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This book is, above all, about such true stories. One of the book's most remarkable features is that the writers and the written-about permit us to take a look into their hopes, fears, struggles, failures and pain, as well as their successes. For every example of a relatively successful GCC, we are left with little doubt that there are many failures.

What then has made the difference between success and failure for Great Commission enterprises? Which type of GCC is most effective in what market circumstances? The authors searched for answers via field observation and intensive interviews. They share some preliminary conclusions, including the priority of teamwork with local believers for business and gospel success. They also find that the most successful professionals are those who have previous ministry or missions experience.

For those business-minded players who are looking for practical guidance, there certainly is a need for more in the way of evaluating performance. For example, in the preface the authors say they had access to at least some of the financial information about some of the companies they studied. It would be helpful to have at least the essentials of two or three years of audited profit-and-loss statements. Similarly, it would be interesting to have more data about people exposed to the gospel, converts, and new fellowships.

I recognized most of the disguised players in the book. They are not just ordinary men and women distinguished only by their faith and determination. Some have exceptional business or technical skills. Some have extremely rare cultural and language skills. All are entrepreneurial. So these questions arise: Could a group of highly dedicated Christians without these skills replicate what these have done? What kinds of spiritual and business aptitudes, knowledge, and skills are needed, and how does one acquire them?

Furthermore, are any of the companies described in the book franchisable? Are there any experts from successful ones able and willing to provide consultation? I suspect there will be thousands of readers who hope the authors are even now putting the final touches on that sequel.

In spite of Great Commission firms' specialized niche, this book is not just for a narrow band of skilled professionals. It's designed for a wide audience: mission leaders, pastors, and lay leaders; Christian businesspeople; Christian university students thinking about missions; students thinking about careers in business. It's written for those standing on their seats, eyes and ears straining to catch the exciting things happening on the playing field, aching to get into the action.

If you don't fit into the traditional way the missions game has been played, sit down with Great Commission Companies and see if your heart is not quickened by Rundle and Steffen's story of the forward pass. Mine was.

John P. Cragin, Cargill professor of business at the Paul Dickinson School of Business, Oklahoma Baptist University, is a contributor to On Kingdom Business: Transforming Missions Through Entrepreneurial Strategies (Crossway, 2003).

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today.Click for reprint information.

More on the intersection of missions and business includes:

Compassionate Capitalism | How Christians are using fair trade to help the world's poor, missionaries, and shoppers. (Nov. 12, 2003)

The 40 Best Christian Places to Work | What makes them so good? (Hint: Not money) (Feb. 28, 2003)

When Business Aims for Miracles | Minneapolis-St. Paul business professionals are some of the inner city's most effective "social entrepreneurs." (May 25, 2001)

Coffee That Cares | A Costa Rican church underwrites an urban outreach effort with premium coffee sales (Oct. 5, 1998)

Coffee Sales Perk Up Ministry Support | Pura Vida has donated $10,000 to missions and aid organizations (From the CTLibrary)

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April 2004, Vol. 48, No. 4