School of Business Dean's Welcome
To meet the standards of a Christian institution of higher education, one must learn to write clearly and think critically. To do so in an atmosphere of spiritual intensity, love, support and intellectual challenge is a broadening, deepening and edifying experience. Dr. Mark Rutland observes (Charisma, May 2005), "Education is no substitute for anointing, but young professionals being interviewed may discover that those doing the hiring expect both".
To some people, the words "Christian" and "business" are opposites. The reality is that Christianity originally spread because of the honesty of Christian traders following the trade routes of the time. Therefore, doing Business God's way is a unique and special calling of Christian ministry.
If you wish God to guide you in business, you need to learn business from a Christian perspective. Jesus spent 30 years studying God's Word, learning the business of carpentry then working professionally before going into his fulltime ministry for three years.
Work in the business world can be a witness to others and satisfy what God has called you to do, just as in any other profession. As a student in Business at CHC you will be here for a season to be prepared for the plans God has for you. So study the course, take the tests and learn the skills to build your character to result in success in both the business world and the Kingdom of God. As you do, you will learn how to manage yourself, other people and an office/institution situation. For those who love God, no experience is ever wasted because "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28, NKJV).
Paul told Timothy to "study to show thyself approved" (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV) and ensure that no-one took him captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men (Col.2:8 NIV). Obviously, then, God can use educated, well-trained minds in every profession, or He would not have instructed to us to learn. Christians are not being drawn away because secular Humanism is superior, but because they are not exposed to the Biblical alternative, which makes much more sense. Therefore we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
I suggest you decide to use this season of your life to prepare yourself to fulfil your side of God's covenant promise by studying at CHC. That promise is, "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your father ..." (Deut. 8:18).
A Christian institution of higher education is not just about making better professionals, but also about empowering people to be effective in their service to God.
I pray that God will bless you during your time with us.
Dr Jerry Anway
Dean, School of Business
