Integration in Focus: Master of Business Administration

Here at Cedarville, we often use the phrase biblical integration to explain how our programs are different from those at other universities. But what does a biblically integrated Master of Business Administration program look like, and why would you choose it over the other programs you may be considering? 

Cedarville University’s Dr. John Delano, Associate Dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, is here to unpack biblical integration in the classroom. You’ll find that it doesn’t just change the way he teaches — it improves the quality, community, and career outlook you’ll experience as a Cedarville student!  

Read on to learn how biblical integration turns each assignment and classroom experience into a chance to apply your faith to your field. 

Q: What biblical principles guide the way Cedarville teaches business?

A: Cedarville’s MBA program is deeply influenced by these four pillars: Excellence, Missional Purpose, Stewardship, and a Servant's Heart. These pillars draw from foundational biblical principles that inspire us to honor God in every aspect of our work.  

• Excellence reflects Colossians 3:23, where we’re called to work “heartily, as for the Lord,” emphasizing integrity and dedication in everything we do.  
• Our Missional Purpose aligns with Matthew 5:16, calling us to be a Kingdom influence by letting our light shine before others, impacting the business world for God’s glory.  
• Stewardship echoes Genesis 1:28, where we are entrusted with managing God’s creation wisely, encouraging students to make ethical and sustainable decisions. 
• A Servant’s Heart mindset, modeled after Philippians 2:3–4, underscores our commitment to servant leadership, teaching students to put others first and lead with humility and grace. 

Q: How do biblical principles change the way you teach? 

A: Our four pillars of biblical principles shape our approach to teaching holistically:  

Excellence means we encourage students to pursue their best work for God’s glory. 

Missional Purpose drives discussions on how business practices can serve as a Kingdom influence, helping students to think beyond profit to impact.  

In teaching Stewardship, we emphasize the importance of managing resources responsibly according to God's values. This includes recognizing that God views humankind with a unique, higher value over other created things because we are created in His image (Genesis 1:26–28). Thus, when faced with ethical decisions that may involve choosing between human well-being and other worldly pursuits, we are guided by Scripture to prioritize human life.  

Finally, with a Servant’s Heart, we foster a supportive environment where students feel valued, modeling humility and selflessness that they can carry forward into their careers. 

Q: How do biblical principles change the way your students interact? 

A: Cedarville’s environment stands out in how students interact, influenced by the pillars of Missional Purpose and a Servant’s Heart. Students tend to view each other as collaborators rather than competitors, prioritizing Kingdom influence over personal gain. This leads to a culture of mutual support, rooted in the call of Galatians 6:2 to “bear one another’s burdens,” where students encourage one another’s growth in skills and character. Stewardship also fosters respect in how students interact with resources and with each other.  

Compared to other institutions, the community here is marked by a shared commitment to higher standards and a collective vision of influencing the marketplace for God. 

Q: How do you help your students integrate their faith with their careers? In what practical ways will they engage with their faith during the program? 

A: We intentionally design our curriculum to guide students in integrating faith with business, aligning with the four pillars.  

Students engage with ethical dilemmas and case studies where they are encouraged to apply biblical principles directly to business situations. By practicing stewardship, students learn to manage resources ethically and sustainably. Assignments and discussions on servant leadership provide students with opportunities to develop a heart for service, impacting both their teams and the marketplace.  

Through these experiences, students gain practical insights into how faith can influence business decisions, preparing them to serve God in their careers. 

Q: What is your hope for students who have graduated from the program? 

A: Our hope is that our graduates will be distinguished by living out the four pillars. I’ve seen many of them succeed in integrating their faith with work by leading with integrity, compassion, and a desire to positively impact their industries. Matthew 5:16, calling us to let our light shine, captures our hope for Cedarville graduates: that they will glorify God in the workplace, embodying these biblical principles in all they do. 

In short, biblical integration means that every assignment and classroom experience will help you apply your faith to your career. You’ll learn to lead with excellence and to practically honor the Lord in everything you do. If you value a program that will help you become both a better leader and a better believer in Christ, explore Cedarville’s MBA program today! 

Dr. John Delano joined the Cedarville faculty in 2008. He serves as the Associate Dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business and Professor of Information Technology Management. He specializes in service-oriented architecture, object-oriented analysis and design, and computer programming, and his research has appeared in the proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems.