An Indian Perspective on Business as Mission

I believe the time has come for more Christians to unashamedly enter the realm of business in India. It is time for the larger Christian community to support, encourage and even challenge Christian business persons in terms of the influence they have and can have in the public square. How will the gospel shape business people in one of the most exhilarating periods in the history of our nation?

In my daily work I am an encourager of Christian business professionals. The market, the work place and the people who function in this realm are my parish.  This post reflects a personal narrative of what I have discovered in this journey amongst business persons.

First of all, it is my conviction that business is a moral and spiritual calling. It is an equally legitimate calling like all other callings; a task set by God who calls some for the sake of others.

In my engagement with those business persons who have this inner sense of calling to business, I have found a deep passion and determination. They do not merely enjoy what they do, they have the sense that this is what they were meant to do. They wake up each day to see how their business can actually do something worthwhile in society. They ask themselves: what does it mean to run a successful business where the vendors, customers, suppliers, government and bureaucratic officials, employees, etc., experience the love of God? Business for them is making a tangible difference in the lives of others, be it their customers or employees, or the myriad web of relationships that develop through business. They are called by God to serve Christ and others in and through their business.

There is an emerging world-wide network of such business persons. We are beginning to see it even here in India, Christian business people operating their business ‘as mission’.  However, much more work needs to be done by the church and Christian organizations to encourage business persons in their business calling, and provide resources that strengthen them in their primary place of influence. 

Some Perspectives that Shape Us

Given the nature of how Christian ministry has evolved within our Indian context, a largely one-sided relationship has developed between the Christian business professional and the myriad of gospel-focused institutions.  Many, if not most of our institutions exist because of the generosity of others, be it offerings, donations, fund-raising campaigns, grant monies, etc.  Resources are collected and redirected towards the worthy cause that shapes the work of each particular institution. Though not exclusive, business persons play a crucial role is this system of support.

In my conversations with business persons I have found that this model can develop a diminished sense of dignity. Many of them feel alienated. The work that they do as business persons is merely seen, whether consciously or unconsciously, as means to a higher and nobler end. Their significant contributions may not be recognized within the totality of their own enterprise but can be seen merely as having instrumental value towards the support of institutions. Many, if the truth be told, therefore suffer from serious feelings of guilt about being in business.

This leads to a second parallel perspective that seems to shape us. This view has long plagued the Christian community, and it is the dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. The great divide between the spiritual, and material or physical realms is rooted in an alien philosophy, and yet it permeates much of our thinking and strategies. With the unquestioned and even operational emphasis of the soul over against the body, the eternal as compared to the temporal, and the sacred versus the secular, business persons can find it difficult to see genuine value in terms of their own vocation in light of the purposes of God.

I have met many a business person, who has concluded that these two worlds need to be distinct from each other. They echo this sentiment; Business is business, my spiritual life is what I do in my church and Christian ministry happens outside of my business life.  In other words, my business is secular and my spiritual activities are sacred.  Some would also go on to say what that really counts for God are spiritual activities and my day-to-day work as a business person has no intrinsic or lasting value.

In the Public Square: A Task Set by God

What if business people were to completely embrace the greatest commandment and the great commission in their realm of influence in business? What would it be, if business persons saw their world of business as their primary field of Christian presence, activity and influence. Simply put they need not be taken out of that context in order to fulfill the ministry of Jesus Christ in this world.

When Christian business persons begin to sense their calling, when they embrace this and begin to envision their enterprise from this perspective, they will begin to see the significant role they play in the public square.

To illustrate, let me share the story of the company I work for. The company was started in Goa in 1989, and the founder said that his company would not pay a bribe to get things done. In fact, his stance was stated precisely in this manner; “I would rather shut down my company than pay a bribe.” The company, through many hardships and over time, has come to be a recognizable company in the industry. In fact, by virtue of such a stance other companies not only in the vicinity but also elsewhere have developed company policies by which they state they will not participate in the bribe culture, irrespective of the horrible price that would be paid. My company knows that things will get better only if more people will take a similar stand and has paved the way for others to see this reality.  To read more about Turbocam as a business as mission company read their story.  

Perhaps however there are some that are still skeptical. The most common objection is the matter of ethics, as if to say business is inherently unethical. This is especially true amongst some in the Indian Christian community. While I may not quieten all the skeptics, it is sufficient to say that unless business is rooted within a strong moral framework and conviction, they are right. However, business is no more different than any other vocation where the ethical considerations are important.  Like in any other profession, a business person can be either moral or immoral. As people engaged in the public square, it is when moral standards are taken seriously, that a profound and lasting influence in society is demonstrated. This is how things get better. Let us as a community encourage business persons, celebrate the crucial role that a business person plays in society, and encourage more of our youth to consider this legitimate task set by God.

Several Christian leaders have been asked to continue the conversation by responding to this lead article.  Read their responses and share your own thoughts:

João Mordomo

D R 

Daniel Devadatta serves as Ambassador at Turbocam India Pvt Ltd, with operations in Goa and Bangalore. Turbocam manufactures and markets precision parts for turbo systems primarily for the aeronautical and automobile industries. He also serves as Coordinator of the India No Bribe Coalition and on the Media Team of the India against Corruption, a citizen movement seeking to establish an effective ombudsmen system in India as well as the “Save Lokayukta” campaign in Karnataka State, seeking ways to strengthen the State ombudsmen institution, in the current crisis of the systematic dismantling of the same by powerful interests.  

Prior to his current positions, Devadatta owned two companies, A Limo for You, a luxury passenger transport company, and Path Valley General Store, a hardware and grocery retail store. He has also been a new church developer, pastoring both in small and larger congregations in urban USA and Canada and worked as a senior administrator at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was also the Business Developer at Jungle Inn, the first privately owned wildlife resort in Nagarahole, Karnataka.