IBAM EP61: Your Generosity Could Be Creating Disciples—Not Just Incomes

“You thought you funded a job. But you actually funded a disciple-maker.” — IBAM

Your Generosity Could Be Creating Disciples—Not Just Incomes

Most people think giving creates jobs. And while jobs are good, jobs alone don’t transform nations.

At IBAM (International Business as Mission), we believe that in God’s Kingdom, business is never just business—it’s discipleship in action. Every entrepreneur equipped is more than a job creator; they’re a disciple-maker.

In this article, you’ll see how your generosity—whether $10/month or $1,000 to fund a startup—goes far beyond economics. It multiplies disciples, changes families, and transforms communities for eternity.

Why Jobs Alone Aren’t Enough

Jobs can feed a body, but they can’t transform a soul.

Many charities promise “job creation,” but here’s the problem:

Jobs can disappear. They’re fragile when there’s no sustainability.
Jobs can be abused. Without discipleship, business becomes just profit-driven.
Jobs can feed stomachs, but never reach hearts.

That’s why many faith-driven donors feel stuck. They’ve asked:

“What if my gift doesn’t last?”
“What if it just pays a salary for a few months, then vanishes?”
“What if it meets a need but doesn’t multiply?”

This hesitation is real—it’s what we call impact anxiety.

But here’s the good news: through IBAM, your giving doesn’t just create jobs. It multiplies disciples.

The IBAM Three Fish Model

At IBAM, we follow what we call the Three Fish Model:

Give a Fish – We meet immediate needs with startup loans, giving entrepreneurs the seed to begin.
Teach to Fish – We provide biblical business training—budgeting, leadership, marketing, stewardship.
Equip for Discipleship – We disciple entrepreneurs so their businesses become mission fields, not just income streams.

This means your giving goes beyond economics. It becomes discipleship in action.

Real Stories of Disciple-Makers

🌸 Claire – From Coffee and Flowers to Disciple-Making

Claire started small—selling coffee and flowers from her home in Central Asia.

With IBAM’s training and a small loan, she grew into five branches across her region.

But here’s the miracle: every one of her employees is also a missionary. They’re serving customers—and sharing Christ.

Claire says:

“If my one cup of coffee changes one person’s eternity, it was worth it.”

You thought you funded a flower shop. But you actually funded a disciple-making movement.

🌟 Suryan – A Business as a Lighthouse

In Indonesia, Suryan joined IBAM’s training thinking he’d just get a loan. Instead, he found discipleship.

Today, his business employs struggling students. They don’t just earn income—they gather for prayer and Bible study.

Suryan describes his business this way:

“My business is like a lighthouse—shining God’s light in my community and guiding others toward hope and faith.”

What looked like a job became a spiritual beacon.

🐓 Elijah – Chickens That Spread the Gospel

In Zambia, Elijah runs a chicken business.

Sounds ordinary—until you realize those chickens fund Awana discipleship programs for children, create jobs for families, and open doors for the Gospel.

Elijah says:

“Our chicken business can impact society and spread the gospel.”

You thought it was poultry. But it was discipleship.

🚚 Fegas – Logistics as Ministry

Fegas runs a logistics company in Africa. On the surface, it’s trucks and deliveries.

But in reality? Every truck carries more than goods—it carries the Gospel.

He says:

“My business flourishes while contributing to disciple-making across Africa, thanks to IBAM.”

You thought you funded logistics. But you helped disciple nations.

Belief Shifts Every Donor Must Make

If you’ve ever felt hesitant about giving, you’re not alone. Many donors wrestle with beliefs like these:

💭 “What difference does $10/month actually make?”

It’s not about the size of the gift—it’s about God’s multiplication. The boy’s five loaves fed thousands. Your $10/month does the same.

💭 “I’ve been burned before by charities.”

We get it. Many donors have lost trust because of waste or lack of transparency. That’s why IBAM shows you exactly where your gift goes—through reports, stories, and prayer updates.

💭 “Business isn’t ministry—it’s secular.”

Not true. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Business is worship when surrendered to Christ.

💭 “What if I’m too small to make a global impact?”

You’re not too small—you’re just too silent. David didn’t look like Goliath. He just showed up.

Why IBAM Is Different

Here’s what sets IBAM apart from traditional charity:

Transparency: You see the impact of your gift.
Sustainability: We don’t do handouts—we launch entrepreneurs.
Discipleship: Every business is rooted in faith.
Community: You’re not just giving—you’re joining a global family.

This isn’t about relief. It’s about multiplication.

Membership Pathways: Where You Fit

We designed IBAM’s memberships so you can belong, not just give:

Impact Member ($10/month): For donors who want updates, stories, devotionals.
Startup Member ($10/month): For entrepreneurs learning biblical business.
Expanding Business Member ($59/month): For established business owners scaling with Kingdom purpose.
Church Partner ($29–$149/month): For pastors equipping their congregations in business-as-mission.

This isn’t charity. It’s community.

Key Takeaways

You thought you funded a job. But you actually funded a disciple-maker.

That’s the power of generosity in God’s Kingdom.

Scripture Anchors