2024 Year in Review: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
The new year is fast approaching, and we’re excited to dive into all it has to offer. Before we look forward though, let’s reflect on the highlights of the past year.
Ruth Ajayi, our Engagement Specialist, shares her thoughts in the blog post below.
As the newest member of the team, I joined BAM Canada towards the end of the last quarter. Despite missing the first two months of the year, I’ve experienced so many incredible moments with the team.
APRIL
One of my earliest highlights was the Capitalyze conference hosted by OneWay Ministries. There, I had the amazing opportunity to speak on behalf of BAM Canada during a panel session. Our Director, Aubrey Tozer, and I also met some incredible people that we eventually collaborated with (listen to one of those collaborations in this podcast episode).
MAy
Following Capitalyze, I attended the annual BAM Global Summit with my team members. Seeing BAM represented in so many different languages and cultures was an eye-opening experience!
I’d always known that business was universal, but I didn’t realize how integral it was to the spread of the gospel around the world.
You can read more of my reflections on the Summit in this blog post.
Later in May, Abigail and I attended a gathering called Our Common Calling in Calgary, Alberta. Meeting with individuals from the Fours As (Academy, Agora, Assembly, and Agency) to listen and learn from each other was a special experience.
Not only were fruitful connections made (new Bronze Partner alert!), but I also saw firsthand the power of ideas and partnering with others on a shared mission.
CREATING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Continuing last year’s theme, we held a series of Round Tables focused on different aspects of the Quadruple Bottom Line. As a first-time host, I loved hearing the many stories and perspectives from our speakers. Each Round Table gave me a new perspective on business as mission and expanded my understanding of what BAM could and should be.
My personal favourites include The Purpose and Fruitfulness of Profit with Jonathan Wilson, and our Small Business Month panel discussion on Servant Leadership.
Which Round Table was your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
LOOKING FORWARD
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re entering the year with a renewed vision and strategy for BAM Canada.
We recognize that the cultural landscape has evolved since we first started and so have we. Part of our renewed model includes providing more opportunities for in-person connection.
Check out the Network Events page for local engagement opportunities.
2025 is also shaping up to be the year of missional business bootcamps – how exciting! Partnering with local churches to engage and equip business leaders is one of our greatest joys.
In February, we’ll be in Calgary with First Alliance Church, then in March we’ll be in Guelph with Parkview church – and that’s only the start.
Make sure to stay connected with us on LinkedIn and through the Network, we’re just getting started!