Attraction and Expansion 
In reaching people with the Gospel and knowledge of God, it can be helpful to think of two distinct forces.
One is an attractive force – centripetal. This attraction is something that compels people to "come to the blessing." From old testament times, we can imagine that the temple was such an attractor. It was a holy place, not just as the heart of Israel's religious ceremony, but also to attract many others.
The second force is an expansive force – centrifugal. The direction of this force is outward. The purpose is to "go to the nations" with the blessing of God, the good news of Christ. Example of how God used this in old testament times were captives such as Joseph, or exiles such as Daniel. Through these events the knowledge of God was sent out from Israel.
We can observe the dynamics of these forces today.
Christian nations, because of the evidence of God's blessing, are attractive to those in other nations.
Missionary work from the Christian natures is expansive force. It is critical for reaching all nations.
These two forces can help us see the power of business as mission (BAM) when coupled to church planting.
The church in the community is an attractive force. It is a place where people can come to be fed on the Word of God.
The BAM is an expansive force. It goes out from the church and penetrates the community with the love of Christ.
The two together can be a powerful combination.
Blessings,
Larry
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