Image Bearers
Quite unintentionally, the name of our nonprofit—Kingdom Prayer Initiatives, or KPI—also happens to be a well-known principle in the business community. KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator.
I was reminded of that a few years ago when I sent out a year-end letter and received a response from a business-minded friend who said, “Wow, you have some great stats from the year—truly a KPI moment for KPI!” I remember being surprised and not fully understanding what he meant until I looked it up.
Over the years, I’ve felt the Lord gently ask me, “Do you know what My KPIs are?” It makes sense—if your boss has certain expectations, it’s wise to understand what those are. So, what are the “key performance indicators” as defined by God? What is He looking for? What does He truly want?
It certainly can’t be reduced to how many people we share the gospel with or how many events I’ve hosted, or how many people I’ve engaged—important and meaningful as those things are. In its simplest terms, God wants us. He wants you and me.
He created us as His image bearers, designed to enjoy the work of His hands and to reflect His nature in the world. The things God cares about most are the ones He made to be like Him. As Scripture says in Genesis 1:26, we were created in His image. Imaging God means being His representation on the earth. God wants an earthly family.
So, the question becomes: How am I doing with that? How am I doing at imaging God in my everyday life? How am I doing in the “family business”?
Being made in God's image means beings about the Father's business
While there are measurable things from this past year that reflect what Kingdom Prayer Initiatives has initiated, supported, and encouraged, the truest measuring tape is still me—how much of God am I imaging in each moment of life? The same is true for you.
I’m so appreciative of the ministry freedom Northstar provides me. It allows KPI to function in healthy, sustainable, and life-giving ways.
Here are a few snapshots from the past year:
900 people participating in Prophetic Prayer & Communion (PPC) events
60 people serving regularly on PPC evenings, representing over a dozen churches
50 people equipped in Basic Prayer Training
45 people serving regularly on Sunday prayer teams
19 students graduated the School of Kingdom Ministry in 2025
An impactful international ministry trip to Albania
Meaningful ministry with the national staff of Refuge for Women
Serving as a spiritual emphasis communicator in local high schools and junior schools in 2025
Continued interest in my book By the Fire and the opportunities it brings
Countless pastoral care and prayer ministry appointments
The future looks adventurous, filled with different twists and turns. Here are some ways I’m praying:
Caring well for Jen
Caring for our family
Caring for my parents
Wisdom as Makayla matures through high school—navigating culture, faith, and soon, driving (!)
Godly spouses and hopeful futures for Abbey, Aidan, and Makayla, and favor and blessing for Ian & Allie
Clarity and attentiveness for any next assignments the Lord may have
As you can see, much of my future focus has a strong family emphasis. This feels very much in step with what the Lord is emphasizing in me right now. Being made in God’s image means being about the Father’s business. I hear Him say, “I’ve wanted you in the ‘family business’ from the very beginning.”
Join me in asking God to refine His key performance indicators in us this coming year.
Blessings,
Rusty
Prophetic Prayer & Communion
Stay tuned!
We pray for all of you to experience the love of family & friends, and the nearness of the Lord this holiday season!