A workflow engine for rendering instant workflow decisions includes a workflow designer, a web site interface, a database, checklists created by the workflow designer and associated with at least one workflow process, and a messaging system for brokering messages. The workflow engine uses checklists to evaluate workflow processes. Each checklist is associated with one workflow decision. The workflow checklist is an object-based representation of the sequential ordering of functions within the workflow engine. Administrative tools allow an end-user to modify workflow checklists and their associated parameters without recompiling or rebooting the system.