Kris Vallotton • July 3, 2020

Why the Most Creative and Innovative Leaders in the World Aren’t Christians

THE MILL ION DOLLAR QUESTION

Have you ever wondered why the most creative, innovative, inventive, intelligent, and gifted leaders in the world often aren’t Christians? Think about it. Consider your own life for a moment. Are you leading with out of the box ideas and forging new pathways in the emphasis you’re called to? For some of you reading this, I’m confident that you are. But, the vast majority of Believers, on some level, are astutely aware that they are not tapping into their full potential . Many are haunted by t he s ense that there’s more , though they don’t know how to breakthrough or worse yet, they’re afraid to let go of what they innately know is not God’s portion.

The fact of the matter is modern-day Believers hold tightly to their theologies and can recite them with conviction, yet if you haven’t noticed, their noble principles fail to be fruitful. So the million-dollar question remains, if we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), if we are seated in heavenly places with an advantaged perspective (Ephesians 2:6) why aren’t Believers leading in every realm of society?

YOU ARE A “PROTOTYPE”

I propose one reason why Believers aren’t the visionaries and the catalysts they were designed to be is because religion has taken the place of revelation . All too often, the divine wisdom we get from God becomes imprisoned in our hearts, guarded by the spirit of religion and taunted by the fear of man. The triumphant call on us to rise and shine with ageless wisdom and supernatural power ultimately wastes away in the confines of mediocrity. This disconcerting demise has reduced those who are designed to be the most brilliant people on the planet to an echo rather than a voice.

Maybe you’ve forgotten 2 Corinthians 5:17 that says, “ Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come .” The word new here is the Greek word kainos , which can be translated as “ prototype” —something never before created. This means you are an original; a one of a kind! If that sounds like an overused cliche then you probably don’t get it. As Believers, we’ve been born-again...we have a new heart and a new mind. In fact, we have the mind of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:16). With that being said, it’s paramount that as Believers we begin to press into the reality of our theology !

YOU HAVE PERMISSION

Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do “ far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think .” This is why we should be eager to develop a life in the Spirit, as it gives us access to God’s heart, ways, and thoughts. Even with everything going on in the world around us, God is giving you permission to dream bigger, in fact, it’s uncertain times like these that our gifts should be leading us in unprecedented ways. It’s time for Believers to start thinking like God instead of thinking about God. It’s time for us to be the cultural architects, the imagineers and visionaries of our time.

In closing, I want to leave you with two immediate actions that help you to lead the way in your sphere of influence:

Develop a culture that allows you to think. The Hebrews writer in chapter 6 verse 1 said, “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God...” Believers need to create cultures that allow the exploration of God’s ideas! Let me be clear, I’m not talking about coming up new theologies or getting more mystical. I’m simply saying that God has equipped us to access real solutions that solve the problems of nations, we just need to mature into His way of thinking and we need one another to grow with.
Embrace the tension. We must understand that creativity, innovation, and invention is in God’s nature. This means creative thinking and art of solution making is in our DNA. Yet, standing on the precipice of ideation comes a great tension. This pressure causes some to retreat and others to fall, but I want you to know that you were made uniquely to look fear in the face and tell it to stand down. Don’t forget, the Spirit of the Living God lives in you. You were designed to carry the creativity of God’s thoughts and ways. You are a supernatural solutionary!

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As Mother’s Day approached, I knew there was no one better to speak into the heart of motherhood than my wife, Kathy. Her life has been a living picture of grace, sacrifice, and Spirit-led strength. I believe her words will bless you the way her life has blessed me. Kris - Today, I want to honor the incredible women who wear the title of “Mother” with grace, strength, and unwavering love. A mother is a guiding light. She illuminates our paths with wisdom and warmth. She is the gentle hand that nurtures us in our earliest days, the fierce protector who stands by us through life’s storms, and the unwavering supporter of our dreams. Many times, Mom, our sacrifices go unnoticed. We juggle countless responsibilities, often putting our own needs aside to ensure the happiness and well-being of our family. That’s just what Moms do! My joy has always come from serving others. What some people call exhausting, I call invigorating! Even when my kids were young, I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had, comforting one of my babies because, ‘only Mommy will do.’ Love wins every time! But love has stolen my heart over and over again. In the good times and in the bad, Jesus has always been by my side, my solid rock and my firm foundation. He has been there beside you too! That big “S” that you wear on your chest didn't happen by accident. The bible says that He will never leave me or forsake me. During all of my laughter and through my many tears, He has always guided me in every situation. So when you feel weak, remember He is right by your side. When you don't think that you can move another muscle, He is your biggest cheerleader. When you get into a spot where life feels like more than you can handle, take a look at what the Lord says about you! You are Tenacious. Your perseverance is remarkable. As a Mom, you consistently push through obstacles with unwavering commitment to your goals. You are Courageous. Mom’s often take bold steps, stand up to what they think is just, even when faced with opposition or adversity. You can do this! You are Radiant. The love of Jesus shines brightly to all those who you come in contact with, inspiring positivity and hope. You are Unstoppable. Mom, once you set your sights on a goal, you exhibit an unwavering drive to help your children pursue their dreams and desires. You are Fierce. With a spirit that is unyielding, as a Mom, you will protect your family at all costs. You are Inspiring. Moms believe in their kids. We believe that all things are possible with God and encourage our families to go where no child has ever gone before! Mom, you are the architects of our character, teaching us values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. With every hug, every word of encouragement, you instill in us the confidence to pursue our passions and overcome obstacles. Your laughter brings joy to our lives, while your tears remind us of the depth of your love. As a mom myself, I celebrate not just the role you play but the remarkable individuals you are. You are the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, and the source of unconditional love. Each moment shared, each lesson taught, and every story told weaves an unbreakable bond that shapes who we are. To all mothers, whether near or far, biological or chosen, your impact is profound and everlasting. Today, we celebrate you, not just for the love you give, but for the incredible people you are. Happy Mother’s Day! Kathy Vallotton

Character and Gifting: Favor with God and Favor with Man

By Kris Vallotton • March 5, 2025

Have you ever felt called to a spiritual role but struggled to find your place in it? Perhaps you've experienced a divine moment where God revealed a prophetic gift in your life, yet you found yourself wondering why others don't seem to recognize or acknowledge it. This tension between divine calling and human recognition can be one of the most challenging aspects of walking in prophetic ministry. I've spoken with countless individuals who believe God has called them to be prophets, yet they feel frustrated when church leadership doesn't immediately recognize their office. They often share powerful testimonies of divine encounters or prophetic words that confirmed their calling. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered: authentic spiritual authority requires both divine appointment and human recognition. Scripture shows us that even Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). This powerful verse reveals an important principle – spiritual authority flourishes at the intersection of Heaven's approval and earthly recognition. The Bible offers us profound wisdom about this journey of walking out our prophetic calling. Let's explore three essential principles that can help you navigate this path with grace and wisdom. 1. Understand the Process Between Anointing and Appointment King David's story provides one of the most powerful examples of the gap between divine calling and public recognition. When Samuel anointed David as king, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully – yet David didn't actually become king for fourteen years! During that time, he served faithfully, developed his character, and waited for God's timing. The journey between your prophetic calling and your public commissioning is not an accident – it's divine design. This season of preparation builds the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity needed to carry the weight of prophetic authority. Just as David was anointed three times – once by God through Samuel and twice by the people – your prophetic gift may require multiple confirmations. Remember that if you have favor with God but not yet with leadership, pushing for recognition prematurely can lead to painful experiences. As Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, " A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. " Allow your gift to create the space for your ministry rather than trying to force open doors that aren't ready to receive you. 2. Avoid Self-Promotion and Political Maneuvering It’s important to realize that even though your gift is what gets you into the room, your character is the thing that keeps you there. There's a stark warning in Scripture about gaining influence through manipulation rather than divine timing. Absalom, David's son, shows us the danger of winning people's hearts through flattery, false promises, and undermining leadership. He created a following by positioning himself as more accessible and understanding than the established authority. In today's social media age, the temptation toward self-promotion has never been stronger. We can easily build platforms that elevate our image above our character. But true prophetic authority doesn't come through marketing yourself as an expert – it comes through humble service, consistent character, and divine timing. James 4:6 reminds us that " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " When we push for recognition prematurely or through manipulation, we may gain a position but miss the protection that comes with proper promotion. Like Joseph, who shared his prophetic dreams prematurely with his brothers, our lack of wisdom can create a much more difficult path to our destiny than God intended. 3. Embrace the Preparation Process The weight of the prophetic office is both invisible and substantial. I've witnessed many genuinely called individuals crumble under the pressure of premature promotion. The apostle Paul wisely instructed that leaders " should first be tested and then let them serve " (1 Timothy 3:10), and warned against laying hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22). True preparation for prophetic ministry involves more than just having accurate prophetic words. It requires developing spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and emotional health. If you sense a prophetic calling on your life, embrace the preparation process with patience and humility. Serve faithfully where you are. Allow trusted leaders to speak into your life and development. Study the Scriptures diligently. And remember that the process between the promise and the palace is not just necessary – it's a gift that prepares you to succeed when your time comes. My prayer for you is that you would find peace in God's timing for your prophetic journey. May you grow in both favor with God and with people, allowing the Lord to develop in you the character needed to carry His voice with integrity. Let me be clear- the path to your prophetic purpose isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about becoming the person who can faithfully steward the authority that comes with it.

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