Business as Ministry:
Exploring the Issues, Trends and Challenges

Directed by Steven Rundle and C. Neal Johnson

July 13 - 24, 2009

Speaker

James Nichols

Seminar Description
The last fifteen years has seen an explosion of interest in the role of faith in business, and specifically in how business can be both (1) a ministry in itself, and (2) an essential partner for other Christian ministries. By one estimate there are now at least 1,200 organizations that promote, in various ways, the integration of faith and work, not to mention dozens of events held annually around the world that encourage businesspeople to “bring their faith to work.” Yet, while many professionals are embracing the idea of business as a calling and a ministry, little scholarship has been produced that addresses the many legal, managerial, missiological and ethical questions related to the integration of faith and business. Furthermore, many churches and academic institutions continue to unwittingly reinforce the view that the most praiseworthy Christian service entails working directly for the church or other charitable organizations.

The purpose of this seminar is to address those problems by exploring the opportunities and challenges related to “bringing one’s faith to work” and stimulating new ideas for research, teaching and preaching. Scholars from the fields of theology, business or missions, as well as pastors, are encouraged to apply. It is anticipated that while many participants will have done some studying, teaching and/or preaching on this topic, there will be others who are relatively new to this subject who can bring fresh thinking and new analytical skills. In either case, care will be taken to ensure that all participants have proven track records as scholars or have influential roles within academia and/or the church. The two-week program will consist of morning sessions, Monday through Friday, and some afternoon sessions. There will be three guest speakers, and one field trip to a faith-based business. As an end-product, participants will be expected to begin writing, preaching and/or presenting papers to wider audiences within their respective disciplines. One possible venue for publication is a collection of essays on Business as Ministry being edited by the co-directors.

About the Directors
Dr. Steve Rundle is associate professor of economics at Biola University. He received his B.A. in economics from California State University, Northridge, and his Ph.D. in economics from Claremont Graduate University. His teaching and research interests are focused on the intersection between international economics and world mission. He has authored or coauthored many journal articles and book chapters on this subject, as well as two books – Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions (Intervarsity Press, 2003) and Economic Justice in a Flat World: Christian Perspectives on Globalization (Paternoster Press, in press) Dr. Rundle also assists, consults or has co-founded several organizations that aim to see Christian-owned businesses prosper in less-developed countries.

Dr. Neal Johnson is settling into his office and beginning the exciting task of launching Bakke Graduate University’s Business School with two approved and accredited business degrees – a values based MBA and the Master’s in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship (MASCE). With a career extending from academics, to business, to law, to theology and a 3-year mission assignment in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Johnson brings a wealth of experience to this new enterprise, as well as the following degrees: PhD (Fuller Seminary – focused on faith-based business management practices); JD (University of New Mexico – focused on international development), MPA – Public Administration (Univ of Oklahoma), graduate banking degree (SMU) and BA in Political Science – International Studies (University of Colorado). He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s School of International Banking.

Drs. Rundle and Jonhson led this seminar in 2007 and it is back by popular demand.

Seminar Information

Seminars & Workshops 2009

For further information contact:
Seminars in Christian Scholarship
Calvin College
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402
616.526.8558
fax 616.526.6682
seminars@calvin.edu