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Imagine a missionary newsletter that states, “This year we created 85 jobs in the name of Christ.” Or an annual report that states,

“Praise God. Our programs this year moved 300 welfare-dependent families into economic self-sufficiency.” What is the role of business in extending the kingdom of Christ? Is the only purpose of a secular job to earn money that can be given away to church programs, mission organizations or those in professional ministry?

One expanding paradigm, especially in the Two-thirds world, seeks to integrate more of a kingdom theology into our understanding of the role of business in the redemptive purposes of God. In Nigeria, for example, most missionaries assume that being bi-vocational comes with the job-their first prayer request is for a work permit-not just for income, but also for societal influence. In Uganda, the Kampala Evangelical School of Theology trains people to be “Biz-missionaries”-combining business and theological training.

In January 2003, the YWAM conference, “The Global Consultation on Business as Mission,” carried the subtitle “the power of business to disciple nations” and featured seminars like “Modeling a ‘kingdom business’ as an agent for transformation and discipleship.”

In the US, not everyone has caught the same vision. Although the seminar planning for Urbana 2003 includes a “Business Mission Track,” a recent mission newsletter revealed that many are stuck in old dichotomous paradigms, forgetting that the very word “vocation” carries with it the concept that our work is our calling from God. The newsletter featured an article advocating retirees to use their business experience in mission service, a wonderful trend in North America. The title, however, “From The Marketplace to Ministry” carries with it the implication that ministry and the marketplace are separate.

Perhaps we need to take our cues from our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. “Integra” works in Central and Eastern Europe. The organizational name derives from their commitment to produce leaders who are integrated-integrating their faith and character and business in an effort to serve as salt and light in the world. They pursue the role of business in bringing the shalom of God into impoverished communities and economically disadvantaged people.

On a recent visit to Timosoara, Romania, I met several of the Christian businessmen involved in Integra. They stated clearly their integrated views of their Christian faith and their business. Vili and his brothers operate a bakery business (a “Small to Medium Enterprise Development” (SME) partnership) that employs 70 others. We asked Vili, “Why are you in this?” His answer lacked any reference to making money. He said, “First, to help my family; then to help my friends; then to help my church; and then to help my community.” It’s not that making a profit is unimportant to Vili (his bakery has secured 80 percent of the bakery business in his region because of the quality of their product and the honesty in their work); it’s just that helping people is his higher priority.

We asked Daniel, who owns a print shop (another SME partnership) that employs 17 others and is expanding, how he saw his role as a Christian businessman. He explained that his Christian commitment meant that others were watching his life closely, and that honesty and integrity could witness to the reality of Christ. “Business can heal the community,” he said, commenting on the larger impact of a company led with Christian values.

In a country like Romania, considered a “non-functioning economy” (2000 lei in 1990 was worth $50 USD; 2000 lei in November 2002 was worth about six cents), societal healing in the name of Christ includes job creation and stable, honest work. Integra (www. IntegraUSA.org) exemplifies a Christian endeavor dedicated to bringing healing-through micro-enterprise development (MED) programs, Small to Medium Enterprise Development (SME), and through anti-corruption training dedicated to helping Christians “push back the darkness” in societies steeped in bribery and unethical practices.

After my trip, I wrote to several American friends to affirm their ongoing involvement in this organization. Jim Willey, a US board member and successful business entrepreneur, explained his motivation for staying involved: “Christ has been telling us for two thousand years to ‘feed my poor.’ I’ve always thought he had more than soup kitchens in mind.” Indeed.

Paul Borthwick trains leaders overseas with Development Associates International and mobilizes others toward global ministry through Urbana 2003 and Gordon College.