DIALOGUE 1
WHO IS A KINGDOM BUILDER?
Understand the foundational beliefs of a Kingdom Builder
Dialogue 1: Who is a Kingdom Builder?
Pull out the Scripture/Insight Card, Exodus 3:14 about Authority.
1. Submitting to authority can be hard for entrepreneurs. Why do you think that is?
GOD’S KINGDOM AUTHORITY
When God introduces His name to Moses as ‘I am,’ He is saying that He has always been and always will be the absolute ruler. He has final dominion and authority. His kingdom, unlike ours, will last forever.
God’s kingdom has been set up for us through kingdom principles, covenants, responsibilities, privileges, rights, rules, ethics, covering and authority. The primary precept, under which every Kingdom Builder operates, is the authority of God, the absolute master and ruler.
A Kingdom person rules by God’s rules. What follows is order, provision and goodness. We were created to submit to Yahweh.
2. What’s a specific example of how submitting to God’s ways in your business brought order and goodness?
DEFINITION OF A KINGDOM BUILDER
A Kingdom Builder is an enterprise leader who:
• Integrates Biblical principles into their marketplace decisions.
• Organizes resources and priorities to intentionally affect the Kingdom of God.
• Assumes a role in spreading God’s kingdom here on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. In your particular industry, is there a common practice that is opposite of Kingdom Builder principles?
GOD’S COMMISSION TO KINGDOM BUILDERS
Kingdom Builders are more than producers of products or services, more than a providers of profit. We are commissioned by heaven to rule over people and resources here on earth, and we choose to rule in a way that honors God.
There is a cry for Kingdom Builders in the marketplace. The world is hungry for trustworthy, courageous leaders. When you don’t step up to rule, less worthy leaders gladly fill the void.
4. What does it feel like to think of yourself as a “ruler,” in charge of your company’s direction, its resources, employees, and even employees’ families?
BURDENS AND OPPORTUNITIES
There is a heavy burden that comes with ownership, especially in our constantly changing marketplace. Our product or service might become obsolete tomorrow. We wonder, “Will I fail?” Sometimes we don’t even know if we can make payroll, so how can we give to God’s Kingdom?
With the uncertainty comes opportunity, to embrace new possibilities within economic shifts and to turn to God with our needs.
Changes in the marketplace are breeding prolific opportunities to solve problems and create new business. Technology is allowing us to have immediate global influence. Analytics are driving smarter behaviors and investments. And new niches are opening up for small businesses. The business landscape is offering softer ground for Kingdom Builders to influence the culture at large.
When men and women of faith begin to recognize their sacred responsibility to serve God’s purposes without reservation, they find not burden or fear, but:
• Deeper relevance
• Greater effectiveness
• Bigger vision, on a local, national, and global scale.
Pull out the Scripture/Insight Card, Jeremiah 29:11 about Control.
5. How does God influence our road to greatness?
NEHEMIAH
Nehemiah was one of the greatest Kingdom Builders ever. He turned from his comfortable job as cupbearer to the Persian King in order to follow his sacred responsibility. Nehemiah took on the rebuilding of Jerusalem after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. He restored, reformed, and refocused Israelite society.
First, though, he mourned for the broken-down city and the struggling few who remained there. Then, he fasted and prayed for the opportunity to rebuild.
The uncertainty of our success can often make us draw near to God.
Pull out the Scripture/Insight Card, Nehemiah 6:9 about Strength.
6. What part of Nehemiah’s decision-making sequence––Identify, Pray, Act––is hardest or easiest for you in your leadership decisions?
A KINGDOM BUILDER’S WORLDVIEW
Kingdom Builders place their hope in the promises and precepts of an all-powerful God, believing that:
• God can do immeasurably more than we can hope or imagine when we submit to Him as our King.
• His promises to us in the Scriptures are the secrets to our success.
• His ways are different from our ways.
• The Holy Spirit is the power that reveals God’s truths and transforms owners and faithful leaders. The Holy Spirit is the X factor.
