Impact Hub Articles

In a world that often separates faith from the marketplace, the concept of Business as Mission (BAM) emerges as a powerful reminder that work and worship are intrinsically connected. BAM challenges Christians to view their businesses not merely as profit-generating enterprises but as platforms for advancing God’s Kingdom. Rooted in biblical principles, BAM integrates faith, work, and mission to bring holistic transformation to communities, cultures, and economies.

Theological Foundations of Business as Mission

Both Timothy Keller in Every Good Endeavor and Amy Sherman in Kingdom Calling emphasize the importance of aligning work with God’s purposes. Keller argues that work is a form of worship, a way to reflect God’s creative nature and serve the common good. He writes, “Work is as much a basic human need as food, beauty, rest, friendship, prayer, and sexuality; it is not simply medicine but food for our soul” (Keller, 2012). This perspective calls Christians to see their vocations as sacred, whether in business, education, healthcare, or the arts.

Amy Sherman builds on this idea by introducing the concept of "vocational stewardship," where individuals use their talents and positions to advance the Kingdom of God. In Kingdom Calling, she highlights how professionals can engage in "shalom-making," bringing flourishing to their communities by addressing systemic injustices and promoting equity. For business leaders, this means creating ethical workplaces, fostering economic development, and prioritizing the well-being of employees and customers.

Key Principles of Business as Mission

1. Holistic Impact

 BAM focuses on addressing spiritual, social, and economic needs. A BAM business seeks to be a blessing to its employees, customers, and the wider community, going beyond profit to foster human flourishing.

2. Integration of Faith and Work

 BAM rejects the secular-sacred divide, emphasizing that all work done for God’s glory is inherently spiritual. Business leaders are called to reflect Christ’s character in their decision-making, leadership, and interactions.

3. Community Transformation

 BAM initiatives aim to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and bring hope to marginalized communities. By operating with integrity and purpose, businesses can contribute to lasting social change.

4. Global Mission

 BAM is not confined to local contexts. It often intersects with cross-cultural missions, using business as a vehicle to share the Gospel and serve unreached people groups.

Practical Applications

To live out Business as Mission, Christian entrepreneurs and professionals can take practical steps such as:

• Creating Redemptive Business Models

 Design businesses that solve pressing social issues while reflecting Kingdom values. For example, a BAM enterprise might focus on providing sustainable employment for vulnerable populations.

• Fostering a Kingdom-Oriented Culture

Build workplace environments that encourage integrity, compassion, and collaboration. This includes fair wages, employee development, and ethical practices.

• Engaging in Discipleship Through Work

 Use business as a platform to mentor employees, demonstrating Christ-like leadership and guiding them in their spiritual journeys.

The Transformative Potential of BAM

Business as Mission has the potential to reshape how Christians engage with the marketplace. By viewing work as a divine calling, believers can bring light to areas often overshadowed by greed, exploitation, or indifference. As Keller and Sherman argue, this approach not only fulfills the Great Commission but also the cultural mandate to steward God’s creation and promote human flourishing.

In a rapidly changing world, BAM provides a compelling vision for how businesses can be instruments of God’s grace and agents of transformation. By integrating faith with work, we can demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways, leaving a lasting impact on both people and society.