By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
“The Great Commission can never be fulfilled by pastors and missionaries alone. Yet ‘the falsehood’ of a ‘sacred-secular divide’ has permeated the Church’s thinking and action.” ~Michael Oh, Global Executive Director/CEO of the Lausanne Movement
Last week, we continued examining the role of professionals in advancing the kingdom of God. Here is the concluding part of that article.
Embracing the legacy
The profound impact of the Bible transcends the individual, shaping nations and societies in unprecedented ways. This extraordinary heritage of personal and social transformation is evident across various domains of human existence such as science, healthcare, literature, learning and liberty. These monumental shifts, often attributed to Christians, testify to the enduring influence of biblical worldviews.
- Transformative power: The Bible’s transformative power starts at the individual level, igniting a ripple-effect that cascades through entire nations. The historical narrative is replete with instances where personal encounters with the Bible led to profound societal shifts, leaving an indelible mark on the course of human history.
- Catalyst for learning: The medieval monasteries, revered as cradles of knowledge, germinated into the renowned European universities. These centres of learning, born from the seeds of monastic devotion, stand as a testament to the Bible’s role in nurturing intellectual pursuits. It was within these hallowed walls that education flourished, with a substantial portion of it rooted in the teachings of the church.
- Holistic influence: The synergy between faith and the marketplace was exemplified by the Protestant work ethic, an ethos grounded in the conviction of honouring God through daily toil. This ethos reverberated across the marketplace, intertwining life and labour with vibrant faith. The interplay between personal conviction and practical application resonated not only within individuals but also within families, enterprises and communities.
- Faith-fuelled advancements: The Bible’s influence permeated various sectors, propelling advancements and innovations fuelled by faith. Science, healthcare, literature, and liberty all bear the indomitable imprint of biblical perspectives. Christian thinkers and pioneers, driven by a desire to harmonise their faith with their pursuits, became catalysts for transformative breakthroughs.
- An unbroken chain: The lineage of biblical impact endures, fostering a heritage of progress and enlightenment. The legacies of the past continue to echo through time, reminding us of the enduring connection between personal faith and societal evolution.
In tracing the course of history, it becomes evident that the Bible’s reach extends far beyond religious confines. Its transformative potency has propelled individuals to become agents of change, forging societal shifts that have left an indelible mark. From the genesis of renowned universities within monastic walls to the infusion of faith into the marketplace, the Bible’s influence is a dynamic force that transcends epochs. As we reflect on these hallmarks of transformation, we are inspired to embrace this rich legacy and champion the interplay between personal conviction and societal advancement.
Adapting to the shift: embracing postmodernity
Over the past century, a significant transformation has swept through Christianity, originating in Europe but extending its impact across the globe. In the year 1910, the scope of evangelisation encompassed Christianisation, an endeavour intricately interwoven with culturalisation. However, the subsequent decades ushered in a modern era marked by the emergence of diverse ideologies—nationalism, fascism, communism, socialism, and more—prompting the church to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
- The changing landscape: Our contemporary era stands as a testament to the radical shifts that have reshaped the very fabric of Christianity. The once-familiar contours of the church’s presence in public discourse have undergone a metamorphosis. The modern world, with its diverse and often conflicting ideologies, has presented a dynamic challenge that cannot be overlooked.
- The modern era’s impact: The ideologies that emerged during the modern era—ranging from nationalism to communism—significantly impacted the way Christianity engaged with the world. These ideologies posed both opportunities and obstacles, requiring the church to navigate a complex terrain as it sought to fulfil its mission.
- The current landscape: As we embark upon the present century, the contours of the landscape have evolved dramatically, particularly in Western societies. Christianity’s public prominence has waned, and there exists a prevailing wariness toward ideologies and missions of all kinds. A disconcerting trend has emerged, where an unfortunate parallel is drawn between evangelical Christians and extremist groups such as the Taliban, with both being perceived as radical, extreme and intolerant.
- The role of post-modernity: The advent of post-modern society has precipitated a paradigm shift, redefining the boundaries between the public and private spheres of religious expression. This transformation, propelled by the currents of post-modernity, has prompted a reevaluation of the approach to religious engagement and expression.
- Navigating the transition: As the church traverses this new terrain, it is imperative to respond thoughtfully to the challenges posed by post-modernity. The call is for a nuanced approach that respects the evolving sensibilities of the era while remaining rooted in the timeless principles of faith.
In this era of post-modernity, the church stands at a crucial juncture. The tapestry of ideologies that define our times demands a recalibration of how we engage with society and proclaim the Gospel. The shift from the public to the private sphere necessitates a re-imagining of our role as Christians; one that is characterised by sensitivity, relevance and an unwavering commitment to our core beliefs. As we traverse this landscape of change, we are challenged to embrace this new chapter with grace, adaptability and a steadfast devotion to the enduring truths that underpin our faith.
The role of business in global evangelisation
In the thought-provoking context of Vishal Mangalwadi’s insights, the Western world has undergone a profound transformation, leading to what he aptly describes as the amputation of its soul. This void has resulted in an ideological vacuum within the public domain, paving the way for a unique opportunity for Christian business people to step in and make a transformative impact. As the influence of traditional church structures faces challenges, the daily interactions of business people with individuals and families become an increasingly vital avenue for spreading the message of Christian hope.
In the face of a post-Christendom society, the wisdom of R. Paul Stevens resonates. “It is wonderfully true that – globally, in the twenty-first century – the marketplace is the most strategic mission field.” This profound shift in perspective elevates the marketplace from a mere platform for evangelisation to a dynamic arena, if not the most pivotal one, for the holistic mission of God. As the locus of spiritual growth expands beyond traditional church settings, the marketplace emerges as a prominent arena for profound spiritual formation and transformation.
This evolving landscape heralds the emergence of innovative Christian communities, novel corporate models that incorporate spiritual functions, and even the resurgence of new monastic movements. Amid the ongoing processes of secularisation and re-sacralisation, the church may experience shifts, yet the marketplace is witnessing the rise of dedicated Christian entrepreneurs who are not only starting profitable and sustainable ventures, but also cultivating environments that nurture spiritual growth and contribute to local economies.
Indeed, amid what may seem like the felling of the “old oak of Christianity”, new shoots of promise are sprouting, particularly within the marketplace. This reinvigorated context breathes hope into a post-Christian society, where single businesspersons shine as beacons of light within their spheres of influence—whether among employees, competitors, suppliers or colleagues.
A paradigm shift is at hand. The conventional demarcation between church-based spiritual formation and business-based financial support is evolving. The transformative influence of business people is now recognised as a coalescence of light and financial stewardship. The dichotomy of the church as the primary agent of spiritual growth and business people as the fund providers is giving way to a more nuanced and collaborative relationship.
For a more in-depth exploration of this pivotal subject, we invite you to delve into our collection of insightful books, including ‘Top 21 Talent Discovery Keys’, ‘The Role of Professionals in Advancing the Gospel’, ‘The Benefits of Financing the Gospel’, ‘Overcoming Financial Drunkenness’, ‘Why God Wants You to Be Wealthy’, and ‘Five Practical Ways to Finance the Gospel’. These resources offer invaluable insights into the dynamic interplay between faith, business and global evangelisation, empowering you to embrace and excel in your role as a transformative force within the marketplace.
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
