By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
…Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble ~Matthew 6: 31-33 NKJV
This week, we conclude our series on the characteristics of a kingdom-driven business. Over the past two weeks, we’ve established that a kingdom business is not defined by mere jargon, but by practical application. Simply put, it’s not enough for a business’s CEO or founder to be a born-again believer. A kingdom business goes beyond that. Let’s examine the final set of characteristics that mark out a kingdom business.
- A kingdom business nurtures a giving culture
“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 10:43-45 NKJV)
Culture, often described as an ensemble of unspoken norms and unwritten guidelines for collaborative work, mirrors a company’s personality. It encompasses the collective beliefs, values, underlying assumptions, experiences, and practices of its members. Culture possesses the profound ability to shape the work environment, interpersonal dynamics, processes, and overall outcomes of an organization.
In the realm of kingdom businesses, the Acton School observes: “A fundamental shift occurs in the relationship between management and workers, as leaders of the company aspire to be servant-leaders. Recognizing that all individuals stand on level ground at the foot of the cross, leaders acknowledge the equality of all. Consequently, the experience of working in a kingdom business should distinguish itself from that of other enterprises.”
In the context of kingdom businesses, employees are to be regarded as unique children of God, guided towards their fullest potential, nurtured through both prosperity and adversity, communicated to with respect, and mentored in their spiritual journeys. However, a challenge often arises in striking a balance between fostering a spiritually enriching environment and ensuring optimal performance.
The essence of cultivating a Christ-centered culture is epitomized by a leader who exemplifies genuine servant-leadership. The terms “servant” and “leader” hold equal significance and are intrinsically linked; one can seamlessly embody both roles.
Central to the concept of servant leadership is the aim to equip God’s people for acts of service, thereby contributing to the edification of the body of Christ.
A servant leader refrains from flaunting their authority, instead investing in the lives of employees through radical discipleship, encouraging them to mirror the character of Christ. Servant-leaders epitomize service, demonstrating kindness and patience while motivating and empowering others, devoid of coercion or abuse of power. Relationships founded on mutual respect are paramount, void of manipulation or misuse of authority. A nurturing environment is fostered, characterized by warmth, love and purpose.
A pivotal question surfaces within this realm: Are you cultivating a culture that breathes life, where employees feel esteemed, responsible, empowered, and emboldened to pursue their divine calling? As a kingdom business, your culture should echo the essence of Christ-like servitude, shaping an atmosphere where the principles of love, humility, and selflessness flourish, thereby nurturing a culture of giving that transcends mere profits, and ushers in a realm of enduring impact and purpose.
A holistic standard for kingdom business beyond giving
It is imperative to emphasize that mere giving should not serve as the sole criterion for defining a kingdom business. Erroneously, some individuals assume that their substantial financial contributions to local churches and missions automatically confer kingdom business status upon them. This notion is misleading. While giving undoubtedly plays a role, it is just one facet within a spectrum of indicators that signify a successful kingdom business.
It is vital to recognize that the identity of a kingdom business extends far beyond monetary contributions. An entrepreneur who lives in disregard of ethical principles and boasts solely about their giving is engaging in self-deception. As earlier established, the establishment of a kingdom business does not primarily revolve around funding missions; rather, the kingdom business itself is an embodiment of the mission. If giving alone were the exclusive determinant of a kingdom business, enterprises led by figures like Bill Gates and Oprah would fall into the same category.
A kingdom business encompasses attributes that transcend monetary generosity. Its identity is woven from a tapestry of characteristics that embody the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.
These attributes encompass ethical leadership, servant-hearted management, adherence to biblical principles, provision for family, transformational impact on society, and a steadfast commitment to the Great Commission. A true kingdom business reflects a holistic paradigm that harmonizes faith, purpose, and societal impact, extending far beyond financial contributions alone.
- A kingdom business must be rooted in your divine calling
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” EPHESIANS 4:1 NKJV
A kingdom business is not a venture embarked upon haphazardly; rather, it must align with the divine calling bestowed upon you by the Creator. The establishment of this business should be affirmed by God Himself, evoking your unwavering confidence that it resonates with His purpose for your life. Discerning this alignment can be facilitated by gauging the compatibility of the business with your inherent talents and gifts.
The insights presented in the book ‘Entrepreneurial Leadership’, authored by Rick Goossen and Paul Stevens, offer valuable guidance in this regard. They present a series of pivotal questions that, if answered affirmatively, can indicate that you are on the right path:
- Do you possess an intense and absorbing passion for the work?
- Does time seem to fade away when engaged in this pursuit?
- Do you feel a profound sense of vitality and purpose while immersed in this work?
- Are your innate gifts and talents congruent with the requisites for success in this venture?
- Has God’s call directed you towards a particular form of service, accompanied by the necessary endowments?
- Can you seamlessly align your personal aptitudes with the demands of this endeavor?
- Have you experienced tangible fruitfulness and efficacy in this field?
- Do you perceive doors of opportunity effortlessly swinging open as you engage in this labor?
- Do you sense the unmistakable favor of God upon this pursuit, or do you continually encounter barriers and hindrances?
- Have others affirmed your suitability for this undertaking?
- Is there a consistent consensus that you possess the requisite skills and aptitude for this realm of work?
Indeed, a kingdom business is intricately woven into the fabric of your divine calling. Its success hinges upon its harmonious alignment with your inherent gifts, God’s guiding hand, and the tangible evidence of fruitfulness and favor as you fulfill the purpose that the Creator has uniquely designed for your life.
- A kingdom business: a reflection of God’s character
He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the [c]out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high – HEBREWS 1:3 AMPC
The embodiment of God’s character is an essential hallmark of a kingdom business. As a kingdom entrepreneur, it is imperative that not only your individual actions but also the collective identity of your enterprise exude the very essence of God’s character. This alignment should flow organically from your personal and vital connection with Jesus Christ.
However, the path of upholding God’s character may encounter challenges and ethical quandaries, particularly in complex circumstances. In such instances, when dilemmas arise and the way forward appears uncertain, it becomes vital to possess a framework that aids in evaluating decisions that demand difficult trade-offs.
An exemplary framework for ethical decision-making, known as “Holiness-Justice-Love,” was formulated by Alexander Hill in his work “Just Business.” This framework contends that God’s character is multifaceted and is underscored by three foundational principles.
At times, the emphasis is on holiness, preserving an unwavering stance against sin. In other instances, the focus pivots to justice, ensuring that wrongs are redressed and equity is upheld. Still, on other occasions, the spotlight shines on love, centering on compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
Navigating decision-making in business often necessitates the harmonious integration of these three dimensions of God’s character. For instance, consider a scenario where an employee has committed theft from your company.
Upon confrontation, the employee reveals that the theft was motivated by his mother’s dire health condition and an inability to afford necessary treatment. How does one respond? Is immediate termination to emphasize justice warranted? Is a condemnation of the wrongdoing, stressing holiness, the appropriate course? Or should forgiveness, underscored by love, take precedence?
Frequently, no singular option adequately addresses the complexities of the situation. A holistic response might entail a delicate blend of empathy, love, accountability for transgressions, and an unwavering commitment to righteousness. Perhaps, as one perspective suggests, the employee could face consequences for the theft while concurrently experiencing an outpouring of compassion. This might involve termination alongside a personal gesture of financial support for the employee’s ailing mother, thereby conveying love and empathy.
Whatever course of action is chosen, the litmus test remains the evaluation of decisions within the nexus of holiness, justice, and love—these three foundational facets of God’s character. As a kingdom entrepreneur, your business stands as a living embodiment of God’s attributes, reflecting the delicate interplay of holiness, justice, and love in every aspect of its existence.
- A kingdom business demonstrates wise stewardship of resources
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” MATTHEW 16:25
Exemplifying godly stewardship is an essential hallmark for any kingdom entrepreneur. The crux of this characteristic lies in the concept of stewardship. Acknowledging that God is the ultimate owner of all things, including your business and its assets, forms the foundation of this principle. Nonetheless, God entrusts His children with the responsibility of managing His resources for His divine purposes.
This begs the question: Who truly assumes the role of the senior partner in your business? Is it you, or is it God? Whose guidance determines the allocation of your company’s resources? Does your Chief Financial Officer hold sway, or does God? Embracing the reality that God is the ultimate owner and we are mere stewards prompts a transformation in how we allocate, invest, and distribute resources.
Stanley Tam, a true exemplar of a kingdom business entrepreneur, serves as a poignant illustration of this principle. Through his venture, US Plastic Corporation, Tam faced initial setbacks and failures. However, in a pivotal moment, he committed his business to God, promising to surrender its success in return for divine intervention. As his business flourished under God’s guidance, Tam dedicated a substantial portion of its shares to a non-profit focused on global evangelization.
This narrative underscores the profound impact of stewardship under God’s guidance. Tam’s obedience led to astonishing outcomes, with his company’s shares becoming a conduit for expansive missionary work across 142 countries. Ultimately, the non-profit received full ownership of the company, resulting in US$140 million being channeled into spreading the word of God.
The lesson is clear: By recognizing God as the senior partner, profound transformations unfold. It prompts a shift in perspective where the refrain “My business belongs to God” resonates daily. As a kingdom entrepreneur, wise stewardship becomes an integral practice, reflecting God’s ownership, influencing resource allocation, and magnifying the potential for extraordinary outcomes that reverberate far beyond the confines of business.
- The business must produce measurable fruit
Elisha said to her, What shall I do for you? Tell me, what have you [of sale value] in the house? She said, Your handmaid has nothing in the house except a jar of oil. 2 KINGS 4:2 AMPC
Again, a kingdom business must not only produce products and services. It must also produce measurable fruit. According to Acton Business School, “We deal in a world with real needs; real problems like poverty, diseases, insecurity and other vulnerabilities, all which need real solutions, both economic and social. And a real God who shows up in a miraculous and measurable way.”
As a kingdom entrepreneur, you’re committed to a higher level of accountability and a more rigorous definition of success beyond just profit. This includes being a blessing to the community in which you work. This is particularly important! But how will you be a blessing? How will you measure the impact you are making to ensure it is growing? There are so many needs in the world. It is easy to get overwhelmed figuring out how your business should make a difference in your community.
So, instead of starting with needs, it is better to start with assets. In 2 Kings, we read the story of Elisha who was confronted by a woman who told him her husband had died and left behind many debts. The creditors were coming to take her boys as slaves in payment for the debts. She begged Elisha to help her. He responded by saying, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” She said, “I have nothing at all, except a jar of olive oil.” Elisha commanded her to collect empty jars and start filling them with the oil in her jar.
She filled jar after jar, but the oil never stopped flowing till she had filled all the borrowed jars, and then the oil ceased. She then paid her debts and was able to live off the profit. Notice how Elisha started his quest to help this woman – he first discovered her assets: “What do you have in your house?” Her response was that she didn’t have anything… except for a small jar of olive oil.
This is common when we are trying to bless a community. At first, they may not believe they have assets or they may believe what they do have is basically worthless. But just as it was with the woman’s jar of oil, even small assets can be built into strong assets to help meet needs.
Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett wrote a book titled When Helping Hurts. They say that starting a needs assessment by asking about needs is like starting a relationship by asking “What is wrong with you?” Instead, we should start with the question “What gifts do you have?” This re-affirms the person’s dignity as a child of God. Once assets have been identified, then it is ok to ask about needs. Use your business as a vehicle for community improvement.
The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself (Proverbs 11:24 NKJV). View your work as a means, not an end. When we help others, we feel fulfilled and accomplished. When you leverage your business to improve the community around you, you wake up every day and appreciate what you have accomplished for the community. As King Solomon said, our work is meaningless unless it is to do good (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13).
Let’s use our success to be socially responsible and we will live much more meaningful lives. Finally, you should think about the skills, gifts, or resources your business has that can help the person or community build upon their assets in meeting their needs. Remember that your intervention should be aligned with the community’s vision for their future; make sure you understand the vision before getting involved. The most important thing is that your commitment to producing fruit is prioritized, strategically planned, resourced, and measured just like any other area of your business.
- A kingdom business empowers individuals to maximize their potential
It goes against the principles of Christianity for an entrepreneur to consistently hinder the progress of their employees. Similarly, it is unrighteous for a business to resort to manipulative tactics in order to stifle the potential and talents of its workforce. Such practices are incongruent with the essence of a true kingdom business.
A genuine kingdom business places the well-being of its employees at the forefront and actively seeks innovative ways to unleash their full potential. This involves nurturing an environment that aids employees in identifying, cultivating, and fully capitalizing on their inherent capabilities. In the context of a kingdom business, the employer regards each interaction with an employee as an opportunity to equip, train, uplift, and empower them to reach their utmost potential.
The hallmark of a kingdom business lies precisely in its commitment to fostering an atmosphere where individuals are nurtured, challenged, and ultimately released to excel in their capabilities. It is through this intentional empowerment that a business transforms into a true kingdom enterprise, valuing its employees not merely as assets but as individuals with limitless potential to contribute and thrive.
- A kingdom business honors customers with dignity
In the realm of business, customers play an indispensable role. For a kingdom business, recognizing this significance is paramount. It places the customer’s interests at the forefront, embodying a deep-seated respect for their well-being.
In the practice of a kingdom business, every customer is treated with the highest degree of honor and dignity. The approach transcends mere profit-making, reflecting a genuine concern for the customer’s welfare. This perspective underscores the genuine commitment of a kingdom business to the holistic well-being of its customers, ensuring that their experience is not only transactional but also marked by genuine care and consideration.
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach, and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
