9Marks.org is a donor-supported ministry organization that supports pastors and churches by providing resources that teach the nine biblical marks (Preaching, Biblical Theology, The Gospel, Conversion, Evangelism, Membership, Discipline, Discipleship, Leadership) of a healthy church. “9Marks’ strategy is the same [as the disciples’ church planting]: we partner with faithful international churches and trusted local partners to create resources, facilitate networks, and host events that will equip, train, mentor, and mobilize pastors to build healthy churches.” They host trainings, conferences, discipleship events and more with their global partner churches in “Serbia, Singapore, San Francisco and around the world.”
They posted an article about Business as Missions. In this article, the author (anonymous for security reasons), address the fact that some churches and people are “wary of the term “Business-as-Missions” (BAM), fearing it could distract churches from the mission of making disciples.” A Biblical BAM example is Paul’s tentmaking. While we do not know a whole lot about Paul’s tentmaking job, he uses it to provide while he travels through the known world evangelizing.
The author discusses how the church needs to find different, non-traditional ways of reaching the “2.8 billion people unreached among 6,000 people groups.” As we see countries closing their borders to traditional missionaries, the church will be professionals who want to do business as missions. The church and the world are in need of entrepreneurs who want to contextualize the gospel through their business.
9Marks’ goal is to teach pastors and church leaders how to equip their members to pursue Business As Mission either in the United States or overseas in another country. The author believes this starts by having “pastors should put before their members the vision and privilege of spreading the gospel to all nations.” 9Marks also works internationally and provides resources in many languages to allow more churches access to their resources.
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Wow I never knew this type of organization existed before. I had heard of 9 Marks from a couple of friends and even in class but didn't realize how effective this organization really was. Thanks for informing me on the important of this organization and the backstory. What I really enjoyed about your article was how you were able to dive deeper into the organization and look at each part of the organization as a whole. I find it very interesting that someone had the idea of coming up with an organization like this, because not to may people think this way and think that churches never struggle with funding, finding a pastor, or leaders in general, but lots of churches do struggle. I hope that 9Marks keeps growing and that it ultimately receives more recognition for the work it is doing. Great article!
Woah, this is incredible! Sadly, I see many churches pushing missions to the side so I am happy to see that 9 Marks is challenging churches to really embrace their call to spread the Gospel!