Mission: Making Kingdom Builders
Living by faith transforms financial blessings into eternal treasures
“Going down a Spirit-led path is never easy, but it’s always right, always good, and always an adventure.”
I paraphrased this from someone influential early in my Christian walk. Even though I thought I understood its meaning then, it resonates more deeply now.
Living by faith isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s not easy, either. We often start strong, full of hope and trust, but it’s tempting to take control and take the easier way out when things inevitably get tough. When someone chooses to stay the course—to truly live by faith—it’s inspiring. Watching that kind of uncommon discipline creates stories that stick with you, challenging and encouraging you to strive for the same.
This ties closely to one of three core mindsets we must adopt when we frame a Biblical view of money: God owns it all. If we truly believe that God owns everything, it should transform the way we spend and save. For example, instead of setting aside money for the latest iPhone release, you might redirect those funds to support your church’s India campaign to build dormitories for girls rescued from trafficking or homelessness. Instead of spending weeks at the family beach house this summer, you might offer it to a family down the street who is going through a rough patch with life.
Our priorities naturally change when our perspective on money shifts to align with an eternal, Biblical view. What once seemed like essential goals fades into the background, and what truly matters comes into sharp focus. In that shift, we become Kingdom Builders.
Alan and Katherine own a civil engineering and heavy equipment company. Early on, they wrestled with whether to take on the business Alan’s father had started but struggled to maintain as he grew older. Ultimately, they chose to step in, but only with a clear Kingdom mindset: God owns the business, they set a personal financial finish line, and they established accountability by openly sharing their perspective with their employees.
Under their leadership, the company flourished, generating over $400 million annually. Because of the intentional decision they made early on, they gifted 99% of the business ownership to a trust managed through a Christian foundation. Today, the Alan and Katherine collaborate with the foundation to use the company's ongoing success to fund Kingdom-focused causes and projects for generations to come.
“God is not impressed with the commas and the zeros…People are impressed. We’re not giving away anything that God hasn’t given us.” -Alan B
A second core mindset we must embrace is this: Contentment is a choice. Worldly success is neither guaranteed nor should it be our goal. The apostle Paul, who once enjoyed success by Roman standards, willingly gave it up to pursue Kingdom work. In his letter to the people of Philippi, he wrote: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
Renee is a doctor who came from a humble background. As she advanced from medical school to residency, then fellowship, and eventually to becoming a full-time OB/GYN, her lifestyle grew alongside her income. Yet, despite her increasing comforts, she found herself unfulfilled. In response, Renee made a deliberate choice to live for Christ, who impressed upon her this calling: “Work like a doctor, but live like a nurse.” Today, she lives on just a quarter of her annual income, dedicating the rest to furthering God’s work.
“I feel like that hole that I had three or four years ago, that I wondered, what is it and how do I get it filled, has been filled to overflowing.” -Renee L
The last core mindset we must embrace when adopting a Biblical view of money is this: We must train up the next generation. While this certainly includes our children and grandchildren, it extends beyond them. The next generation refers to anyone within our sphere of influence who is earlier in their faith or spiritual journey, regardless of their age. This could be a coworker, your boss, or the person at your table in your church Bible study. Our role is to mentor, teach, and walk alongside them, encouraging and challenging them to grow in their understanding of stewardship and their calling as Kingdom Builders.
Pete owned a thriving manufacturing business in Kansas and believed he was already a good steward by faithfully tithing 10% of his income. In his mind, his primary responsibility was to maximize revenue so he could maximize that 10% giving. However, through weekly meetings with a group of successful CEOs in his area, Pete was mentored and challenged to broaden his perspective. Today, Pete has defined an "enough" line for himself and is using the resources entrusted to him to uniquely make a Kingdom impact. He established a business ministry within the Kansas prison system by locating one of his manufacturing plants inside the prison walls. There, inmates learn valuable vocational skills, earn a generous income, and receive mentorship on stewardship and generosity. Many choose to give to charities connected to the very issues tied to the crimes that led to their incarceration, creating a cycle of redemption and purpose.
“Thanks to a couple of older mentors that came alongside me, and really guided me along, they opened my eyes up to this whole concept of stewardship.” -Pete O
These testimonies inspire me. Their stories inspire me to grow as a Kingdom Builder, and to lead my clients to be Kingdom Builders.
2024 has been a year of refining my vision for Reach One Teach One Financial, and 2025 will be a year of putting that vision into action. With the launch of our new website, you’ll see that Reach One Teach One Financial stands apart from other financial advisory firms. We are a wealth advisory firm dedicated to making Kingdom Builders. Our success isn’t measured by the assets under our management but by the number of clients whose perspectives shift toward eternal purposes, the amount our clients give to Kingdom causes, and the number of lives touched by His glory.