From Corporate Success to Kingdom Impact: Judi Bontreger's Journey of Faith-Driven Leadership

Judi Bontreger, a seasoned executive coach and founder of Judi Bontreger Coaching, has carved a unique path in the business world, driven by an unwavering commitment to her Christian faith. Her journey, marked by a deep desire to integrate spiritual values with professional excellence, offers a powerful testament to the transformative potential of faith-driven leadership.

Judi's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her coaching practice in 2020, following extensive training and nearly 100 hours of executive coaching classes. Starting with pro-bono and low-cost coaching, she quickly built a thriving business. Today, her focus has sharpened to building 'Kingdom Factor Peer Groups' – a visionary initiative aimed at connecting Christian business owners. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for leaders to openly discuss their faith, business challenges, and kingdom principles, fostering both spiritual and financial growth.

Integrating Christian Values in the Workplace

Having navigated both secular corporate environments and her current faith-focused venture, Judi possesses a unique perspective on integrating Christian values in the workplace. She recalls being the 'only professing Christian in the room' in past corporate roles, an experience that ignited her passion for supporting other Christian leaders. "I think what gives me such a passion for the Christian business leader in the room where sometimes it's not safe to talk about Christian values," she shares. Her approach in such settings was often subtle, relying on actions and values rather than overt words. "Oftentimes not even having to use words and people know that you are different and that you hold different values," she explains, emphasizing the importance of quiet conviction and respectful boundaries.

Judi's faith profoundly influences her decision-making and values, particularly in how she treats people. "It really makes a difference for me on how I treated people, how I elevated people instead of looking down on people, seeing them as also someone who needs love, needs respect and needs to be valued," she states. This core belief translates into approaching every interaction, even disagreements, with respect and a genuine desire to uplift others. She believes that carrying Christian values into the workplace naturally leads to speaking and acting differently, fostering a more compassionate and value-driven approach to clients and colleagues.

Multiplying Impact Through Family and Community

Beyond her professional endeavors, Judi's faith shapes her allocation of time, talent, and resources. Her primary investment is in her family, particularly in raising her four children to be 'ambassadors for Christ.' She views this as a powerful multiplication strategy for kingdom impact. "If you want to impact the world, get married, have a family and raise your kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord, because that is how you will impact the world," she advises. Her children, she believes, can '10x' her impact by understanding and influencing culture in ways she cannot. This multiplication mindset extends to her involvement in her local church, where she has served in leadership roles, and her dedicated volunteer work with middle school students, seeing them as 'little vessels' who can impact their own worlds for Jesus.

Judi's ultimate encouragement to others is to pursue God with 'no abandon.' "Just let all your guards down and really, really run after Jesus with everything, and don't be afraid to trust and give him everything, because he does supply all your needs," she passionately urges. She firmly believes that even when circumstances are unclear, God is working all things for the good of His kingdom. Her life is a living testament to the power of a fully surrendered faith, demonstrating how a deep relationship with Jesus can transform not only an individual's life but also their business, family, and community, creating a ripple effect of kingdom impact.