God’s glory.”

4. Excellence

Business must be done well.

“If we’re not running… an excellent business… it will collapse.”

One of the biggest barriers is mindset.

Many people believe:

• Business is “secular”

• Ministry is “spiritual”

But that idea is challenged directly:

“That’s not really spiritual… well, it’s totally spiritual.”

The shift is simple but powerful:

• You don’t need to become something else

• You need to recognize what you already are

“It doesn’t mean becoming anything. It means waking up to what you already are.”

There’s also a critical distinction:

This is not charity disguised as business.

“If we treat this like charity… it will collapse.”

Instead:

• Businesses must generate income

• They must be sustainable

• They must operate with excellence

“Businesses don’t operate off donations… they operate off income.”

This ensures long-term impact.

As the work expanded, a major challenge emerged:

How do you scale this?

Initially, the model relied on:

• Sending teams

• Traveling internationally

• Training in person

But that created limitations.

So the approach shifted:

• Build systems

• Equip local leaders

• Transfer ownership

“We’ve moved… and now we’re purely consulting… with our partners.”

This allowed the model to grow across:

• 37 to 40 countries
  
  

One story brings it all together.

A 25-year-old entrepreneur in Indonesia started a simple business:

• Helmet cleaning

• Shoe cleaning

• Located near a university

But his strategy was powerful:

“I do a good job… they tell me their problems… then I ask, would you like to know how God helped me?”

This simple approach reflects the essence of business as mission:

• Excellence in work

• Relationship-building

• Natural discipleship

Another moment revealed something deeper.

A local leader once said:

“Your being here reminds us we are part of a global body of Christ.”

This highlights an important truth:

This is not just about strategy.

It’s about unity, connection, and shared purpose.

The final message is simple—and direct.

“Don’t wait… don’t think you’re not qualified.”

Too many people stay on the sidelines.

The analogy is clear:

• People in the stands watching

• A few people on the field

“Get out of the stadium and get on the field.”

Even if you feel unprepared:

• Start anyway

• Take a step

“God will meet you there.”

This isn’t just a story.

It’s a reframing of how work, faith, and mission connect.

At IBAM, the belief is clear:

• Business is a tool

• Discipleship happens through relationships

• Communities can be transformed

“Business is one of God’s most powerful tools to make disciples.”

Watch full episode on YT - https://youtu.be/hvlOW89p1PM

Listen to full episode on itunes/spotify - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/ibamtoday/episodes/EP-89-Why-Business-Is-a-Calling--Not-Just-a-Career-with-Mike-Baer--Part-2-e3grjvl/a-aci1rqs 

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