What is a worldview?

A worldview is the grid by which an individual evaluates all of reality. It's the conceptual way we see, understand and interpret the world and our place in it. The worldview one believes to be true will be the driving force behind what one does in this life. Whether it is feeding the poor, giving your life to missions or blowing up planes full of innocent people, what you believe to be true will determine how you will live your life within this world.

Why are worldviews important?

Worldviews are important because they are all-encompassing and determine how people live their lives. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "it is a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world, especially from a specific standpoint." The specific standpoint referred to here is one's faith. A worldview is the foundational beliefs an individual has regarding spiritual reality which then determines how they live out their lives in this world. Worldviews are important because they determine the way people relate to others and to their surrounding culture. According to James Sire, a worldview generally answers these seven questions.

1. What is prime reality?

2. What is the nature of the world around us?

3. What is a human being?

4. What happens to a person at death?

5. Why is it possible to know anything at all?

6. How do we know what is right and wrong?

7. What is the meaning of human history?

The following discussion examines the extent of one's worldview and how it impacts our lives.

Christians and worldview

Only 9% of born-again Christians have a biblical worldview - George Barna

According to Christian pollster and social researcher George Barna, few Christians have a biblical worldview by which they live their lives and make daily decisions. This helps explain the ineffectiveness of Christianity within American culture. We fail to act as the salt influence within our culture because we lack a holistic worldview which means we are ignorant of the Bible and God's principles. Among youth within the churches in America, Barna's research reveals that even fewer of them have a biblical worldview. This does not bode well for the future of the church or the nation. Barna states “It’s very important to know how many people have a biblical worldview because peoples’ behavior is driven by their beliefs – we do what we believe." In other words, our worldview determines the choices we make and the resulting actions we take in life. Everyone has a worldview. The critical question is which one have people and nations embraced? If we want to transform the culture then we will need to change the worldview of the people who produce the culture we live in.

Great Commission and Cultural Mandate

We at Worldview Leadership Institute believe that the Bible, when properly taught, transforms both people and their cultures. Our mission is to fulfill both the Cultural Mandate and the Great Commission given by Jesus. We believe these two commands are complimentary. We are to both share the Gospel and then to disciple the new converts according to the biblical principles of the Christian faith. In doing so we expand the Kingdom of God by changing the lives of people who now live under the lordship of Christ and the laws God gave us in the Bible.

The Cultural Mandate

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1: 28

The Great Commission

"All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Mathew 28: 16

Our Goals

What we hope to accomplish:

Our goal is to help provide Christians and their organizations throughout the world with the training and educational tools needed to equip their people with a holistic biblical worldview. This includes the biblical principles needed for both personal and cultural transformation. The internet and social media make it possible to share these ideas globally at little cost. We can provide educational materials and conferences that can be customized to the needs of your organization.

Until Jesus returns, we are the hands by which He extends His kingdom here on the earth. Our goal is to play a part in equipping the saints for their God-given callings and ministries in this life. Please feel free to use the information on this site to help further both your missionary and discipleship efforts.

We encourage your participation and feedback. Your articles, help with our web site development, content contributions and feedback are welcomed. Financial help is welcomed as well if God leads you to give.

You may refer to our contact information posted below if you want to contact us.

Worldview Leadership Institute

thefalcon1@yahoo.com