A Word of Introduction

The Wheaton Declaration on Business as Integral Calling was the product of a global consultation held in Wheaton, Illinois in October 2009 that brought together leaders from the realms of business, non-profit organizations, and Christian ministry with theologians and academic leaders in business, economics, and missions.  

In the context of a global economic crisis and in light of the persistent problems posed by global poverty, this group recognizes that the 21st century will require new approaches, new practices, and a strong ethical anchor.  Business has been under-valued and under-utilized in responding to these challenges.

At this critical moment, we recognize the need to anchor and engage emerging business and economic paradigms with deeply rooted Christ- and kingdom- centered theology that brings together the natural and spiritual dimensions of God’s redemptive activity for creation. We also believe that in this engagement, Christians can and must lead the way in the formulation of business practices that reflect the biblical commitment to justice and equity in all areas of human activity.  In essence, this focuses on a thoughtful and intentional re-centering or re-orientation to kingdom values and principles in all aspects of business.

A global Business As Mission movement has emerged to give expression to this re-centering or re-orientation.  The Business As Mission issue group at the Lausanne Forum 2004 in Thailand brought together business practitioners, mission leaders, theologians and economists and produced a Business As Mission Manifesto articulating key principles and values.  The Lausanne process is the most significant development in this movement to date. The Business as Integral Calling consultation sought to extend the discussion underway about the Kingdom potential for business. Our goal was to explore how the institution of business can holistically transform individuals, communities, and societies.  

Our conversations were organized around six central topics. We encourage individuals and groups to discuss them.

  1. 1.From a Kingdom of God perspective, what is poverty?

  2. 2.How does an understanding of the Kingdom of God re-center and anchor business?

  3. 3.What challenges and opportunities confront business seeking to implement Kingdom values?

  4. 4.From a Kingdom of God perspective, how should business, in conjunction with non-governmental organizations and government agencies, address poverty?

  5. 5.How do businesses with Kingdom values operate within environmental and natural resource constraints?

  6. 6.How can the church and business work together to develop a theologically sound and holistic view of business’ role in the Kingdom of God?


We offer The Wheaton Declaration on Business as Integral Calling as a starting place for further conversation about the role of for-profit enterprise in bearing witness to God’s Kingdom.