In an era where leadership is often measured by visibility, personal branding, and influence, Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Bank, Paul Houghton offers a countercultural perspective shaped by faith, accountability, and service.
Houghton, who has led the Christian bank since 2020, believes leadership carries a unique spiritual risk.
“There are two really dangerous things to be as a Christian,” he says. “One is being rich, and the other is being in a leadership role. Pride takes over very quickly.”
With over two decades of experience across financial and professional services, Horton currently oversees one of the UK’s few fully regulated Christian banks, serving churches and Christian ministries nationwide. Yet, he is quick to reject narratives of legacy building or self importance.
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Born into a Christian home, Horton describes his faith becoming personal at the age of 13 during a Christian summer camp.
“That was when I truly understood what Jesus did on the cross and what that meant for me personally. I realised I was a forgiven sinner, and that changed everything.”
His faith deepened further during a formative year spent working in the Philippines before university, a season that stripped away familiarity and forced daily dependence on God.
“It taught me to rely on Scripture and prayer in a way I never had before. That discipline stayed with me.”
Houghton’s professional journey took him through chartered accountancy training, major consulting firms, and senior management roles. However, he insists his rise to CEO was neither planned nor pursued as an ambition.
“The role landed on my desk. I honestly thought, ‘I’d love to do that, but I’m probably not the right person.’”
That posture, he believes, is essential for Christian leaders.
“Leadership is not about climbing ladders or building a personal legacy. It’s about pointing people to Jesus.”
Referencing James 4, Horton stresses the danger of self driven ambition.
“We can make plans, but we are just a mist. Any boasting in our own schemes is dangerous.”
One of Houghton’s most sobering observations comes from his exposure to church governance through Kingdom Bank’s work.
He recounts a case where a church staff member admitted she felt unable to question a pastor’s financial decisions.
“The moment someone says, ‘I couldn’t ask that question,’ you know there’s a problem.”
Within weeks of independent scrutiny, financial misconduct was uncovered and the pastor stepped down.
“If leaders are beyond challenge, the organisation or church is in serious danger.”
At Kingdom Bank, Horton says cultural health is treated as a strategic priority.
“As leaders, we must create environments where difficult questions can be asked, especially of those at the top.”
Unlike traditional banks, Kingdom Bank focuses primarily on providing mortgages to churches, enabling them to purchase buildings for worship, community outreach, and ministry.
“When individuals place savings with us, they know their money is directly supporting the work of the gospel.”
The bank does not currently offer personal current accounts, a decision Horton describes as both strategic and missional.
“The cost and fraud risk of current accounts would divert resources away from serving churches. Our priority is stewardship.”
Church current accounts, however, remain a future possibility as the bank upgrades its systems.
On his first week as CEO, Houghton addressed staff using Philippians 2, emphasising Christ’s example of humility.
“Jesus didn’t serve us despite being God. He served us because He is God. That’s what God is like.”
For Houghton, leadership is measured not by title but by posture.
“Whether you’re the chief executive or the person who cleans the office, you are equally valuable.”
While Houghton describes his work at Kingdom Bank as energising, he acknowledges deep personal trials over the past decade, particularly watching close Christian friends face devastating circumstances.
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“Those are the moments when you cry out to God and ask, ‘Why?’”
In such seasons, Houghton says the discipline of returning to Scripture sustains him.
“Even when it’s the last thing you feel like doing, God’s Word keeps you going. That’s how He sustains us, by His Spirit through His Word.”
Encouraged by what he describes as a quiet revival among young people, Houghton also issues a warning.
“Social media is one of the biggest threats to spiritual growth today, comparison, distraction, identity confusion.”
The answer, he says, is rediscovering identity in Christ.
“My worth isn’t in my platform or performance. God looks at me and sees His Son’s righteousness. That truth changes everything.”
For Houghton, leadership is not about influence, visibility, or success, but faithfulness.
“The only truly important person is the Lord Jesus Christ. The rest of us are simply called to serve, wherever He places us.”
