IBAM EP54: The Lie of Playing Small—and the Faith to Speak Up

“God doesn’t need your platform. He multiplies your obedience.” — IBAM

The Lie of Playing Small—and the Faith to Speak Up

The Lie We’ve Been Told

Let’s be honest.

Have you ever looked at your bank account, your schedule, or your influence and thought:

“What I have is too small to make a difference.”

It’s a lie that quietly paralyzes thousands of believers. And the worst part?
It feels humble.

We equate smallness with irrelevance. Obscurity with failure. We think that unless we’re preaching to crowds or writing huge checks, we’re not really “doing Kingdom work.”

But here’s the truth:

You’re not too small. You’re just too silent.

The world doesn’t need your perfection—it needs your presence. Your faith. Your willingness to start.

What the Bible Says About “Small”

In the Gospels, we see it over and over again:

A widow gives two copper coins—and Jesus calls it the greatest offering (Luke 21:1–4).
A boy shares his loaves and fish—and thousands are fed (John 6:9–13).
Gideon defeats an army with just 300 men.
David shows up to the battlefield without armor—and takes down a giant.

God never needed big. He honors bold.

Faith doesn’t require a platform. It requires action.

Your $10/month might feel like a drop in the bucket.
But when given in faith, it becomes seed that multiplies disciples, launches businesses, and changes families.

Real Stories of Quiet Obedience with Loud Impact

🌸 Meet Claire – Central Asia

Claire grew up Muslim. She found Christ at age nine and had a heart for ministry. But she knew something most believers overlook:

Ministry needs sustainability.

So she started small—selling flowers and coffee from her kitchen.

With the help of IBAM’s training and startup capital, Claire now runs five branches across Central Asia. She employs other missionaries.

She mentors youth. And she funds the expansion of the Gospel through her profits.

Her secret?

She didn’t wait to feel big. She just refused to stay silent.

🚚 Meet Suryan – Indonesia

Suryan wanted to start a business. Like many in his community, he thought entrepreneurship was about money.

But through IBAM, he learned something deeper:

Business can be a platform for discipleship.

Today, his company employs students from financially struggling families. They work together. Pray together. And many have come to faith.

His “small” business became a lighthouse.

These aren’t celebrities. They’re not influencers.
They’re everyday believers who chose to speak up with their time, treasure, and testimony.

The Hidden Cost of Staying Silent

Silence feels safe.

But in the Kingdom, silence is expensive.

When we stay silent…

Churches keep seeing business as secular instead of spiritual.
Entrepreneurs stay isolated—thinking no one else gets their tension.
Donors hold back—afraid their gift is too small to matter.

And entire communities miss out on the transformation God wanted to bring through you.

Silence isn’t stewardship. It’s surrender—just to the wrong kingdom.

But the moment you speak up? The moment you give, lead, or mentor?

Others follow. Movements start. Chains break.

Three Simple Ways to Start Making Kingdom Impact

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to wait.

You don’t need a pulpit. Or a million dollars. Or a nonprofit.

You just need faith—and the willingness to move.

✅ 1. Speak Up

Start talking about the dream in your heart.
Share your testimony. Mention your giving. Post your journey.

Faith grows when it’s spoken. Your words give others permission to dream too.

✅ 2. Give Now—Not “Someday”

You don’t have to wait until you’re wealthy to make an eternal impact.

At IBAM, just $10/month can fund:

Biblical business training
Startup loans in underserved nations
Discipleship that lasts generations

It’s not charity. It’s multiplication.

✅ 3. Believe Bigger

Stop measuring your potential by your platform.

You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You just need to be obedient.

Kingdom leadership doesn’t always look like lights and microphones.
Sometimes, it looks like bookkeeping, mentoring, marketing, or showing up when no one else does.

Why IBAM Exists—and How You Can Join Us

At IBAM (International Business as Mission), we equip believers around the world to launch sustainable, faith-driven businesses.

We don’t just teach business.

We disciple.

We fund startups, provide coaching, and walk alongside Christian entrepreneurs in places like:

Africa
Central Asia
Southeast Asia
Latin America

Each entrepreneur receives:

Training in biblical entrepreneurship
A startup loan
Mentorship from seasoned believers
Ongoing discipleship rooted in God’s Word

And YOU are the fuel behind it.

Whether it’s your $10/month, a one-time business sponsorship, or sharing this mission—you become part of something that outlives and outgives you.