God Is at Work: Transforming People and Nations Through Business [Hardcover]

Ken Eldred (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2005 | ISBN-10: 0830738061 | ISBN-13: 978-0830738069

Global business has the potential to bring biblical cultural values, greater economic prosperity and blessings to the nations of the world. It's already happening in innovative undertakings, such as ET, a call center business in India where at least 60 percent of the employees call themselves Christians. Modeling biblical principles and recognized for its world-class level of service, this successful company has created jobs, built a profitable business, strengthened the local church and seen people decide to follow Jesus.

In God Is at Work, Ken Eldred examines how God is transforming people and nations through companies like ET amidst an emerging missions movement called "Kingdom business." Challenging the view that capitalism and biblical principles cannot coexist, Kingdom business is achieving economic and spiritual transformation around the globe and is welcomed even by developing nations that are traditionally closed to the gospel. This unprecedented book gives a comprehensive overview of Kingdom business, its objectives and approaches. Ken Eldred's personal experience, as well as other Kingdom business efforts around the world, highlights this integrated missions movement, a unique combination of missions, successful business practices and economic development.

Learn how leaders of developing nations around the world, some of whom are Muslims, are inviting Christian business leaders to come into their countries and bring needed spiritual capital and business principles to create greater economic opportunities for their people. Discover the role of Kingdom business professionals in advising, funding and operating for-profit enterprises of varying sizes and types. See what happens when God is at work giving individuals the opportunity to participate with Him in Kingdom business, one of the greatest missions endeavors of the twenty-first century.

The opportunities to advance the cause of Christ have never been greater. We are called to act now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ken Eldred’s God Is at Work is a remarkable achievement and a gift to the Body of Christ. It is nothing short of a comprehensive theology of business as a calling but also as a Kingdom change agent. This book is a must-read for those who sense God’s call to a business career as well as for those with a pastoral calling who desire greater insight into the major focus of the majority of those who make up their congregations. It is among the finest books of its kind that I have encountered in my 35 years pursuing my own business calling."
Edward G. Atsinger III
President and CEO, Salem Communications Corporation
Camarillo, California

"This is more than a book. It is a handbook! Comprehensive, clear, compelling and carefully thought out, God Is at Work breaks new ground. ‘The opportunity is ripe for Kingdom business,’ and so is the timing for this expansive and valuable work."
John D. Beckett
Chairman, The Beckett Companies, Elyria, Ohio
Author, Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul

"I am honored to be Ken’s friend, local pastor and occasional hunting buddy. Ken is a global visionary; everything he does, whether business or church ministry, he does with the kingdom of God in mind. This powerful book is a must-read for people who see the ‘big picture.’"
Dick Bernal
Founder and Senior Pastor, Jubilee Christian Center
San Jose, California

"For years, my mission has been to encourage those who have found professional success recognize how their talents and training can further God’s Kingdom. God Is at Work speaks squarely to that objective in a refreshing way—by showing how those in the marketplace can pursue Kingdom business. Ken Eldred lays out the biblical basis for business as ministry and offers practical examples to illustrate how that can be pursued anywhere in the world. I recommend this book to businesspeople seeking to use their abilities and passions for God's glory."
Bob Buford
Founder, The Buford Foundation
Founder, Leadership Network
Author, Halftime and Finishing Well

"Ken Eldred has discovered secrets to prosperity in the kingdom of God and he reveals them in a simple and practical way for each person to take hold and make those blessings become his or her own."
Cesar Castellanos
Founder and Senior Pastor, Mission Charismatic International and G12

"The title says it wonderfully: God is at work and is uniquely using Kingdom business to bring about spiritual, social and economic transformation in our world today. As Ken Eldred shows in this exciting book, artificial barriers between business and missions—between work and faith—are melting, and the Lord is using an unexpected tool—business—to reach the lost."
Christopher A. Crane
President and CEO, Opportunity International

"Ken Eldred has written one of the most profound books that I have read in years. The program outlined in God Is at Work has the potential to revolutionize the missionary work of the Church. Ken shows how it is possible to use business not simply to fund missions, but also to do missions and evangelism more effectively than either could ever be done with the current methods. Moving beyond theory to actual results, Ken demonstrates that business is already being used to extend the kingdom of God in extraordinary ways, even in third world countries. I heartily recommend this book to all Christian businessmen, pastors and church leaders."
Dr. Jack Deere
Pastor and Author, Surprised by the Voice of God and Surprised by the Power of the Spirit

"So often the reaction to economic hardship in our country and abroad is an expectation that the government address the problem through financial aid. In God Is at Work, Ken Eldred has written a compelling case for private citizens becoming part of the solution through business. He is right: Economic and business development must go beyond simply providing financing. Indeed, the backbone of our own country's economic success has been the application of deeply held values and beliefs to business practices. I encourage every businessperson to read this book and get involved—for the sake of our country and the world's future."
Hon. J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House of Representatives

"A meticulous study on God and business, God Is at Work provides both a theological and practical framework for understanding the potential of those in the marketplace to transform the world. This book offers helpful examples and ideas for Kingdom-minded businesspeople in all capacities and markets. As a venture capitalist, I found the practical discussion about Kingdom-focused investing particularly exciting. I have known Ken Eldred for years and can think of no person better suited to write this book. His integration of family life, business life and a passion for God has been a model for me and for others to follow."
Paul Kim
Managing Partner, Parakletos@Ventures

"I have seen the incredible work of God transform Korea from the poorest nation on Earth in 1960 to the twelfth most developed country in the world today. God Is at Work pinpoints what has been the source of our economic success—the tremendous spiritual transformation of a large portion of our population—and shows that such spiritual transformation is the key to successful economic growth in other developing nations. Dr. Cho has always taught that those of us in the business world can advance the work of God through business development, but this book has put meat on that idea. I am so excited about the concept of Kingdom business that I have literally renamed my company to reflect its mission!"
Soon Bae Kim
Head Elder, Yoido Full Gospel Church
Seoul, Korea

"Ken Eldred has written the definitive work on the exciting business-as-missions movement. The movement comes alive through many examples and case studies explained by an accomplished, savvy businessman. But, whereas the participants of this movement may see only their little pieces, Ken has developed a systematic framework that explains how God will use their diverse activities to transform nations economically and spiritually. The book is scholarly in its carefully researched historical and biblical context, practical in its discussion of how to do Kingdom business, and inspirational in its call to action. I will use this book as the main text in my MBA course on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development."
John E. Mulford, Ph.D.
Professor and former Dean, Regent University School of Business
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

"During 35 years as a venture capitalist, I have found that the most important factor in assessing a new business venture is the venture's team. Before doing business with an entrepreneur, we carefully consider his or her integrity, character and reputation. God Is at Work wonderfully demonstrates that what holds true for winning Silicon Valley start-ups also applies universally to business around the world: Values and culture are foundational to successful business ventures."
John Mumford
Founding and General Managing Partner,
Crosspoint Venture Partners

"All over the world today, God is using a new breed of missionary who has the same heart for service and the same passion to see the Kingdom expanded but is using business to do it. Ken Eldred is part of the leading edge of this Kingdom business movement that is sweeping the globe, bringing jobs, hope and new life in Christ to millions. The Church needs to recognize and embrace this fresh wave. Reading this book is a great way to start!"
Luis Palau
President, Palau Association

"God is presenting a new paradigm for missions in the twenty-first century—that of Kingdom business. In God Is at Work, Ken Eldred takes us step-by-step through this paradigm and explores the role that we as Christians have in this new move of God. God Is at Work will challenge you to see the work of His kingdom in new and powerful ways."
Pat Robertson
Founder and Chairman, The Christian Broadcasting Network
Host, The 700 Club
Author, Bring It On and Courting Disaster

"In God Is at Work, Ken Eldred has captured a paradigm that is absolutely essential for the fulfillment of the Great Commission in our generation: how to use business to influence nations. Ken, a successful entrepreneur who has established successful Kingdom businesses in non-Christian nations, writes with the authority and insight of a seasoned practitioner. This book is a definite must for pulpit and marketplace ministers alike."
Ed Silvoso
President, Harvest Evangelism, Inc.
Author, Anointed for Business

"Ken Eldred is a man focused on God’s heart: missions. It’s going to take major sources of capital to accomplish the task of worldwide evangelization, and Ken has a plan to make that happen. His life is accountable, and his track record is proven. May the Lord multiply Ken’s plan and concept ‘a thousand times more’ (Deut. 1:10, NKJV)."
Larry Stockstill
Pastor, Bethany World Prayer Center
Author, The Cell Church --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Ken Eldred is currently CEO of Living Stones Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Advisors of Parakletos @ Ventures. For over 20 years, Ken served as CEO of Inmac, a public company he founded. He has assisted in the founding of several other successful companies, including Ariba Technologies. Ken is involved in ventures in the United States, China, Europe and India and he advises various Kingdom business ventures and ministries. He has an MBA from Stanford and was a Visiting Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution. Ken is the coeditor of On Kingdom Business, winner of a 2004 Christianity Today Book Award. Ken and his wife, Roberta, have three sons and spend their time in Northern California and Colorado.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Regal Books (August 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830738061
• ISBN-13: 978-0830738069
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #554,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mr. Eldred has founded numerous successful companies, including Ariba Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARBA), the leader in the Internet business-to-business industry, and Inmac, which went public in 1987 and later merged with Micro Warehouse. He was named Silicon Valley "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 1988. Internationally, Mr. Eldred is co-founder and director of Epicenter Technologies, a 1,000-person call center business based in India. He has also founded other ventures in Europe and China.

Currently, Mr. Eldred is an investor and founder/CEO of Living Stones Foundation Charitable Trust, where he focuses his efforts primarily on charitable projects. He serves on the Board of Advisors for Crosspoint Venture Partners, named by Forbes as the most successful venture firm for three years in a row. Mr. Eldred is also chairman of Parakletos Venture Capital. He is in much demand as a speaker and as an advisor to various business ventures.

Mr. Eldred holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. from Stanford University. He was the Lauder Executive-in-Residence at Auburn University School of Business and was named a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Mr. Eldred is the author of God Is at Work: Transforming People and Nations Through Business (Regal Books, 2005; Manna, 2009), named the number one book in the field by the Business as Mission Network, and the co-editor of On Kingdom Business: Transforming Missions through Entrepreneurial Strategies (Crossway Books, 2003), winner of a 2004 Christianity Today Book Award. He has been profiled in Executive Influence by Christopher A. Crane and Mike Hamel (NavPress, 2003).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book oozes original thinking; I'm so glad I read it., January 25, 2006

By 

Edward Pelger (Lititz, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Is at Work: Transforming People and Nations Through Business (Hardcover)

My wife,Debby, and I were at an Alliance Defense Fund conference at Sedona, AZ, having breakfast with other ADF supporters. The conversation turned to poverty and I started giving ideas from a book I was reading by a popular economist who hangs out with Bono and predicted an end to world poverty in 20 years if we just give a bit more, and in a smarter way, to poor countries. The older gentleman sitting next to me said, "That's completely wrong!" and started to explain how much America has given with such poor results.

Of course, I'm not one to be put off, so I said (as the famous economist had said) that America hadn't really given nearly as much as was committed and as I started to explain, the gentleman more loudly said, "That's completely wrong!!" Then he spoke for about ten minutes, explaining how capitalism without a foundation of moral stability (such as the new Russia) almost always fails. I had to agree with that. Then he spoke about how just learning the rules of business isn't enough, how people who have their hearts changed by a relationship with Jesus do so much better in capitalism. I had to agree with that too.

Till he was done talking, I'd completely refuted everything I'd previously said and was agreeing with him wholeheartedly, knowing how dopey that made me look. As he wound down, he looked at me and said, "Sorry I got so enthusiastic there, I've just written a book on the subject and am pretty excited about it."

Debby and I laughed and laughed as we remembered the situation, as did the others at the table. Me just plodding along, trying to explain the situation to a world expert. Oh well, at least it's not boring being me.

As I read the book written by my breakfast companion, Ken Eldred, I was amazed by both his background and the fundamental shift in world missions he predicts. He examines the model of traditional missionaries, looking at the high cost, the number of countries where they are not welcome and how there are often hard feelings by locals about rich foreigners living in their area with no visible means of support. I've struggled with these problems regarding traditional missions as well. He also notes the sense of diminishing returns from traditional missions.

On the other hand, almost every country wants economic development. He postulates that businesses run by Christians can affect an incredible numbers of lives. These Kingdom businesses work toward a triple bottom line: profits and sustainability; local jobs and wealth creation; and advancing local church and building spiritual capital (honesty, service, excellence, respect, commitment, value, trust, loyalty and quality). These Kingdom businesses may be tiny one-person operations or huge companies, but this important trend could be one of the greatest mission endeavors ever. He outlines the many ways business people can be involved in this type of work. I'm excited about how I might join in this trend, in some capacity or another, and think anyone else thinking about these issues would benefit by reading this book.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ken Eldred explains how Kingdom business is the solution, September 23, 2005

By 

Paul H. J. Kim - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Is at Work: Transforming People and Nations Through Business (Hardcover)

This book offers a new platform for people who care about the future of the developing world. Ken Eldred spells out why business is the solution for many of the developing world's ailments. Not just business, but Godly and truly Christian business, which will help transform those cultural attitudes and values that represent both barriers to economic growth and chains to poverty.

Time-proven concepts like honesty, integrity, and fair dealings are vital to business success in a free market economy. There are cultures and attitudes-both in the developing world and in the West-that are real hindrances to economic success. The author makes the case for those business people with deeply-held values and "renewed minds" taking the initiative in changing those cultural beliefs-at the individual, company, and industry level. Eldred presents examples where Christian business people inspired by their personal faith are doing just that, even in some of the most underdeveloped parts of the world. He also reviews the history of business people pursuing spiritual and economic transformation around the globe.

I am a venture capitalist who's always looking for ways business can help change lives. Yes, as the author presents quite convincingly, business itself has redeeming value when it deals honestly and provides useful goods and services for one's fellow man. However, the concept of "Kingdom business" presented in this book goes a step further by considering the spiritual transformation that business people with a personal faith can promote. Eldred describes three different "Kingdom business" approaches ranging from developing microenterprises to establishing larger ventures, each most suitable for a different stage in an economy's development. After traveling and working with ministers and business people in more than 50 countries, I believe this book is a Godsend for those trying to make a difference. Very compelling and inspiring!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Game Changing, August 9, 2006

By 

Jonathan H. Bolden (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Is at Work: Transforming People and Nations Through Business (Hardcover)

Every once in a while, an idea or an individual comes along that changes the playing field, the rules of the game, the expected outcomes, or a little of it all. God Is At Work has the potential for such an impact.

I read this book in tandem with "Why Globalization Works" by Martin Wolf. The "co-reading" had a unique effect. I felt like Wolf was doing the best job I had read yet of being realistic in his assessment of the free market's potential in emerging markets, given the various undeniable and constraining dynamics at work in those places --- be it infrastructure, tariffs, corruption, education, etc. Then I was opening up GIAW and reading very similar things yet in ways that coupled an understanding of how the spiritual world was relevant as well.

The immediate impression was that GIAW was obviously not written by surmising Christian business hacks. This book had serious weight and knew its stuff. To me this was very refreshing as I am an admitted skeptic of Christian culture trying to photocopy yet one more secular realm --- from self help, to Christian music, to Christian novels, to Christian movies, now to Christian business.

These were my key impressions...

1) Few people really address well the "corruption tax" of developing nations ... GIAW nailed it. De Soto quantifies it in "Mystery of Capital" (to some extent), but GIAW got to the heart with the concept of "spiritual capital" which I found to be absolutely profound.

2) Few people really address well the concept that for business to succeed in emerging markets there has to be reformation in every corner of society --- cultural, spiritual, political, and the underlying economics. Of the works I've read, most people hone in on the last two --- I think because there afraid to attempt the first and don't know where to begin on the second (because they probably honestly don't count it).

3) The clarification of differences between business as missions, business for missions, etc was terrific and much needed. I think things can get fuzzy in this corner and some of the practical application points might need further fleshing out, but in general, the value of business as a mission in and of it self desperately needed to be clarified among Christians. Again, GIAW nailed this.

4) My one hang-up was the terminology "kingdom business". It probably really boils down to semantics and my previously noted "resistance" to Christianity's persistent need to clarify its Christian intent. On the flip side, there is the need to distinguish the characteristics of the business model proposed by GIAW from that pursued by most "secular" business people, so a title or nomenclature is probably required.

I hope this will be a breakthrough for the thousands of Christian businesspeople who have longed to know how they can contribute and who have felt on the short end of the very real, yet very wrong spiritual totem pole. I hope the church embraces the thinking, and that in the long term the game changes in ways that will elevate the impact of this and future generations of believers.