On the part of the individual and the mission, there is high tolerance for risk and a long-term return. In both business and missions there is loss. In business, if an activity loses money, the business stops that activity. In missions, the activity uses money in order to reach men and women for Christ and in order to disciple the Body of Christ. Even if it is not obvious, the goal of a business is to make money.
Business begins with profits from a previous fiscal year.
Decisions and plans are made for potential profit. Although there may be some people service in the picture, the major focus is on the financial benefit to employees and investors. On the other hand, the goal for a mission is to use money, based on the faith principle that funds will come in. In fact, if a given fiscal year's projects do receive funding at the end of a year, that in and of itself, is often a measure of success. Decisions are based on how to spend the money to reach men and women for Jesus Christ and to establish His church.