KINGDOM VISION 1
Cultural Context: Kingdom Vision
Mauricio G Guerra
School of Divinity, Liberty University
KINGDOM VISION 2
Kingdom Vision
To lead people in a cross-cultural environment is not easy to accomplish as cultures,
beliefs, and history are always unique. However, the purpose, motive, vision, and mission are the
same for Kingdom Vision. This oneness in people with different cultural practices but love for
God must bring living hope to “inspire people who come from two or more cultural traditions…”
(Lingenfelter, 2008, p. 30). To lead in a diverse cultural environment, the servant leader must
study, understand, and respect different cultures, beliefs, and history. The servant-leader must
invite the servant to embrace the Kingdom's Vision by teaching God's Word through the power
of the Holy Spirit.
Kingdom vision starts with the understanding of how essential Scripture is to be able to
lead in a multicultural environment. Scripture gives the leader instructions and a road map that
leads to a victorious outcome. Psalm 119:105 (NKJV): Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path. Keeping in mind that God's Kingdom comprises multiple cultures and customs,
the servant leader must know that every decision must align with God's purpose and will. As one
leads in the twenty-first-century world, one must ensure that God's Word is the guide, the 'GPS.'
Putting God's Word as the light to one's feet gives the assurance that the servant leader will be
able to "maneuver with the twists and turns of a multidimensional world." (Livermore, 2015, p.
24) Scripture gives the servant leader tools and guidance on leading in a multicultural
environment where the goal is to serve the Kingdom of God. Paul gives Timothy great advice
according to Scripture. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear but
power, love, and a sound mind. It is this sound mind, this clarity of the mind, that gives the
servant leader a clear view of the steps that must be taken to lead his life, his family's life, and
the lives of many people from multiple backgrounds that give the wisdom to lead through the
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“shifting landscape of global leadership” (Livermore, 2015, p. 24) and be able to find the most
“effective and invigoration, and fulfilling” (24). outcome.
It is important to remember that every servant leader comes with his or her own God
story. No matter what race, social background, or gender people come from, the reality is that
when it comes to Kingdom Vision, what matters is what God's Word says about it. Philippians
2:2 (NKJV) fulfills my joy by being like-minded. As Anderson and Cabellon (2010) write in
their book Multicultural Ministry Handbook: We are Connecting Creatively to a Diverse World,
this like-minded attitude takes real commitment. They say the servant leader must "be called and
committed deep within to multicultural ministry." (Anderson & Cabellon, 2010, p. 8). As the
servant leader works with servants from different backgrounds to build up and strengthen the
Kingdom's Vision to serve people, a few blocks must be in place, says Anderson & Cabellon
(2010). (1) personal commitment to multicultural ministry. (2) have a clear vision. (3) intentional
pursuit of multicultural ministry, and (4) have a unified philosophy of multicultural ministry.
(Anderson & Cabellon, 2010, p. 8).
As the servant leader grasps the importance of the commitment required to ensure that
Kingdom Vision is building up the multicultural ministry, every bibliographical tool to continue
the growth will be transparent and available to everyone involved in the vision that God has
given. Belias (2014) writes in the journal The Impact of Leadership and Change Management
Strategy on Organizational Culture that to significantly impact as many people in different
cultures as possible and bind them together with one goal, every servant leader must understand
the tools at their disposal. Belias (2014) argues that by being aware of the different cultural
views and using the tools given, "the whole ministry can fulfill the calling at hand.
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In writing Making Disciples Across Cultures, Davids claims that building the Kingdom
Vision involves building the body of Christ in unity and diversity. "Every culture on earth, small
or large, has within it that which reflects the image of God." (Davids, 2015, p. 126). In
Colossians 3:10 (NKJV), one reads that in Christ, one has put on the new man who is renewed in
knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. According to Scripture and Davis,
Building the Kingdom Vision is about the servant leader contextualizing the Gospel, evaluating
cultural patterns that will represent the image of God, and bringing out the best in everyone
involved in expanding the Kingdom Vision. “It is clear that when churches work together, they
can change the face of society.” (Davids, 2015, p. 126).
Dempsey (2015) argues that because Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, He is
the supreme leader, and every servant leader leading in any capacity must be a follower of the
supreme leader. We lead people to Jesus for salvation and encourage them to stay connected to
Him so He can lead them. (Dempsey, 2025). Living and serving in the image of God, building
the Kingdom vision has to do with being personal and intentional in the way the servant leader
connects people across cultural differences and teaches them to follow Jesus by serving God and
spreading the Good News in every family, community, and across the whole city. Dempsey
(2015) gives the servant leader an excellent guide to see that the Kingdom's vision has a clear
perspective. "None of it is yours" (church, offerings, gifts, buildings, people, vision) Luke 17:10
(NKJV) So likewise you when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say,
'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do." It all belongs to the King
of kings, Lord of lords. All the servant leader does for the Kingdom Vision is serve and be
grateful. Dempsey (2015). Then, the servant leader must do everything within biblical principles;
"the way up the ladder is down," claims Dempsey (2015). Phil. 2:2 (NKJV), being in one love
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and humble as the servant leader moves onto building a solid foundation, he will always know
that it is about the Kingdom of God and is not like any kingdom of man. Thirdly, Dempsey
(2025) encourages the leader servant to ensure he does everything for the Kingdom's Vision
through Godly practices. The servant leader is connecting people from multiple cultural
backgrounds to Jesus Christ. The leader/servant preaches the Gospel, caring for every believer.
Dempsey (2025) continues to encourage every servant leader to build solid relationships with
one another. Families, groups, and the whole body of Christ are connected. This indicates that
Kingdom Vision has to do with building up the family, groups from different cultures that make
up the whole body of Christ.
Building a solid body of Christ requires much work and guidance from God's Holy Spirit.
Kingdom Vision is about truth, and one major work of God's Holy Spirit in every servant leader
leading people from multicultural backgrounds is to lead him into everything true. John 16:13
(NKJV) However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He
will not speak on His authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things
to come. Sharing the Good News is one truthful statement that everyone leading any group of
people of multiple cultures and different stories must be prepared to teach and lead by example.
Gruder (2025) instructs every servant leader to be truthful and honest in the way that he will
encourage others to embrace the vision, mission, and purpose to present the truth found in the
Good News. To find a way to drive the Good News through different cultures can only be done
by God's Holy Spirit speaking and leading through every servant believer. Matthew 10:20
(NKJV) For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Gruder
argues that one of Kingdom Vision's greatest calling is for the servant leader to advance the
Gospel. A call to share Jesus Christ in every culture and every heart. “It is part of the mandate of
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Jesus Christ to Christians and to the Christian Church that all He said and stood for shall be taken
seriously and, not least, the observance of the mission.” (Gruder, 2015, p.52).
The Holy Spirit empowers every servant leader to serve everyone by giving them enough
wisdom and knowledge 1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the
Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit. God has given His Holy Spirit
to every servant leader God has called on to lead in any multicultural environment so that the
Kingdom Vision can move forward, growing in every area. Irving & Strauss (2019), writing their
Leadership in Christian Perspective, argue that every leader must have wisdom and knowledge
that leads to authentic transformation in those called to serve in Kingdom Vision. The emphasis,
according to Irving & Strauss (2019), is that the priority of servant leaders is to focus on
followers and lead them into an "authentic and purposeful character" (Irving & Strauss, 2019, p.
24). The Holy Spirit keeps the servant leader accountable for his or her actions by bringing
conviction of what is good and wrong. The desires of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5)
give the servant leader wisdom and knowledge to be careful and truthful in how the followers are
taught. Irving & Strauss (2029) argue that as the Holy Spirit holds the servant leader accountable
for his actions, the servant leader must also ensure that those being taught must also be held
accountable for their actions if the Kingdom Vision is to protect and care for. Irving & Strauss
(2029) warn the servant leader to be focused on “serving and empowering others and make
difficult decisions and hold followers accountable.” (Irving & Strauss, 2019, p. 182).
Kingdom Vision grows healthy and strong when the servant leaders are truthful and
focused on valuing and developing solid relationships even through cultural differences and
historical backgrounds. How the servant leader communicates the vision, mission, and purpose
has much to do with the task's success. "Communication is essential for Christian leaders, who
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are responsible for motivating followers and carrying forward the mission of their organization."
(Irving & Strauss, 2019, p. 160). Kingdom Vision will only work if communication is clearly
expressed. The Holy Spirit has given every servant leader clarity of mind (2 Tim. 1:7) to speak
clearly and to lead every servant effectively.
Communication is what drives the Kingdom Vision forward. If the servant leader is to
drive forward what he has been called to do, he must understand that to communicate effectively;
he must be committed to the vision, mission, and purpose. Ishola (2019) argues in the Journal A
Lesson for Effective Leadership in Church and Secular Organizations that if the servant leader is
to be effective in the task, he must be dedicated and willing to accept and share different ideas.
This takes good communication skills so that everything is clear on everyone's part; as different
ideas are being shared, the ultimate goal is to build up the Kingdom's Vision. Ishola Wojuola
(2019) encourages believers to lead good stewards and others in the right direction.
As the Holy Spirit guides every servant leader to discern what needs to be done to be the
most influential work for the Kingdom Vision, the servant leader must lead with integrity. Jones
(2018) argues that many non-Christian leaders are successful because of the integrity with which
they do business. Scripture says that the believer must honor his words. Matthew 5:37 (NKJV)
But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil
one. Kingdom Vision is blessed when servant leaders work with integrity, even if uncomfortable
with any situation. Jones claims that Kingdom Vision will be "blessed with many great leaders
worth studying, but none greater than Jesus Christ.” (Jones, 2018, p. 19). Indeed, one can study
great Christian and non-Christian leaders throughout history, as there are teachings and great
examples of success with integrity. However, only by studying and imitating Jesus Christ can the
servant leader truly comprehend and serve others with integrity.
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Being different than anyone else is a genuine mark of a great leader. Keller (2021) clearly
distinguishes between secular and Kingdom Vision leaders. As the leader moves the Kingdom's
Vision forward, he must ensure that every follower from multiple cultural backgrounds is
allowed to become an essential part of the Kingdom's Vision—one way of ensuring that
endeavor is by ensuring that the leadership modes come from a Biblical worldview. Mark 10:45
(NKJV) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a
ransom for many. Keller (2021) argues that there is a significant distinction between Christian
leaders and everyone else, "Christian leaders are not leaders who happen to serve. No, Christian
leaders are servants who happen to lead." Keller (2021). Kingdom Vision is not of this world. In
this world, the leader does not serve; he is served. In Kingdom Vision, it is the leader who serves
others for the benefit of others. Jesus said, "You know that those considered rulers over the
Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. However, it shall
not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant."
Mark 10:42-44 (NKJV). That is a significant difference between Leadership and the secular
worldview on Leadership.
Kingdom Vision involves as many different people as possible. Different cultures,
different histories, different ways of doing things. Everyone is finding common ground to
overcome human differences and unite spiritually to build up the Kingdom. Koo (2019) argues
that Kingdom Vision can be better understood by clearly understanding what God is having the
servant leader accomplish. Indeed, one clear understanding is to lead in a multicultural
environment. Koo says there is a need to "emphasize the effectiveness and need for sharing the
message to different races or ethnic backgrounds." (Koo, 2019, p. 183). Here, the Holy Spirit
does His work of empowering the servant leader to give authority to share the Gospel in a
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manner that will be effective and bring about changes in people's hearts, no matter what cultural
background people may come from. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) But you shall receive power when the
Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth. If one is to go even to the end of the earth, one must be
empowered to share the Good News with people from different cultural backgrounds and
histories. Kingdom Vision accomplishes much when the "church intentionally provides multiple
points of entry" (Koo, 2019, p. 184). As long as the Holy Spirit leads the way, every point of
entry will bring about change in people's lives and the peace of God into every heart.
As the servant leader fulfills his calling for Kingdom Vision, he deals with cultural
diversity, not so much away from his homeland but in his local community, which is most likely
made up of many people worldwide. The servant leader shapes the Kingdom's Vision to
accommodate everyone wanting to participate in the movement. This shaping of the church has
to do with a "sharp rise in the numbers of world Christians now means that the image of
Christian is no longer a white middle-class college graduate but rather a less affluent non-
European man living in Lagos or rural Brazil." (Kwiyani, 2020, p. 31) Here, in San Diego, CA,
at this writer's local church, that diversity can be seen in real-time. South Koreans share their
food with a Mexican person. An African is sharing pictures of his family back home with a man
from England, and a Chinese man is giving his testimony to a mixed-race youth group. Kwiyani
says, "In every city, there will be a congregation from another cultural background" (Kwiyani,
2020, p. 33).
One major problem that the Kingdom Vision has to deal with is that the church is
struggling with its decline in attendance. If the servant leader is not leading to empower and
include people from different backgrounds, some changes must be made. Leach (2021) argues
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that this problem must be dealt with, starting with working with the youth and children. Leach
reminds the reader that the difference between one's parents and the new generation must not be
ignored, and emphasis on Kingdom Vision must be placed on the new generation. Leach (2021)
encourages the servant leader to instruct the new generation in the ways of the Lord and to
remind the youth that the Kingdom Vision is more than a cultural belief. It is a calling to serve
God. Leach encourages everyone to know that they have been “chosen to give the world a
preview of God’s perfect kingdom.” (Leach, 2021, p. 61). Suppose the servant leader is to lead in
a multicultural environment. In that case, he must make sure that the gap between cultures and
generations is filled with the understanding that, as kingdom citizens, we live under the reign and
rule of King Jesus. Our unity in Christ is much stronger than our cultural differences.
Jesus' final instructions were for His followers to go and share the good news
everywhere, to share the good news with everyone (Matt 28:19-20). In other words, to turn the
whole world upside down with the words of hope, love, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation.
This is what Kingdom Vision is about. Jesus called His disciples to do as they had seen Jesus do.
Unity was critical to the success of the Kingdom vision, and this unity was to be achieved then
and is to be achieved today by collaboration. McNeal (2018) gives some sound practices that are
destined to teach every servant leader to change the world upside down by “finding ways to shift
cultural differences and turn them into something positive for the mission at hand.” (McNeal,
2018, p.63). One of the practices that McNeal encourages the servant leader to do is to look
beyond what the ministry's limits may be. Learn from "artists, cultural architects, pioneers, look
at your strengths, talents, personality, and passion that can expand and enrich your leadership
narrative." McNeal, 2018, p. 63). As one learns from many outlets that can help build up the
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Kingdom Vision, one must also understand that this is not a one-person show. It takes everyone
embracing and working on the task at hand.
Individualism has no room in the process of building the Kingdom's Vision. The Holy
Spirit will give an individual a gift not to keep for himself but to build up the whole body of
Christ. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NKJV) Speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him
who is the head-Christ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint
supplies, according to the effectual working by which every part does its share, causes growth of
the body for the edifying of itself in love. Plueddemann (2009) argues that as long as every
servant leader leads from a “biblical principle" (Plueddemann, 2009, p. 63), there will be no
room for individuality, and the "leader will love and care for those they lead." (63).
Roberts (2021) argues that being a humble servant in the Kingdom Vision will provide
better opportunities to advance the mission. Robert claims that Jesus calls on every leader in any
multicultural environment to serve from a humble position, not a position where he can look
down on others. (Roberts, 2021)
Treat (2019) reminds every servant leader that God's Kingdom Vision involves every
aspect of life. It has to do with family, work, and relationships with other people. It is a way of
life and all about Jesus Christ. The ultimate goal is eternal life in the presence of God, but it also
has to do with what we do to help others come into the promise of salvation. Treat says that if
one's identity is rooted in Christ, then there will be a genuine relationship with others, and this
connection will bring "change and growth" (Treat, 2019, p. 151). Change and growth happen as
the servant leader lives his life for Christ. "In Christ you are pure, so live purely; in Christ you
are light, so let your light shine." (151).
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Kingdom Vision can only succeed if the servant leader has built a solid team. Winston
(2021) gives the servant leader a playbook that will help the servant navigate the difficulties in a
multicultural environment. Winston argues that if the servant leader is to lead the team
effectively, he must think differently than most people around him. The vision must be clear, and
it must be what makes the difference in everything everyone else is doing. "Leadership in any
sphere of influence begins with a vision. A vision is a snapshot of your future" (Winston, 2021,
p. 150). Kingdom Vision is more than what a servant's mind can comprehend. It is much more
than what can be seen in the now. God's plans to prosper His people come out of the Kingdom
Vision that God has entrusted every servant leader to go and share the good news through
Scripture and under the supervision of God’s Holy Spirit. Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) For My thoughts
are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. To lead in a diverse cultural
environment, the servant leader must study, understand, and respect different cultures, beliefs,
and history. The servant-leader must invite the servant to embrace the Kingdom's Vision by
teaching God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) For the word
of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
division of souls and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart.
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References
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Belias, D., Koustelios, A. (2014). The impact of Leadership and change management strategy on
Organizational culture. European Scientific Journal, 10(7). Retrieve from
http://www.academia.edu/download/33454414/2996-8812-1-PB(1).pdf
Davids, C. A. (2015). Making disciples across cultures: Missional principles for a diverse world.
InterVarsity Press.
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https://disciplemakingblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/10-principles-for-kingdom-
leadership/
Gruder, D. L. (2015). Called to witness: Doing missional theology. Eerdmans Publishing
Company.
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effective
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https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/how-lead-kingdom-god-part1/
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