Bridging Business and Discipleship
What happens when we stop thinking about business and mission as two separate things?
Recently, a story came back to us at GO that caused me to think about that question.
Some time ago, we had a friend join us as a guest on the GO podcast. He is an investor and businessman, but the way he thinks about business is a little different. For him, business is not separate from ministry. He intentionally creates a culture where discipleship can happen, where people are encouraged spiritually, relationships matter, and following Jesus shapes the way the business operates.
Someone listening to that conversation was deeply impacted.
So impacted, in fact, that they approached our friend about the possibility of selling their business to him. But here is the part that caught my attention: they were willing to sell it for less than they believed they could get elsewhere.
Why?
Because they wanted to work for a different type of leader.
They had heard someone describe a vision of business that was about more than profit. They saw the possibility of a workplace where people could grow professionally and spiritually. And apparently, that vision was valuable enough that they were willing to give something up to be part of it.
When we recorded that podcast, we had no idea God might use a simple conversation in that way.
But that is often how God works.
We create the space. We have the conversation. We introduce people. We tell the story. And somewhere along the way, God begins connecting dots we did not even know were on the same page.
It has caused me to think again about the role GO can play in the Kingdom of God.
For many years, missions has often been understood primarily in terms of going somewhere. And certainly, going is at the heart of who we are. I like to tell people that you can't spell Gospel without GO.
We believe deeply in crossing borders, serving communities, training leaders, and sharing the hope of Christ across the street and around the world.
But the mission of God is not confined to a mission trip.
It reaches into our businesses. Our marriages and families. Our careers. Our investments. Our relationships. Our resources. Our calling.
There are business owners who want to build companies differently. There are investors who want their resources to serve purposes larger than profit. There are professionals who sense that God has given them skills, influence, and opportunity but are still asking, How does this fit into the mission of God?
Perhaps part of our calling at GO is to help connect some of those dots.
We want to be faithful networkers of God's people by bringing together people, ideas, resources, and opportunities in ways that help advance His purposes. Not because we always know where those connections will lead, but because we believe God is already at work.
Sometimes that connection leads to a mission team.
Sometimes it leads to a ministry partnership.
Sometimes it leads to an investor meeting a business owner who wants their company to become part of something bigger.
Sometimes it leads to a business operating differently because its leaders have decided that discipleship belongs in the workplace too.
And sometimes, apparently, it all begins with someone listening to a podcast.
We never know exactly what God will do with the opportunities He places in front of us. Our responsibility is simply to remain faithful—to keep listening, keep connecting, keep going, and keep creating space for God to work.
Then we get the privilege of watching Him connect the dots.
Dr. Curtis Elliott serves as Vice President of GO InterNational, bringing deep experience in global missions, leadership, and partnership development. With a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, Curtis has led and mobilized teams across cultures, facilitated global partnerships, and served in local ministry in the Republic of Georgia. Before joining GO, he worked with organizations including The Salvation Army, The Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Adventures in Missions. At GO, Curtis champions the global Church—equipping leaders and advancing gospel-centered collaboration around the world.
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