EP 89: Why Business Is a Calling, Not Just a Career with Mike Baer, Part 2

What if your work is more than just work?In this episode, Steve Adams sits down with Michael to unpack the real story behind Business as Mission—and how it led to the creation of IBAM.It started with a mission trip in Thailand. A businessman handing out medication, wondering where he fit in. Then came a book, a training, and a realization: business wasn’t separate from mission—it was central to it.From there, the journey expanded into Kyrgyzstan, where business became a tool for transformation in a nation facing massive unemployment. What began as simple training turned into something much bigger—entrepreneurs starting businesses, building relationships, sharing the gospel, and planting churches in places with no prior witness.This conversation reveals how God brings together experience, calling, and opportunity in ways we don’t always expect. It challenges the idea that only pastors or missionaries are “in ministry” and reframes business as a powerful, God-ordained platform for impact.You’ll also hear how this model has scaled across nations, why excellence matters, and what it truly means to be called into business.If you’ve ever felt the tension between faith and work… this episode will help you see your role differently.00:00 Life-Changing Missions03:00 Kyrgyzstan Beginnings06:09 Gospel Through Business11:17 Scaling Impact16:19 Next Generation Leaders21:18 Real Business Values24:12 Final Encouragement25:12 Lasting Impact👉 Listen now, then watch the full episode: [LINK]👉 Join the mission: www.ibam.org5 Key TakeawaysBusiness is a calling, not a backup planBusiness is described as “a divine call as high and holy as any other.”The sacred vs. secular divide is falseThe conversation emphasizes that business is “totally spiritual” and part of God’s strategy for reaching the world.Business creates natural opportunities for discipleshipThrough relationships formed in business, people hear the gospel, come to faith, and begin gathering as churches.Scaling requires empowerment, not controlThe model shifted from sending teams to equipping local partners to run training, make decisions, and lead.You don’t need to wait to get startedThe closing challenge is simple: stop sitting in the stands and get in the game—God will meet you there.Watch full episode on YT - https://youtu.be/hvlOW89p1PMJoin the free Third Fish Academy at ThirdFish.org Listen to Part 1 here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/ibamtoday/episodes/EP88-Why-Business-Might-Be-the-Best-Mission-Field-e3ggto3