Call for Papers - Christian Business Review

2026 Theme: “Business as Mission (BAM)”

CBR invites Christian scholars and practitioners to submit articles for publication in our next issue. The deadline for a first complete draft with a 300 word abstract is April 1, 2026. 

The CBR serves to promote the integration of biblical truth into leadership practice by showcasing experiences, research, and original thinking by Christian scholars and practitioners. In the upcoming issue, we invite authors to ruminate on the theme of “Business as Mission or BAM.”

In 2016, Joao Mordomo, with the Lausanne Movement, published “Back to the Future: The Evolution of Business as Mission: A Current Overview and Analysis”, (https://businessasmission.com/resources/back-to-the-future/). Within this seminal work is included a one-page “BAM Manifesto”, whereby:

We call upon the Church world wide to identify, affirm, pray for, commission and release business people and entrepreneurs to exercise their gifts and calling as business people in the world – among all peoples and to the ends of the earth. We call upon business people globally to receive this affirmation and to consider how their gifts and experience might be used to help meet the world’s most pressing spiritual and physical needs through Business as Mission. (Mordomo, p. 4)

The field referred to as “Business as Mission” can have multiple definitions, including faith and work, marketplace ministry, kingdom business, the aforementioned business as mission, business for transformation, tentmaking, etc. Within this body of work, we are calling for papers inspired by the BAM Manifesto, and addressing questions such as the following:

A Biblical Foundation – How does Scripture lay a foundation for the work of BAM (and related forms)? What passages from Scripture inform the foundation and operation of businesses, the motivation and instruction for how Christians should start and operate these businesses? Some suggestions include: Genesis 1 – Creation Mandate; Matthew 25.31-46 – The Great Divide; Matthew 28.18-20 – The Great Commission; Old and New Testament teaching about protecting the poor, marginalized and oppressed especially related to treatment of laborers.

The BAM Ecosystem – The BAM ecosystem has grown significantly over the past two to three decades. There is much greater support than ever. But still there is great need to deepen and widen the ecosystem. What is the ecosystem impact on issues such as: Recruiting and Mobilization (Mission agencies and churches; Headhunting and job boards); Incubators and accelerators; Coaching and training; Networks, events & prayer; Capital and investment?

BAM, Discipleship and Church Planting – Should businesses be involved in disciple making and church planting? In the secular business research, this aligns with the question of whether a business has a social responsibility.

Choice of Business – What factors influence the potential for financial and missional impact and sustainability? Size and/or type of business? Business location? National vs expat management and labor? Financing – business operations only, donations, hybrid model? Etc.

Challenges of New Technology – Like all new technologies, man can choose to use Artificial Intelligence for good or evil. How is AI being leveraged in the marketplace to combat trafficking, improve healthcare and even accelerate Bible translation through for-profit enterprise? How is AI and technological development enhancing or interfering with the goals and impact of BAM enterprises?

Global Implications of Migration: Never in history have we seen so many displaced people and refugees. How can business enterprise tap into the talents of these migrants, fostering in them the human dignity of using the skills and talents that God gave them, while also blessing the city in which they now reside?

Changing Geopolitical Influences: What is the role of faith-based entrepreneurship and BAM in rebuilding a war-torn nation?  What can be done in Gaza, Ukraine and Myanmar?  Are there still roles for faith-based entrepreneurs to serve in helping heal past wars in Sudan, Afghanistan and even Rwanda?  Where have we seen healing from such efforts in the past?

Please submit your manuscript in accordance with the CBR publishers’ guidelines by emailing it to cbr@hc.edu and/or eliang@hc.edu. Thank you for your interest.