The Power of Kingdom-Minded Leadership
What happens when a leader views their city through the lens of God’s Kingdom? History shows us that extraordinary transformation follows. Cities flourish. Communities heal. Systems change. The impossible becomes possible.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, there’s a powerful word for the kind of leaders who make their surroundings flourish: tsaddiqim. Proverbs 11:10 tells us, “When the righteous (tsaddiqim) prosper, the city rejoices.” These aren’t just religious leaders—they’re men and women in every sector who lead with Kingdom values and vision.
Today, we’ll explore five contemporary examples of tsaddiqim—Kingdom-minded leaders whose faith-driven leadership has catalyzed remarkable transformation in their cities. Their stories demonstrate that when we integrate faith with action in our spheres of influence, entire communities can experience renewal.
1. Jervis DiCicco: Collaborative Kingdom Impact in Denver
When Jervis DiCicco joined Cities Project Global’s Leadership Circle in Denver, Colorado, he wasn’t looking to start a movement. He simply wanted to better integrate his faith with his professional life. What happened next surprised even him.
“The CPG program gave me the framework to really discover and explore my calling,” Jervis explains. “To integrate that calling into my work and life, and perhaps most importantly, empowered that calling through Christian collaboration. And not just with other Christians, but also with secular organizations, government, nonprofits.”
This collaborative approach exemplifies a key principle of Kingdom leadership: recognizing that God works through diverse channels, including both believers and non-believers. By partnering across traditional divides, Jervis helped catalyze initiatives addressing homelessness and educational inequality in Denver.
Research confirms the effectiveness of this approach. According to the Bridgespan Group, faith-based organizations deliver 40% of vital human services across six representative US cities. When Kingdom leaders like Jervis build bridges between faith communities and other stakeholders, the impact multiplies.
Key Insight: Kingdom leadership doesn’t mean working in isolation. Like the Divine Conductor orchestrating a symphony, God often brings together diverse players to create beautiful transformation.
2. Eduardo Almeida: Workplace Transformation in Brazil
In Pompeia, Brazil, Eduardo Almeida discovered that Kingdom leadership begins with a transformed understanding of work itself.
“For me, the Leadership Circle, Viewpoint, Vantage Point, answers these questions by teaching the biblical principles of work, broadening the view of the worker,” Eduardo shares. “There is a cooperation in relationships, and the mission given by the Great Maestro and Creative God.”
Eduardo’s leadership journey began with personal transformation but quickly expanded to city-wide impact. Today, he works with leaders across multiple cities and organizations, “promoting partnerships, training and appreciation of workers and their families.”
His approach aligns with research showing that 75% of business leaders believe discussions about religious beliefs make workers happier (Deseret News/HarrisX Poll, 2022). By creating environments where faith and work integrate naturally, Eduardo has helped transform not just individual workplaces but entire business communities.
Key Insight: Kingdom leadership transforms systems by first transforming individuals’ understanding of work as a sacred calling.
3. Olga Pombo Avongou: Leadership Development in Gabon
In Libreville, Gabon, Olga Pombo Avongou recognized that city transformation requires intentional leadership development. After participating in Leadership Circle, she began focusing on what she calls “the evangelization of our leaders.”
“Ever since I started with the Leadership Circle, there was a plus that I got which was the evangelization of our leaders, to bring the leaders to live the values of Christ, coach of coaches, but also to impact their lives in the professional, spiritual framework, personal development of this training,” Olga explains.
By investing in leaders across sectors, Olga has created a multiplier effect. Each transformed leader influences their own sphere, creating ripples of change throughout Libreville. Her approach demonstrates the power of discipleship in leadership development—not just teaching skills but nurturing character and Kingdom vision.
This aligns with the biblical model seen in how Moses discipled the Hebrew slaves to become the nation of Israel, addressing all domains of society: family, religion, education, economy, arts, government, and communication.
Key Insight: Kingdom leadership multiplies through intentional development of other leaders who carry Kingdom values into every sector.
4. Reda: Business Transformation in Cairo
In Cairo, Egypt, a Christian entrepreneur named Reda faced a breaking point. After 11 years running Cornerstone Company with Christian values, he found himself drowning in debt due to corrupt systems and unfair demands.
“I couldn’t sleep,” he recalls. “I sang ‘You are above all’ in church, but at work, I couldn’t see God anywhere.”
Ready to quit, Reda instead made a bold prayer: “If You want me to stay in business, You pay my debts.” What followed wasn’t just financial rescue but complete transformation. Within eight months, every debt was paid, and Reda realized God hadn’t just saved his business—He’d purchased it.
“From that moment, the marketplace wasn’t a burden to escape—it was a mission field to transform,” Reda explains.
Today, Reda leads the Lordship of Christ in Business (LCB) movement, which has spread across Egypt and beyond. By applying Kingdom principles of stewardship, integrity, and purpose, he’s helping transform the business culture of an entire region.
Key Insight: Kingdom leadership often emerges from crucible moments where faith is tested and proven in real-world challenges.
5. Daniel Castro: Perspective Shifting in Colombia
In Cartagena, Colombia, Daniel Castro discovered that Kingdom leadership begins with a transformed perspective.
“Leadership Circle is a great online program for the community. Without it, you could not do anything for the community,” Daniel explains. “It’s an opportunity for changing perspectives, and I am sure that this will bring a major change in the cities and in the transformation of the world.”
By helping leaders see their cities through God’s eyes, Daniel has catalyzed initiatives addressing poverty, education, and community development. His work demonstrates that city transformation often begins with perspective transformation—seeing possibilities where others see only problems.
This aligns with Cities Project Global’s three-step approach: Be Awakened (gain hope through a new perspective), Be Equipped (live an integrated life), and Be Unleashed (renew your environment).
Key Insight: Kingdom leadership starts with seeing differently—recognizing God’s vision for your city and your role in it.
Your City’s Transformation Begins with You
These five leaders come from different continents, cultures, and contexts. Yet they share a common thread: they recognized that God had positioned them as tsaddiqim—righteous leaders whose success would cause their cities to rejoice.
Research confirms the impact of such leadership. Faith-based organizations provide 58% of emergency shelter beds in 11 cities surveyed across the nation (Baylor University, 2017). Churches are recognized as “key anchors in underserved communities” with intimate knowledge of local needs (RAND Corporation).
But statistics only tell part of the story. The real power lies in individual leaders who embrace their calling to be salt and light in their spheres of influence.
As Vladimir Jikhar from Almaty, Kazakhstan, discovered through Leadership Circle: “Leadership Circle, for me, was what made me think about influence and how we can exercise this influence in society. Through participation in the Leadership Circle, I began to think about the needs of the city.”
Your city needs Kingdom-minded leaders—tsaddiqim who will help it flourish. The transformation of your community may begin with your own leadership journey.
Ready to become a Kingdom leader who transforms your city? Learn more about Cities Project Global’s Leadership Circle program and discover how you can start or join a Leadership Circle in your community. Visit citiesprojectglobal.com today.
Cities Project Global is an international organization dedicated to awakening individuals to their God-given purpose. Through our Leadership Circle program, we equip Christian leaders to live out their design and support renewal in their companies and communities.