Biblical Worldview: A Clearer Lens for Business and Leadership
I recall my first missions trip to Eastern Europe. Our team met with an IMB missionary prior to the trip to aid us in our preparation. He asked each of us about our vocation. Several of the group worked for various companies, and some had their own businesses. We told the missionary that we were “businessmen.” He instructed us emphatically not to say or use that term regarding what we did for a living. The term had a negative meaning in the country. There, the term meant something like a con man or someone who would use unscrupulous means to swindle your money.
It made me think about people in our country and their attitudes toward businesses and leadership in general. Not every company operates in a crooked, unethical manner like those who notoriously make the news, i.e., Enron, various Ponzi-schemes, or other franchise fraud. The tendency is to think of all businesses as either immoral or amoral but certainly not moral. What if business and leadership could be taught with and from a biblical perspective?
That is the challenge that Mid-America College accepted! First, what is meant by the term, “biblical worldview”? In the context of this article, a biblical worldview is a way of understanding and interpreting the concepts and practices of business and leadership based on the teachings of the Bible. It means viewing all aspects involved in these fields through the lens of Scripture. Those who hold a biblical worldview consider the Bible as the ultimate authority and that it is sufficient to provide guidance for how to live, make decisions, and engage with the world of business and leadership.
Defining this worldview involves much more content than this paragraph. But most will agree that a biblical worldview typically includes the following core beliefs: We understand that God is the Creator. That is, He created the universe and everything in it. Everything was created by God (Genesis 1:1). We also understand that absolute truth exists. Truth is not relative; it is found in God’s Word (John 17:17). Another important aspect of a biblical worldview is that all humans are born with a sinful nature and need salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23). So how can we be saved? Jesus is the only way. Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Both business and leadership should follow moral standards that come from God’s Word. Right and wrong are defined by God, not human opinions (Isaiah 5:20). You cannot find your life purpose or a sense of meaning from your work. Purpose and meaning are found in God. Humans exist to glorify God and live according to His will (Colossians 1:16).
Holding to these beliefs and having a biblical worldview influences how a person thinks about social issues, ethics, education, work, relationships, and culture. As we are conducting business or as we exercise our leadership, we are called to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. We must apply biblical principles in all areas of life. As we do this, we become the “salt and light” that will reflect the love of Christ to those we work with and lead.
The business and leadership programs at Mid-America College are designed to prepare graduates for an ever-changing business world. Both the Business Administration and the Organizational Leadership degrees offer a variety of courses. Each one covers the latest research and best practices in the field, all seen through a biblical lens that prepares students to apply biblical principles in their personal and professional lives. It makes a tremendous difference in what motivates us to succeed.
At Mid-America College, this worldview is reinforced by weekly Chapel services featuring worship and preaching, fostering spiritual growth and community among students. Additionally, our Practical Missions program encourages students to engage in community service for at least one hour per week, allowing them to practice their faith through service. These initiatives collectively ensure that a biblical worldview is not only taught but also actively lived out, equipping students to impact the world for Jesus’ sake.