Kingdom Leadership at Work: Shifting from Personal Gain to Civic Impact

This blog is adapted from a session that Kris Vallotton presented at a previous Heaven in Business conference. To find out about this upcoming conference and secure your registration, see HeaveninBusiness.com/conference. To listen to the podcast go to Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/authentic-conversations-with-andy-janine-mason

In this lesson, Kris shared insights that can reshape how we view leadership, risk, wealth, and even failure. As entrepreneurs and leaders, we often think about success in terms of personal achievement or the success of our organization. But what if the skills we’re developing today are part of a bigger vision — one that’s meant to impact cities, and even nations?

Here’s a breakdown of Kris's thought-provoking ideas and how they can inspire each of us to redefine success, wealth, and influence.

1. Embrace a Culture of Risk and Learning

Creating something meaningful isn’t a straight line. Failure, as Vallotton explains, isn’t just expected; it’s part of the process. Many of us try to avoid risk to prevent mistakes, but great leaders build cultures where people feel safe to take risks, experiment, and even fail. Because ultimately, it’s in learning from these failures that lasting success emerges. So, let’s cultivate environments that don’t just allow mistakes but see them as necessary steps toward growth.

Takeaway: Build a culture of calculated risks, knowing that each setback brings the team closer to long-term success.

2. Empower Before They "Deserve" It

One of the most radical aspects of Jesus’ leadership was His belief in people long before they earned it. He entrusted Judas with the money box, knowing his flaws, and Peter became the head of the church after denying Christ. This mindset fosters an environment that nurtures growth and world-changing potential. People rise to expectations when they are believed in, which builds confidence and resilience.

Takeaway: Empower people early. Trust them with responsibilities, knowing that belief can unlock their highest potential.

3. Transforming a Poverty Mindset to Abundance

Kris Vallotton’s journey from a poverty mindset to a mentality of abundance reveals a common hurdle. Many of us struggle with the belief that wealth or prosperity conflicts with our spiritual beliefs. But he urges us to see wealth as a God-given resource — a tool that can be used for good. He stresses that while materialism is harmful, a mentality that rejects wealth can limit our ability to serve others on a large scale.

Takeaway: Reflect on any limiting beliefs around wealth and consider how they might be holding back your potential to impact others.

4. Plan for Success, Not Just Succession

“Success planning” means setting up a vision that extends beyond one person’s tenure. Often, founders are incredible risk-takers, but as businesses mature, they’re handed over to managers who prioritize stability. Vallotton challenges this handoff to a solely managerial mindset, as it can lead to a decline in innovation. Planning for success means instilling risk-tolerance, creativity, and an enduring vision.

Takeaway: Create a “success culture” that values innovation, allowing teams to carry the vision forward creatively and dynamically.

5. Building Wealth Ecosystems for Impact

The shift from working hard for wealth to creating systems that generate wealth on their own is pivotal. In the Parable of the Minas, Jesus recognizes the servant who grows an ecosystem of prosperity. Vallotton emphasizes that, like this servant, we should seek ways to create wealth systems that sustain and grow without constant oversight. This approach enables leaders to impact not just their organizations but their communities.

Takeaway: Move from “doing” to “building” wealth systems. Aim for sustainable impact rather than short-term wins.

6. Consider Your Civic Influence

What if the true purpose of business success is to prepare us for leadership in our communities? The Parable of the Minas teaches that those who manage resources well are entrusted with larger responsibilities. When we cultivate business models that benefit communities and create value, we become trusted stewards for larger, city-wide change. Vallotton suggests that true influence is earned by demonstrating fiscal responsibility and community focus.

Takeaway: Start seeing your business or leadership role as a stepping stone to broader community impact. How can you build an influence that serves others beyond your organization?

7. Recognize Your Role in Shaping Society

Many of us view our roles as limited to our industry or company. But Kris Vallotton argues that each of us, through faithful stewardship, can eventually be entrusted with larger responsibilities — like influencing cities or even nations. A “business as mission” mindset expands our focus from profit to legacy, positioning us to disciple communities and impact generations.

Takeaway: See your work as part of a larger purpose. Think about how your skills, insights, and vision could influence positive change in your community and beyond.

In Summary: Moving from Personal to Civic Impact

Success isn’t about reaching a comfortable level and staying there. It’s about setting up a culture that inspires risk, challenges poverty mindsets, and expands the vision from personal prosperity to community influence. Let’s consider our work not just as a means to an end but as training ground to lead cities, transform cultures, and disciple nations.

How will you move from individual success to civic impact? That might be the most powerful question we can ask ourselves as we grow in leadership and stewardship.

NEXT STEPS:

1. Find out more about Kris Vallotton and his resources on KrisVallotton.com

2. Register now for next years' annual conference. Note: John Bevere is our keynote speaker: Heaveninbusiness.com/conference