Business as Mission refers to the
integration of Christian principles and values into business practices with the
kingdom of God’s purpose and holistic transformation. Business as Mission is a
profitable and sustainable business for the glory of God.[1]
It is based on the principle of holistic mission and is a workplace ministry as
well as related to tent-making. Yet, it is not business for mission.[2]
Consequently, this paper addresses the significance of Christian values in
business practices which informs various aspects of business operations, its
potential challenges and criticisms, and finally, the potential impact of
adopting a business as a mission. It will offer insights into how we can
integrate the concept of mission into business endeavors.
Integrating mission
into business practices is founded on several significant fundamental
theological principles, and they are worth mentioning.
Stewardship: The Lord entrusted mankind to dominion over all creatures. He gave the responsibility to be a good steward over the earth and its resources (Gen 1:26-28). In this regard, “Economic activity is rooted in the creation story” says Tunehag.[3] The idea of stewardship also includes that humans are permitted to make our talents and money beneficial for themselves. Therefore, in business, both entrepreneurs and employees can use their skills to help others with the view of serving God. Stewardship in business emphasizes responsible management of resources and acknowledges that everything ultimately belongs to God.[4] The psalmist says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1).
Imago Dei (Image
of God): Human
beings are created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). It means that humans reflect
divine qualities such as dignity, worth, and creativity. To recognize every
individual is created in the image of God would result in treating others with
dignity, respect, and fairness. In the business context, this principle
influences the value of employees and empowers them, treats customers with
respect, and makes business decisions. It serves as a fundamental ethical
guideline that shapes the culture, practices, and priorities of business rooted
in Christian values.
Love and Service: The concept of selfless Love and service for others is found in Jesus’ teaching of the greatest commandment and second: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30). Rhe apostle Paul further writes the important of love and service in the book of I Corinthians 13:4-7. These two passages “encapsulate the depth and breadth of love within Christian values, revealing its selfless and enduring nature.”[5]
Justice and Equity: Emphasizing the importance of justice and righteousness, the prophet Micah exhorts people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Mic 6:8). Cafferky summarizes justice in his book Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective. He says that justice, according to the Bible, is more than just fairness in business. It is all about treating others right and fulfilling our responsibilities to them and God. In our community, everyone should be treated equally, and those in-charge should be fair to those they lead. As God does, we should treat everyone with fairness including strangers. Justice is ensuring fairness to the benefit of everyone. It is beyond the courtroom. In fact, God-fearing individuals would aim to demonstrate love and justice in the marketplace by treating everyone fairly. They use technology responsively and ensure that all workers, suppliers, and customers are being treated fairly. Cafferky further adds that since prices reflect the value of goods God-fearing individuals rejected any form of injustice within their reach.[6]
Community and Relationships:
In the book of Acts 2:42–47, the early Christian
community presents a significant role model of relationships and a community
where people fellowship, share, and support one another. This text provides a
theological foundation for integrating mission into business. For it offers the
divine principles of stewardship, love, justice, and redemption. It also
displays the value of a community that promotes ethical behavior and decision-making
in business endeavors.
Integration of Christian
Values in Business
For various reasons, incorporating Christian values into business practices is essential. Because it not only promotes ethical conduct and social responsibility but also fosters a culture of trust, sustainability, and personal fulfillment within organizations. Christian values provide a strong ethical foundation for decision-making in business for its principles such as honesty, integrity, and fairness guide business leaders in making morally sound choices that benefit individuals and society.[7]
Christianity endorses maintaining individuals’ dignity and values. Accordingly, by integrating Christian values, businesses can prioritize the well-being and development of their employees, treating them with respect, compassion, and fairness. Louis writes, “Christian business leaders are committed to serving their customers and employees and are focused on creating a culture of mutual support and encouragement.”[8] Indeed, the central teaching of Christianity is the call to love and serve others (Joh 13:34-35; Luk 10:25-37; Mk 10:45; Matt 22:37-39; 25:31-46). Therefore, any type of business that embraces Christian values is motivated to contribute positively to their communities, whether through philanthropy, environmental stewardship, or initiatives that address social issues. For a business that operates according to Christian principles is often perceived as trustworthy and reputable by customers, employees, and stakeholders.[9] As such, this trust can lead to stronger relationships, increased loyalty, and enhanced brand reputation.
Therefore, Christian
values have a significant influence on how businesses operate in many ways.
They help leaders make fair and honest decisions and treat employees well. Good
customer service and fair prices show care for others. Businesses can also help
communities and the environment, be led by humble and accountable leaders, and
resolve conflicts peacefully. Encouraging creativity and respecting diversity
are also important. Overall, Christian values guide businesses to act ethically
and care for people and the world around them.
Businesses that
Incorporate Christian Values
Tyson Foods: Tyson Foods, famous for its chicken products, has over 100 chaplains in 22 states who help Tyson Foods workers and their families. Irrespective of their beliefs, chaplains offer prayer services and help them with transportation and housing. Due to this assistance especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyson Foods was ranked the second-best company in the Corporate Religious Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Index. It is noteworthy that, to help business leaders create workplaces that respect different faiths through training and networking,[10] Tyson Foods has set up “The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality” in the workplace at the University of Arkansas.
Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A, a popular chicken sandwich chain, is known for its strong Christian beliefs. Its founder, Truett Cathy, built the business on hard work and Bible teachings. Since 1946, the company closed every Sunday, including Thanksgiving and Christmas for rest and worship for staff. During Lent, they offer fish sandwiches to respect those who fast from meat on Fridays. It is a long tradition to close business on Sundays, however, the company opened twice for special reasons: once to help stranded travelers during a power outage in 2017, and again to fulfill birthday wishes for a boy with special needs in 2019.[11]
These are a few examples of businesses
incorporating Christian ethics and principles into their operations through
various practices, policies, and corporate culture. Therefore, this
demonstrates that numerous business companies in Manipur can also successfully
integrate Christian principles into their operation.
Challenges and
Criticisms
Even though many business companies successfully incorporate Christian principles, challenges and criticisms are inevitable. It may not function well to blend Christian beliefs into business for critics will not accept it. Secondly, clashes may occur between laws and religious practices. Thirdly, what is right for religious beliefs might not help in making money or competing with other business companies. A critic claims that if a business claims to uphold Christian principles yet behaves otherwise, people may perceive them as fraudulent. Another critic says businesses need to be fair to everyone and treat everyone with respect regardless of their beliefs.
In his book, Business as Mission, Tunehag
writes about several challenges businesses have faced.[12]
A Slow Paradigm Shift in Worldview Among Christians: Among evangelical Christians, integrating Christian ideas into business companies takes time, often a generation or more. One big challenge is the idea of separating sacred things into secular. This affects both the Church and Business as Mission movement. It is vital to understand a new way of thinking connects everything in the Bible. Therefore, the word “Holistic” needs to be used to refer to a wider scope of the mission. Business as Mission movement is not a separate category.
Tensions in Coupling Business and Mission: When one mixes business goals with mission goals, it can create some problems. In the past, businesses were linked to spreading the gospel, however, it led to confusion and taking advantage of people. Therefore, by looking at both the positive and negative sides of the past, it is vital to be careful and figure out how to avoid unnecessary problems.
Lack of Affirmation and Equipping: Local people need proper training, encouragement, and support to benefit from both domestic and international trade opportunities. It is required to teach them about Business as a Mission idea and give them practical help and training. However, Christians in some places are not involved in business because they see it negatively.
Spiritual Opposition: People often emphasize the spiritual side of business too much and forget about the importance of business principles. Therefore, being a disciple, always facing spiritual battles, we need to prepare with the “full armor of God” (Eph 6:18) and stay spiritually alert.
Difficult Conditions for Business: People do not view business as a mission in some countries due to difficulty in establishing a business company. For business, a company cannot be established in a place where corruption, threats, unstable politics, and economics are rampant. Most investors are reluctant to invest in such places. However, God calls us to evangelize in these places. Therefore, to share the gospel in those places, it is essential to start a business by helping with creativity to start a business, assisting individuals who want to start a business, collaborating with those who desire changes in politics, education, and legislation, and finally encouraging and supporting local entrepreneurs who want to make lasting changes and impact their communities in all areas, including social, spiritual, financial, and environmental.
Practicing Christian Values: As Todd mentioned, to follow Christian
principles in business is not easy for it requires dedication, perseverance,
and a strong commitment to Christ’s teachings. Challenges and struggles are
part and parcel of a Christian life.[13]
For challenges create opportunities for spiritual growth (cf. James
1:2-3).
Reaching more people: To effectively spread the gospel, Christians must access the need first. Therefore, to launch a business it is crucial to identify people groups who have not heard the gospel yet and who have been reached. It further requires to understand the demographics, beliefs, and potential reactions of the people to the gospel message. Approaches may differ from region to region. However, it is important to tailor the presentation of the gospel to resonate with the local population. Utilizing statistics can provide valuable insights into the current state of the world and aid in strategic planning for outreach efforts.[14]
Economy: Businesses can boost the damaged economy. By establishing sustainable businesses, it can create job opportunities as well as contribute goods and services to the local economy. Businesses can further enhance both local and national economies by empowering individuals and communities to lead healthier lives. This approach not only stimulates the global economy but also facilitates the spread of the gospel to unreached populations.[15]
Social Life: As business as a mission will foster a positive environment and actively serve the community, it will be welcomed and valued. Conversely, if the business mistreats its employees or neglects community needs, it risks becoming a burden to society. By authentically loving and serving the community, any business setup becomes an instrument of transformation, ultimately revealing Jesus’ transformative power and bringing souls into the Kingdom of God.
Spirituality: Since all people are made in God’s image, he seeks a personal connection with them. However, individuals will not accept Jesus Christ unless someone shares with them. Therefore, the Bible emphasizes the urgency of sharing the good news to unreached people around the world. As a result, Christians can engage in business as a means to reach unreached communities. Challenges are inevitable; however, Christians are called to combat brokenness and share Christ’s love, effecting lasting change in the lives of employees and communities.
In summary, "Business as Christian Mission"
provides an effective approach to incorporating Christian values into business
activities with the objectives of serving society and glorifying God.
By making money
while also focusing on spiritual and social goals, businesses can become
influential forces for good in their communities. This
approach is based on biblical principles of good stewardship and the idea that
humans were created in God’s image. Integrating these Christian principles into
business encourages ethical behavior, which further builds trust and long-term
success. Furthermore, business as a mission can spread the message of
Christianity, help the economy, create a positive social atmosphere, and bring
about spiritual growth. It can fulfill two objectives―making money and sharing
the good news―changing people and bringing growth to communities and societies.
Therefore, business can be used as a means of sharing the good news. At the
workplace, we all can make a positive difference in the world. In a nutshell,
we can integrate mission into business work.
Written by
DK Siam M.Th
(Missions)
Bibliography:
_______. “7
Christian Companies That Inspire Us Now,” https://get.tithe.ly/blog/7-christian-companies-that-inspire-us-now.
_______. “The
Bible Society of South Africa, Six Biblical Principles for the Workplace,” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/six-biblical-principles-workplace-bible-society-of- south-africa.
Cafferky, Michael
E. Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective. Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press,1995.
King, Jeff.
“Christian Values in Mission in Christian values for Business,” https://www.eilgroup.org/christian-values-in-business/
Mare, Louis.
“Balancing Faith and Business: Integrating Christian Values into the Marketplace,” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/balancing-faith-business- integrating-christian-values-louis-mare
Mitchell, Hannah.
“Utilizing Business As Mission: The Importance of Starting a For-Profit Business as Mission to Advance God’s Kingdom,”
(Senior Thesis, Liberty University, Fall
2016).
Nabil
A., Ibrahim, et al. “Characteristics and Practices of ‘Christian-Based’
Companies,” Journal of Business
Ethics, vol. 10, no. 2, 1991, pp. 123–32. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25072138.
Accessed 1 May 2024.
Pitman, Todd C. “The
Significance of Christian Values,” https://toddcpittman.medium.com/the-significance-of-christian-church-values- df99ee44f9b8.
The Antioch
Partners, “Business as Mission,” https://www.theantiochpartners.org/business- asmission#:~:text=BAM%20Defined%3A%20Business%20as%20mission,purpose%2C %20perspective%20and%20impact%20.
Tunehag, Mats.
Wayne McGee and Josie Plummer, “Business as Mission” in Lausanne Occasional Paper No. 59, September 29 to
October 5, 2004, 12-14.
Further
Readings:
_______. “Integrating Your Christian Faith into Your Business Life,” https://www.geneva.edu/blog/program-spotlight/christian-faith-and-business
[1]
The Antioch Partners, “Business as Mission” in https://www.theantiochpartners.org/business-as-mission#:~:text=BAM%20Defined%3A%20Business%20as%20mission,purpose%2C%20perspective%20and%20impact%20
accessed on 30 April 2024.
[2]
Mats Tunehag, Wayne McGee and Josie Plummer, “Business as Mission” in Lausanne
Occasional Paper No. 59, September 29 to October 5, 2004, 12-14.
[3]
Mats Tunehag, “Business as Mission,” 16.
[4]
_______, “The Bible Society of South Africa, Six Biblical Principles for the
Workplace,” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/six-biblical-principles-workplace-bible-society-of-south-africa
accessed on 1st May 2024.
[5]
Todd C. Pitman, “The Significance of Christian Values” January 27, 2024, https://toddcpittman.medium.com/the-significance-of-christian-church-values-df99ee44f9b8
accessed on 1st May 2024.
[6]
Michael E. Cafferky, Business Ethics in Biblical Perspective (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press,1995), 75-76.
[7]
Jeff King, “Christian Values in Mission in Christian Values for Business,” https://www.eilgroup.org/christian-values-in-business/ accessed
on 1st May 2024.
[8]
Louis Mare, “Balancing Faith and Business: Integrating Christian Values into
the Marketplace,” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/balancing-faith-business-integrating-christian-values-louis-mare
accessed on 1st May 2024.
[9]
Ibrahim, Nabil A., et al. “Characteristics and Practices of ‘Christian-Based’
Companies,” Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 10, no. 2, 1991, pp. 123–32.
JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25072138
accessed on 1st May 2024.
[10]
_______, “7 Christian Companies That Inspire Us Now,” https://get.tithe.ly/blog/7-christian-companies-that-inspire-us-now accessed on
1st May 2024.
[11]
______, “7 Christian Companies That Inspire Us Now.”
[12]
Tunehag, “Business as Mission,” 27-31.
[13]
Pitman, “The Significance of Christian Values.”
[14]
Hannah Mitchell, “Utilizing Business As Mission: The Importance of Starting a
For-Profit Business as Mission to Advance God’s Kingdom,” (Senior Thesis,
Liberty University, Fall 2016), 24.
[15]
Mitchell, “Utilizing Business As Mission…” 25.
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