How Walmart’s Architect Invests Kingdom Currency (w/ Raymond Harris)
On this episode of the Christian Business Leader Podcast, we’re joined by architect, executive movie/music producer, and Kingdom philanthropist Raymond Harris.
Raymond Harris joins host Darren Shearer to share how biblical values can shape business in lasting and practical ways. As founder of one of the largest architectural firms in the country, Raymond reflects on building a company culture centered on generosity, gratitude, and love while serving clients and communities across the globe.
In this conversation, Raymond talks about his early desire to enter ministry and how he came to see his profession as a mission field. He explains how studying Scripture guided his leadership style, how small acts of kindness built trust, and how choosing generosity during a legal dispute led to unexpected blessings. When a project issue resulted in a lawsuit, Raymond volunteered to help cover damages even without being at fault. That decision stunned attorneys and clients alike and led to new work and a better reputation.
He introduces the concept of kingdom currency, which he defines as turning wealth, skills, and influence into eternal impact. Profits from his business funded efforts like Christian films, healthcare in Africa, and job creation for women leaving exploitation. Raymond challenges leaders to use their resources not for comfort but to serve others and expand God’s kingdom.
He also explains how cultivating a culture based on biblical principles created a workplace where people thrived regardless of background. While he did not force faith on anyone, his leadership pointed to Christ through consistent care and integrity. Raymond urges business leaders to live with purpose, steward influence well, and build legacies that matter forever.
Key Takeaways 💡
- Discovering Ministry in the Marketplace: Raymond Harris first believed ministry meant working in the church, but he came to see his architectural career as a calling. Over time, he recognized that business can be a powerful platform for serving people and honoring God.
- Building Culture Through Generosity and Gratitude: Raymond emphasized generous leadership by going beyond what was expected for employees, vendors, and clients. He also practiced gratitude regularly, knowing that appreciation creates loyalty and brings out the best in others.
- Choosing Love Over Fairness: Instead of treating everyone the same, Raymond chose to lead with love by doing what was best for each person. He offered flexibility and compassion where needed, even when others thought it seemed unfair.
- Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: When a building issue led to a lawsuit, Raymond chose humility and volunteered to pay part of the damages. That decision defused the conflict, impressed all parties, and led to new work and lower insurance premiums.
- Kingdom Currency as an Eternal Investment: Raymond coined the term “kingdom currency” to describe how people can convert money, time, and talents into eternal value. Giving to the poor, empowering others, and advancing the gospel are ways to build treasure that lasts.
- Multiplying Impact Through Business Ventures: Profits from Raymond’s firm helped launch initiatives like Christian films, medical clinics in Africa, and a jewelry company employing women rescued from trafficking. These ventures created new avenues for redemptive influence.
- A Culture That Reflects Christ: Though not everyone in the firm shared his beliefs, Raymond created a workplace where love, respect, and integrity guided everything. He openly expressed his faith while welcoming people from all backgrounds.
- Mentoring Leaders to Carry the Mission Forward: While he didn’t disciple every employee directly, Raymond poured into his business partners and led by example. He trusted that a culture shaped by biblical values would influence future leaders to do the same.
Christian Business Leader is the show for marketplace Christians seeking to explore and apply God’s will for business. If you want to learn more about how to do business for the glory of God and shape culture through discipling the business world, this show is for you.
BIG THANKS to this episode’s sponsor: High Bridge Books
High Bridge Books helps Christ-centered authors build a legacy by crafting and publishing messages and stories that glorify God in all spheres of culture.
- High Bridge Books’ professional book publishing package: https://www.highbridgebooks.com/publishing/
- High Bridge Books’ proofreading, line editing, developmental editing, and co-writing services: https://www.highbridgebooks.com/editing-and-proofreading/
- Examples of our books: https://www.highbridgebooks.com/bookstore/
We’re extremely proud that …
- 45% percent of our 204 books under contract were written by authors who have published more than one book with us, and
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Contact High Bridge Books’ CEO Darren Shearer at [email protected] to get a conversation going about your book!
