Many business professionals belong to networking groups to help develop their contact, careers, and sales pipelines. Organizations exist to bring professionals together on a monthly or weekly basis to share experiences, trade leads, and socialize over breakfast or lunch.
Part of the process is that each member shares an occasional presentation about their product or service, so that the others can understand what that line of business is about, and can subsequently be on the lookout for people that they encounter who could be in need of that person’s services.
These networking groups, such as Business Networking International (BNI) and LeTip (there are many, but these are two good examples) provide a forum for business professionals to gather in a structured environment, and generally perform an excellent platform for business people to socialize while finding new opportunities.
I like to think that Christian fellowship is as important to a professional’s well being as this business fellowship. There are groups that you can belong to that provide a similar social forum, but with a very different mission. Publicly, and internationally, organizations like the Christian Business Men’s Committee (CMBC International), are there to connect businessmen with a more important lead than a new customer and that is a new life.
CBMC’s mission is to “serve God in the global marketplace by establishing and strengthening national and regional leadership teams to effectively present the truths of Jesus Christ to business and professional people and to see lives transformed to Christlikeness”. In other words, “get out there and spread the Good News.” As Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
I’ve written before about the Cornerstone ministry at my church, and the veritable revival happening with men in our congregation. Just last Friday night, they gathered to watch and discuss the movie “Courageous” (I was out of town and unable to be there, but was thanking God that this movie was being shared in our group. And I am certain that it will be discussed in future meetings as well. This Cornerstone ministry has allowed me to share my story with the men in my church, and I’ve learned and been touched by many of theirs as well. It’s all about letting that light shine, and taking it outside the church walls an into the streets and workplace.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it
under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Fellowship on the Road 
Dan, thank you for reminding us, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it
under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
While reading your blog, I was tring to imagine the tremendous impact that would result, if we ‘Christians’ would allow ourselves to be more ‘Christ like’ in the business world and marketplace.
Your article reminded me that “business fellowship” is important, but has temporary significance. “Christian fellowship” on the other hand has eternal significance.