In October 2009 we organized a global consultation on Business as Mission, BAM, under the theme ‘Business as Integral Calling’. The Consultation, held in Wheaton, Illinois USA, was a significant contribution to equip many on the journey towards a better understanding and praxis of BAM.

We came from sixteen countries and five global regions “to explore the place of business in God’s purposes, together with the sacred calling of a life in business. 
We began with an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty and Lordship over all aspects of human life, including our work, our business, our money, our profit, our economy, and our working relationships.”

Our conversations were organized around topics like:

• What challenges and opportunities confront business seeking to 
  implement Kingdom values?
• How does an understanding of the Kingdom of God re-center and 
  anchor business?
• From a Kingdom of God perspective, how should business, in conjunction 
  with non-governmental organizations and government agencies, address poverty?
• How do businesses with Kingdom values operate within environmental and 
  natural resource constraints?

The Wheaton Consultation brought together leaders from the realms of business, non-profit organizations, and Christian ministry with theologians and academic leaders in business, economics, and missions.

The Consultation sought to build upon the Lausanne process and document.**

Our deliberations are summarized in the Wheaton Declaration.

One brief excerpt:

“It is our deep conviction that businesses that function in alignment with the core values of the Kingdom of God are playing and increasingly should play an important role in holistic transformation of individuals, communities and societies.”

Mats Tunehag

Lausanne Senior Associate Business as Mission