God is expanding His Kingdom through His sons and daughters, who illuminate the glory of the Gospel in their workplaces and interactions with society. We were not made to glorify God- No, We are the glory of God in the earth. Matthew 5:14 says, that we are the light of the world. As illuminative sons and daughters, we serve as lights to the world, displaying God’s glory through our interactions and decisions. It’s crucial that we reveal God’s character through our conduct, reflecting His servanthood and selflessness. As ambassadors of heaven on earth, we carry the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven, infusing light and love into every sphere of influence.
This mindset reflects a fivefold ministry approach to our occupations. As ambassadors and children of light, we not only demonstrate God’s character in our decisions but also embody it from within. In the kingdom-minded, presence-driven marketplace environments, we operate as fivefold mercy messengers, tasked with revealing God’s character and nature to the world.
Being a leader that has a Five-Fold mindset in the Marketplace (Ephesians 4:11-16), it’s imperative not only to focus on our team’s current job performance and leadership development but also to nurture them with a Father-Heart of God Kingdom mindset. This approach involves not just guiding them in their present tasks but also relationally serving and empowering them to pursue their broader career goals. This aligns with God’s heart for His people, as He desires their highest good and the best for His sons and daughters. God is always giving of Himself, is other-centered and outward focus. He can’t keep Himself to Himself. His way of being is selfless service. This is our calling- to love and serve others from our heart. Not because it’s the right thing to do. Or, because it boost moral, or, its a great team building exercise and shows belonging and acceptance. All of those are true. We must lead and love from our heart. We must long to love and serve others because we truly, from our hearts love to see others win and fulfill their destinies and life purposes.
Creating an Environment of Empowerment (Philippians 2:3-4)
One key aspect of this process is creating an environment where our team feels free to dream big about their career aspirations. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to do nothing from selfish ambition but to count others more significant than ourselves, looking not only to our interests but also to the interests of others. By fostering an atmosphere of trust and support, we enable our team to envision their future paths with confidence. Even if that does not include me and my company. You can’t fake this. The people around us have a very sensitive “BS” meter. This can only come from the heart. You can cultivate this by asking questions and listening. You will know, and others will know you are listening when you can recite it back at a later time. This can only be cultivated over time, this cannot be done as an event. This must be done as a community culture and continued practice. Like at the beginning of the week, month. You set the stage and culture. You are the leader, you must lead the way in this.
Maybe you have a team member that dreams someday of being a sailboat racer, and he is building a sailboat in his garage. So as you greet him on the beginning of the week you might say,
“Hey Jim, How’d the weekend go? Did you get any of your boat built?”
“Yeah, I got a few things done, but had some family stuff come up.”
“Oh, yeah I get that for sure. Well what did you get done on the boat?
“I got the back hull, built and installed.”
You get my point. After you have discovered their dreams and asperations, check in and ask follow up questions that communicate your authentic interest in what excites them. This tells them you were listening and you care. This is displaying the heart of God that is in you. This is one of the many ways we can become the hands, feet and mouthpiece of God in the workplace. Even if – or dare I say, especially if it has nothing to do with tasks and our company.
Equipping for Success
As leaders, we are called to equip our team members for success in their careers. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that God has given various gifts to equip the saints for ministry, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and developing the talents of those under our care. By providing opportunities for growth and skill-building within their current roles, we prepare them for future success in line with their career aspirations. One of my long-term CEO partners has actually “fired” employees because it was the necessary boost they needed to move on and up in their carrier. They were given a 60 day notice and was able to get a job at another firm with higher pay and room for advancement. Over time this employee was able to broker a partnership deal that hugely impacted my friend. Sometimes we are too myopic and get in the way of God trying to release blessing and favor in our direction.
Some of us have employees that are on varying degrees of the Christian experience. Both saved, and pre-Christians. So I use the term “saints” loosely. Meaning, as we treat others the way Holy Spirit empowers us to- in their original designed purpose, most people will raise to the level of how others are treating them. Abba Father, interacts with us with our end in mind. An early spring flower that is in the process of blossoming is no less a flower than when it is in full bloom. We must interact with others with their full potential in mind. Full of grace, truth and wisdom- don’t be unwise in your leadership. We don’t give a 16 year old that just got their license a $500,000 Lambo. However, as time and relational equity permits and allows we give responsibly and delegated authority that builds moral and confidence in others. This is Mothering and Fathering in the marketplace.
Leading by Example
Leading with a Father-Heart of God Kingdom mindset means setting an example of servant leadership. Matthew 20:26-28 teaches us that true greatness comes from serving others, just as Jesus Himself came not to be served but to serve. By humbly serving our team members and prioritizing their growth and well-being, we reflect the heart of God and inspire them to do likewise.
What you will discover is that as you set this kind of culture, your team will follow suit. You will begin to see them interact in this selfless service toward others on the team as well as customers and clients.
Encouraging Growth and Development
In our leadership roles, we are called to encourage the growth and development of our team members. Colossians 3:23-24 exhorts us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from Him. By investing in the personal and professional development of our team members, we demonstrate our commitment to their success and well-being. It is important that we understand and shift our mindsets to believe in our hearts that our work is our worship to God, just as much as being at a church service singing and praising God, lifting our hands and enjoying melodious expressions of love for God.
Empowering Others to Soar
Finally, embracing a Father-Heart of God Kingdom mindset means empowering our team to pursue their career and or hobby goals, even if it means leaving our team. Luke 6:38 reminds us of the principle of giving, knowing that what we sow, we will reap in abundance. By selflessly serving our team members and helping them achieve their career aspirations, we create a culture of excellence selfless giving of our selves. The secondary benefit that we end up attracting top talent to our organization because word travels fast that your company and team creates opportunity to advance within the company as well as making space and opportunity to advance ones carrier outside of the company. People will be lining up to work for a company that does this.
In conclusion, as leaders, we are called, anointed and appointed to embrace a Father-Heart of God Kingdom mindset in our leadership roles, empowering and nurturing our team members to reach their full potential. By doing so, we not only honor God’s heart for His people but also contribute to the flourishing of individuals and organizations alike. Even if that means another company, team or individual. Give and it will be given.
Prayer:
This is one of the prayers I pray over my team and company. I encourage you to pray this prayer over yours.
Father, thank You for giving me this organization and team. You are the CEO and leader of this company, I am the chief servant and steward of this company. Holy Spirit today I ask that You will give me opportunities to encourage and strengthen this team, and send others into my interactions that will do the same for me. These precious, beloved ones of Yours that You have sent me and entrusted into my leadership- Lord empower me to lead them like You would. Jesus, anoint me today to be Your hands, feet and mouthpiece. Allow me to heal the wounds of past poor leadership and allow me to be a stepping stone for each one.
Father, You gave me this company to manage and steward. The process of how you desire to lead it is Yours. Lead me, guide me, and speak to me I’m listening. Today every customer, perspective client and this team of Yours is all Yours. Speak to me, speak through me and empower me to lead this Kingdom extending business how You desire. I’m Yours, this company is Yours, this team is Yours. In Jesus name, amen.
Now go extend the Kingdom with your business.
If you would like more information about CoReign and how we might be able to serve you and your Kingdom Marketplace Company, please visit: https://coreign.org/
Or, you can email me directly at: [email protected]
