What does IBAM mean in INTERNATIONAL

International Business As Mission (IBAM) is a model of Christian mission that combines running a socially responsible business with evangelism and discipleship in the workplace. IBAM businesses seek to leverage economic development activities to further the spiritual work of the church throughout the world.

The benefits of IBAM include creating jobs, expressing and demonstrating God’s love through tangible social interactions, introducing people to Jesus without having to rely on conventional evangelism approaches, challenging cultural norms while still being sensitive to local culture, utilizing business as a form of discipleship and building relationships with people from other cultures or backgrounds.

Any type of business can be incorporated into IBAM as long as it aligns with Biblical principles and values. This means that businesses must prioritize trustworthiness, honesty, quality products/services, transparency in operations along with avoidance of exploitative practices such as child labor.

Although there are extensive rewards affiliated with IBAM when done right, there are also some risks involved such as difficult market conditions or lack of access to capital resources which may make it more challenging for these businesses to succeed. Other common risks include theft or misappropriation of company funds by local employees or operational partners, competition from larger companies or counterfeit product producers, and potential legal/regulatory issues due to unfamiliarity with local laws.

Starting an International Business As Mission (IBAM) business involves several steps including researching local laws and regulations related to starting a business; assessing needs in the target location; gaining knowledge about typical consumer habits; gathering initial seed funding sources; developing appropriate business plans based on research findings; registering the new company in accordance with applicable regulations; hiring team members who share similar beliefs and goals; training them on company operations; obtaining necessary licenses and permits; working together towards achieving organizational objectives.

In addition to having essential entrepreneurial skills such as problem solving ability, financial management acumen etc., someone who wants to start an International Business As Mission (IBAM) needs advanced interpersonal communication skills due its focus on building relationships between different groups of people from various religious backgrounds. Moreover, they should also possess cultural sensitivity & adaptability since they will most likely be operating within diverse socio-economic environments outside their home country.

It is not mandatory for your team members/ colleagues share your religious beliefs in order to pursue International Business As Mission (IBAM). Your colleagues may come from various faith traditions or even none at all yet still play an important role in helping you achieve your organizational goals while respecting their own beliefs.

Successful implementation these initiatives have impacted both spiritual growth - seeing individuals receive Jesus through engagement on faith topics during workplace conversations -and economic growth – leading workers out poverty by offering them better job opportunities at fair wages. Additionally some initiatives have contributed positively towards environmental sustainability by leveraging renewable technologies like solar energy etc.