Using Influence for Kingdom Impact

I teach a Business Career Preparation course that I designed for business students at a Christian college once a year in the fall—a course where I blend professional strategic planning (the very process I use with some of my Executive Coaching clients) with faith-driven insights. In class, I share a model of competencies that I believe are strong predictors of success in the workplace. One of these competencies is empathy—but not in the way the world usually defines it. I teach empathy as a form of influence.

I remember the first time I introduced this concept. I was surprised to see an almost allergic reaction from some students. Many immediately equated using empathy as a tool for influence with manipulation. I always bring the conversation back to a simple question: “What is your heart in these interactions of influence with empathy?” After all, being influential matters. And mastering that influence in a way that reflects our ultimate role model—Jesus—is a pursuit worth every effort. So, let’s unpack this idea of influence for Kingdom impact together in this week’s installment.

Every day, whether you're in a boardroom or chatting over coffee, you have a unique opportunity to shape the world for God's Kingdom. As Christians, we often wrestle with a subtle tension: the call to humble service, as modeled by Christ, versus the modern expectation to be bold, assertive, and even aggressive in our influence. And yet, it’s right in that tension that Kingdom impact is born. It challenges us to rethink what true influence means and to redefine leadership in a way that honors both our faith and the demands of our professional lives.

Understanding the Tension

At the heart of our struggle is this question: How can we lead with both humility and a powerful, transformative influence? Biblical humility calls us to serve selflessly—to prioritize others and trust in God’s strength rather than our own. This isn’t about shirking responsibility; it’s about letting love, integrity, and a deep commitment to the Kingdom drive our actions. Meanwhile, modern workplace culture often equates leadership with assertiveness, rapid decision-making, and a commanding presence. Navigating these contrasting expectations can sometimes feel like you’re being pulled in two very different directions.

But what if we saw this apparent contradiction as an opportunity? What if that humility—which at times might seem like a weakness—is really the foundation for a more authentic, resilient, and impactful form of leadership? When we root our influence in the love and truth of the Gospel, we can cut through the noise and make a lasting difference—in our workplaces and beyond.

Redefining Influence for Kingdom Impact

Think about Jesus. He perfectly balanced servant leadership with a powerful, unwavering conviction. His approach wasn’t about dominating or coercing, even though His strength and boldness sometimes appeared aggressive to onlookers. Jesus influenced by serving—listening deeply, loving unconditionally, and always putting the community’s needs first. Even when He was firm and demanding, it was all driven by His commitment to love and serve. His leadership teaches us that influence isn’t a badge of power; it’s a tool for uplifting and empowering others.

Today, more leaders are embracing this balanced perspective. They understand that true Kingdom impact isn’t achieved by bulldozing through challenges with sheer force but by combining a gentle, guiding spirit with the resolve to act decisively when necessary. By mentoring and inspiring others with empathy, honesty, and generosity, we can transform our workplaces into communities where every person has the chance to grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully. In this way, our influence echoes the eternal values of God’s Kingdom—each act of service, every word of encouragement, and every moment of genuine care stands as a testament to the love of Christ.

Practical Strategies for Using Your Influence for Kingdom Impact

If you’re wondering how to bring this vision into your professional life, here are a few practical strategies that have worked for me:

• Lead with a Servant Heart: Begin each day with a clear intention to serve those around you. Look for opportunities—big or small—to offer support, share credit, or simply listen to someone’s concerns. These acts create ripples that extend far beyond the office walls.
• Communicate with Integrity and Empathy: Effective leadership is built on honest, clear, and empathetic communication. Express your ideas with clarity, invite feedback, and genuinely listen. Let your words reflect the values you hold dear—truth, respect, and kindness. Remember, empathy isn’t the same as sympathy; it’s a powerful tool for connection and influence. You can be empathetically influential and still achieve big goals.
• Build Authentic Relationships: Real influence is grounded in trust. Take the time to form genuine connections with your peers and teams. Ask about their lives, understand their challenges, and celebrate their successes. These relationships not only enrich your work environment but also create a network that fosters both personal and professional growth.
• Anchor Your Actions in Prayer and Reflection: In the midst of a busy day, it’s easy to lose sight of your higher purpose. Carve out moments for prayer, reflection, or a brief devotional reading. I often find that praying out loud helps me work through challenges and return to situations better prepared and more thoughtful and influential. These practices remind me that my true strength and guidance come from God.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Kingdom impact is a journey of constant growth. Stay open to feedback, seek mentorship, and learn from both your successes and challenges. Every experience is a chance to refine your approach and more closely align with the servant-hearted leadership that Jesus exemplified. Influence can sometimes be as simple as learning something new.

Embracing the Journey Amid Challenges

Let’s be honest—this path isn’t always easy. There will be moments when the demands of your role feels overwhelming, and the pressure to conform to traditional leadership models tempts you to simply dictate instead of inspire. In those moments, remember that every challenge is a chance to grow. Balancing humility and influence isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an invitation to lean on God more deeply and let His love shine through even the toughest circumstances.

Conclusion: Your Influence Matters

Using your influence for Kingdom impact means more than just professional success—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy that reflects the transformative power of Christ. Every decision, every interaction, is an opportunity to manifest God’s love in tangible ways. I encourage you to take deliberate, heartfelt steps to integrate your faith into every aspect of your professional life. Let your influence serve as a beacon of hope and redemption—a light guiding others toward a more compassionate, just, and loving world.

Remember, your influence is a divine tool. When wielded with humility, integrity, and unwavering faith, it can spark change that reaches far beyond your office, making a Kingdom impact that endures for eternity.