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The BGAV is entering into a partnership with 13 countries in Western Africa as part of a church planting movement that seeks to start over 2,000 churches in the next 5 years. The basic premise is that the BGAV, along with other partners and investors that it recruits, will provide interest free loans to each of the Baptist Conventions in western Africa in order for them to start a business that will then utilize the profits from the business to fund the church planting movement.
The concept of “business as mission” is not new to those involved in funding missions and ministries. It is a very practical model that allows a Gospel presence to penetrate the workforce as well as the use of the profits to continue that work or to fund work in other places. One of the main keys however, is the necessary capital investment to get the business off the ground. Many donors are simply not willing to provide that investment in one large contribution but would rather fund a mission on a monthly basis. While any gifts for mission are appreciated, the smaller gift that is given on a irregular basis means that the recipient mission or ministry must exert extra time and effort to continually insure that the funding for the next month is coming. And, should 2-3 donors decide at one time that they can no longer contribute, a mission can simply close down and stop its work until it can replace the lost funds. Investing a larger amount up front in order to create a reliable form of income is much more sustainable and beneficial to the mission overall. And, in this particular instance, the up front investment is offered as an interest free loan with the understanding that once the loan has been repaid it will be re-invested once again to sustain the movement.
Several weeks ago Baptist leaders from all thirteen countries gathered in northern Ghana to finalize the details of this plan and celebrate together the launching of this movement. Each partner shared their initial business plans, church planting models, and stories of struggle and success. At the end of the week everyone agreed to a partnership covenant and a framework of how the work would proceed. The excitement was palpable as each person expressed their passion for sharing the Gospel. The Global Mission Resource Center, the lead partner in West Africa, will be providing ongoing resource and training in church planting as well as oversight and accountability for finances, prayer, communication, and coordination. A successful Ghanaian businessman, who operates his businesses to fund his mission, has agreed to mentor each of the business leaders to help ensure success.
If you, your congregation, business, or endowment would like to become an investor in this mission please feel free to contact Dean Miller for more information. We estimate needing approximately $400,000 to provide each country with the necessary start up funds. The BGAV along with churches, individuals, businesses, and other denominational entities have already committed funds toward this effort. Come join us and help us reach the goal of over 2,000 churches being planted across West Africa.