Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions [Paperback]

Steven L. Rundle (Author), Tom A. Steffen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 12, 2003

In recent decades global missions have been revolutionized by such movements as microenterprise development efforts and tentmaking professionals working in restricted access countries. But little has yet been said about the new missions opportunities created by today's globalized economy. Nor has much been documented about the role that corporations and businesses can have in the missionary enterprise. Economist Steve Rundle and missiologist Tom Steffen offer a new paradigm for the convergence of business and missions--the Great Commission Company. These companies intentionally create businesses in strategic locations, pursuing profits while remaining unabashedly Christian in their purpose. By establishing authentic businesses that employ local workers among the least-reached peoples of the world, they contribute to the economic health of the immediate community and also provide avenues for both physical and spiritual ministry. Based on a five-year study of groundbreaking enterprises like Pura Vida Coffee, this book offers keen analysis of the principles and practices of these companies. In an era where multinational corporations have global influence and impact, the Great Commission Company opens up new possibilities for missions-minded entrepreneurs and businesspeople who want to change the world to the glory of God.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a remarkable book. Two street-smart business professionals grounded in a contemporary holistic biblical theology have demonstrated that income-producing businesses managed by 'kingdom professionals' can play a central, essential role in extending Christ's kingdom worldwide. Rundle and Steffen have plowed much-needed, new ground for all who take the kingdom seriously." (James F. Engel, coauthor, Changing the Mind of Missions )

About the Author

Steve Rundle is associate professor of economics and business as mission at Biola University in La Mirada, California. His teaching and research interests are focused on the intersection between international economics and faith-based business. He is also the editor of Economic Justice in a Flat World: Christian Perspectives on Globalization.

Tom Steffen is professor of intercultural studies at Biola University in La Mirada, California, where he directs the Doctor of Missiology program. He was a missionary to the Philippines for fifteen years, and he is the author of a number of books on missions and crosscultural ministry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (November 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830832270
• ISBN-13: 978-0830832279
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work in integrating business and missions, January 31, 2004

By 

Caleb Chan (Spring Arbor, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions (Paperback)

I used this book in a college-level course titled "Business and Missions" I just finished co-teaching at Spring Arbor University. The focus of the course is to examine the role for-profit companies can play in world mission. We thoroughly enjoyed the book - it is very well written, thought-provoking and sets a solid foundation for our understanding and discussion of the subject. Sound economic/business and missional principles are discussed and followed. The students were asked to analyze the case studies of Great Commission Companies (GCCs) presented in the book and evaluate the business and missional viability of each case and they did a fine job. We also liked how the authors classified the GCCs. Overall, the students enjoyed the course and the book, and some even expressed an interest in working for or starting a GCC in the future. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in seeing how business and missions can be integrated, and those who have a desire to start a GCC. This would also make an ideal first text for a business/mission course.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a practical guide to Christian business, March 3, 2004

By 

B. Farris (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions (Paperback)

Many books that deal with the topic of Christianity and business fall into one of two camps, either they are very theoretical, providing a lot of thoughts about business, but no practical examples of ways to integrate faith and work. Or they tend to offer simplistic advice about how to be a "Moral" worker.

Steve Rundle and Tom Steffen avoid both traps by providing well thought through theory combined with case studies that show that theory in action. They really provide the reader with a diverse set of examples of people working hard and moving God's kingdom forward at the same time. This deserves to be widely read.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars first of its kind, January 28, 2004

By 

John Paul Anderson (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions (Paperback)

Dr. Rundle & Tom Steffen have put together a book that can be incorporated into group settings and also be read by itself. They have presented stories which are powerful and help you gain a big picture understanding of what a Great Commission company and plan is. Great job - hoping for another release in the near future.