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Of Leadership, Failure, and Business as Mission

February 28, 2026

The following comes from a Nov 3/25 memo from Five Capitals.  It is a great reminder for everyone involved in Business as Mission. You can’t lead without a few scars Failure isn’t final. It’s feedback. The best leaders don’t avoid mistakes, they mine them. They get curious, not defensive. They extract lessons, recalibrate fast, and move again […]

Trust and Confirm – even in BAM business

February 22, 2026

President Ronald Reagan often quoted the Russian proverb taught to him by American scholar, Suzanne Masssie.  The proverb doveryai, no proveryai (доверяй, но проверяй) means ‘trust, but verify’. She advised him that “The Russians like to talk in proverbs…” Reagan applied the idea in his dealings with the Soviets where he added, “Don’t be afraid to see […]

President’s Day 2026 – A reminder for Business as Mission Leaders

February 15, 2026

Each year about this time, I look up some data on who were the greatest of the US Presidents; and each year, I read the same thing. Almost every time, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are the top two presidents, followed often by FDR, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt etc. Such polling of experts is highly subjective, […]

The Bible in One Hand, a Newspaper in the Other

February 6, 2026

  In a May 1963 Time magazine article, entitled, “Barth in Retirement,” theologian Karl Barth stated that he advised young theologians to “take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both.”  It is an oft-quoted statement, sometimes noted as “take the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.” Not bad advice […]

Business as Mission: Bigger than Us

January 31, 2026

We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves. –John Glenn If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. –James 1:5 Sometimes, I wonder if it is worth it.  I wonder if my piece of the […]

Dave Kier: Knowing the Lord’s Will in Business

January 25, 2026

Dave Kier is a highly successful businessman and investor in the United States, as well as across Asia and Africa.  He writes a daily devotional that integrates Christian living and profitable business.  He has served on the IBEC Board for more than a decade. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com —– “Teach […]

Business as Mission Inputs and Outputs

January 18, 2026

Does the Bible talk about inputs and outputs?  How about process and outcomes? Well, it doesn’t do so in business terminology, but it sure does. What is an input? Input metrics, also known as leading indicators or process metrics, focus on the resources, activities, or inputs that contribute to desired outcomes. They help us understand […]

Don Simmons: Invest in a Way Worthy of Your Calling

January 11, 2026

Don Simmons is arguably the most articulate spokesperson for investing in a biblical manner. He is well qualified to do so and does it in a convincing manner.  This article and video from November 2025 is worth reading, watching, and passing on to others. IBEC is grateful to have him on our board. Larry W. […]

Everyone Singing and Worshipping – Not Yet, but we are Getting Closer

January 4, 2026

It is Christmas time as I write this, and my wife and I with some friends just attended a joyful Christmas sing-along at a church in Everett.  One comment caught my attention as the moderator referenced some verses in Revelation chapters 7 and 9. The verses talk about a great multitude “…from every tribe and […]

Bob Bush: New Year’s 2025 Reflection- 2026 Challenge

December 28, 2025

From reflection to action: Managing Director, Bob Bush, reviews 2025 at IBEC and calls believers to deeper marketplace impact in 2026. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com —– As we look forward to another year, let’s not forget what God has done in 2025. Here at IBEC Ventures, He has impacted us […]

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