“The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” – St. Irenaeus
In 2025, that means fully alive in the workplace, the boardroom, the startup, and the street.
From Viking Roots to IKEA: A Global Reminder That Transformation Is Possible
In a powerful and timely message at the Fourth Lausanne Congress, speaker Mats Tunehag reminded us that transformation isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Born in Sweden, a land once known for conquest and war, Tunehag quips that today, his homeland exports flat-packed furniture and hospitality: “You’re welcome!”
His point? People, businesses, and nations can change—and when rooted in God’s vision for business, they can flourish.
Business Is More Than Profit—It’s a God-Given Calling
At Cities Project Global, we believe business is not just a marketplace mechanism—it’s a mission. It’s the engine God uses to bring shalom to cities, restore dignity to communities, and invite every generation into purposeful, creative work.
Mats Tunehag echoed this calling boldly:
“Business—that is a gift from God to transform the world.”
That’s not just a catchy idea. It’s backed by history and data. Global poverty has decreased dramatically in recent decades—from 3 out of 10 people to 1 out of 10. The reason? Not aid—but trade. Not charity—but commerce. The biggest lift out of poverty in human history happened through entrepreneurship, jobs, and sustainable business growth.
What Kind of Wealth Are We Creating?
Wealth isn’t just money.
Tunehag challenges us to rethink wealth the way the Bible does:
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Financial wealth is good—but insufficient.
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Social wealth (friendship, dignity, equity).
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Spiritual wealth (hope, faith, purpose).
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Cultural, intellectual, emotional wealth—all are part of God’s economy.
“You can be rich but lonely. You can be poor but spiritually full. True wealth, biblical wealth, must first be created—before it can be shared.”
The Wealth Creation Manifesto (by Lausanne and BAM Global) confirms this:
“Wealth creation is a holy calling and a God-given gift which is commanded in the Bible.”
Deuteronomy, Jobs, and Jesus
We often separate work and worship, business and mission. But Scripture doesn’t.
In Deuteronomy 8, God commands His people to engage in business—mining, agriculture, and commerce—while reminding them:
“I am the Lord your God who gives you the ability to create wealth.”
(Deut 8:18)
This isn’t prosperity gospel. It’s responsible stewardship. It’s about using what we’ve been given to bless all peoples and all nations. At Cities Project Global, we call this faith-driven economic transformation—and it’s core to how we train and equip leaders around the world.
Work Is Worship — Avoda!
In Hebrew, the word Avoda means both “work” and “worship.” There is no divide. Business is not secular. Work is not separate from mission.
“Worship is not sanctified entertainment. Work is worship.” – Mats Tunehag
Through Avoda, we co-create with God. This idea connects directly to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. As Tunehag puts it, “The Lord’s Prayer is a Tikkun Olam prayer.”
Business is a tool to bring heaven’s justice, creativity, and restoration into a broken marketplace.
This Isn’t Theory. It’s Real.
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Look at North and South Korea—same people, culture, and geography, but vastly different outcomes.
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Look at Venezuela, rich in oil, yet crushed under failed economic stewardship.
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Or look at Norway, transformed 200 years ago by a revivalist entrepreneur, Hans Nielsen Hauge, whose faith and business impact still echo today.
These aren’t random outcomes—they’re consequences of how nations handle wealth creation.
The Marketplace Needs You
A recent global McKinsey study shows that across cultures, ages, and belief systems, the majority of people consider spiritual health just as important as physical and mental health.
The marketplace is hungry—for meaning, for mission, for you.
That’s why we must propose—not impose—Jesus through our businesses. Faith is not a forceful add-on; it’s a compelling proposition that transforms both the owner and the outcome.
This Is What Love Looks Like
At the heart of this vision is not economics, but love.
“What does love look like?” asked St. Augustine.
“It has the hands to help others. The feet to hasten to the poor. The eyes to see misery. The ears to hear the sighs of the world.”
This is Business as Mission (BAM).
This is what Cities Project Global exists to equip leaders for.
To awaken you to your vocational calling—and how that calling can help your city flourish.
Now It’s Your Turn
“Human flourishing requires wealth creation. And wealth creation requires business.” – Mats Tunehag
The question isn’t whether you’re called—it’s how you’ll answer.
Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, manager, or student, your work matters.
Your business is a tool for good, a platform for witness, and a channel of love.
Watch the Full Video:
“Business is a Gift from God to Transform the World”
📺 Featuring Mats Tunehag, Lausanne Workplace Track, 2024
Join Us
At Cities Project Global, we train leaders to bring their faith into every sphere of society—especially the workplace.
🔥 Want to learn more about how you can integrate business, faith, and leadership?