Kingdom At Work
[The information in this blog post is from a keynote address titled “Kingdom People and the Gates of Influence” by Julian Richards, senior pastor and founder of Cornerstone Church in Swansea, Wales.]
Consider the words of Jesus to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15) Peter’s answer reminds us that everything begins with revelation. Not knowledge we’ve learned, but truth revealed by Holy Spirit. Peter’s declaration, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Matt. 16:16) wasn’t intellectual; it was divine insight. And Jesus’ response reveals something profound: His Church is built on the foundation of this revelation (Matt. 16:18).
The Church as a Force of Influence
Jesus said He would build His Church and that the gates of Hades would not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). These “gates” are not distant or abstract. They represent real influences, authorities, and powers in our world today that are not necessarily good or bad. They can include business, education, government, media, healthcare, and more. These are the areas where we shape culture, impact lives, and exercise power.
And here’s the truth: God has called Kingdom people to those places.
God never menat for Kingdom people to remain within walls of a church. He sends us into every sphere of influence to bring the reality of Heaven to earth. Not through force, but through the transforming power of the Kingdom of God. And no power can prevail against the Church (the Ecclesia, God’s called-out ones).
Revealing Jesus: The Core Mission
At the heart of our calling is one simple yet powerful mission: To reveal Jesus as King by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus is truly revealed — not just spoken about, but encountered — everything shifts. Culture changes. Hearts soften. Systems begin to align with God’s design.
How do we live this out practically? Here are four key ways we collaborate with God to reveal Jesus in our everyday lives:
1. Loving Unity
Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-23). This is not surface-level unity — it’s Trinitarian unity, meaning it mirrors the way God the Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit interact with each other.
It’s not just avoiding conflict or not gossiping about others (that’s just repentance). Unity is actively:
- Championing one another
- Promoting others above ourselves
- Celebrating the success of those around us
When we live this way, we reflect the very nature of God. And through that reflection, the world begins to see that Jesus truly is Who He says He is. Unity is not optional — it is powerful.
2. Serving Others
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) Service is not secondary; it is central. In the marketplace, this means redefining success. Business is not just about profit; it’s about people flourishing.
As Dallas Willard once said, “Business is a primary arrangement on God’s part for people to love and serve one another.”
When we operate with this mindset:
- Profit becomes a tool, not the goal
- People are valued, not used
- Communities are strengthened, not exploited
This is Kingdom impact.
3. Speaking Truth
Words matter. Jesus didn’t just live truth — He spoke it. And so must we.
In many workplaces, the culture pushes faith into silence. But the reality is, people are open to authentic sharing. Studies show that many who have had conversations about Jesus are willing, even eager, for more.
The question is: Who will create a culture where those conversations can happen? The answer is: Kingdom leaders. Not through force or awkwardness, but through wisdom, humility, and courage. Speaking truth in love — at the right time, in the right way — can open doors for transformation.
4. Demonstrating Power
The Kingdom of God is not just talk; it is power. (1 Cor. 4:20)
Jesus didn’t only teach. He healed, restored, performed miracles, and demonstrated the reality of Heaven breaking into earth. And He calls us to do the same.
This can feel uncomfortable. It stretches us. But throughout Scripture, Jesus consistently challenged His followers — not for lack of effort, but for lack of faith in the power available to them.
When we step out of our comfort zone by praying for healing, believing for breakthrough, and truly trusting God to do supernatural things, we create space for God to move. And when He does, it reveals Jesus in a way words alone cannot.
When It All Comes Together
These four elements — unity, service, words, and power — should not operate in isolation. They work together, like cylinders in an engine.
When they align, something remarkable happens:
- Jesus is revealed
- Influence increases
- Culture shifts
- Lives are transformed
This is not theory. It’s happening in communities where believers are living this out. Thousands are coming to faith, not primarily through Christian events or in churches, but through everyday moments in workplaces, homes, restaurants, coffee shops, and gyms.
Read Proverbs 31. Consider that it may be describing more than a Godly wife. What if it’s actually a beautiful allegory for God’s Church and how He designed it to interact with the world? Read it as if it describes the Church demonstrating noble character publicly and privately, working to provide for those around her, successfully running businesses that allow others to flourish, taking care of the less fortunate, and honoring her Head, Christ, by showing Him respect at the gates of influence.
A Call to Kingdom Leaders
This is your invitation.
Your calling is not just to lead a business, a team, or an organization. Your calling includes shaping culture; bringing Heaven’s reality into your sphere of influence; and seeing people set free, restored, and thriving. To live and lead with purpose.
The question is not if you have influence. The question is: how will you use your influence?
What would it look like for you to fully accept this calling of exercising Kingdom influence in the marketplace and every part of your life?
- Where is God inviting you to build unity?
- How can your work become a vehicle for service?
- What conversations is He prompting you to have?
- Where might He be calling you to step out in faith and power?
This is the Kingdom at work. And it starts with you.
Watch Julian’s keynote address here.
Become accountable to other Christian leaders by joining an Action Group here.