Leading with Grace

I Never Set Out to Write a Book on Leadership… I had an idea about two decades ago. While I was going through leadership training with the Coast Guard, it occurred to me that these leadership principles could probably be found in the Bible. So I started doing research and pairing scripture with leadership ideas and practices. I thought then that this would probably make a great book. And there the notes sat, in a spiral notebook, handwritten. The book was not written, not because I didn’t believe in leadership, but because, like many people, I assumed it was reserved for CEOs, pastors, politicians, or people with big platforms and bold personalities. But over the years, God showed me something different. He showed me that leadership isn’t about position, it’s about posture. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about being willing to ask the right questions. It’s not about being in charge, it’s about leading self. We live in a world overflowing with leadership books, motivational podcasts, and corporate strategies. But even with all this guidance, many leaders still feel spiritually dry, morally conflicted, or simply burnt out. Why? Because they’re missing the why behind the how. That’s where this book comes in. Leading with Grace isn’t just another leadership manual filled with checklists and techniques. It’s a guide to faith-driven leadership; the kind rooted in biblical truth, powered by the Holy Spirit, and modeled after the greatest Leader the world has ever known: Jesus Christ. This book is for the leader who's tired of faking it. For the pastor who feels overwhelmed. For the business executive who’s successful but spiritually stuck. For the team builder who wants more than just performance metrics. For the servant-hearted follower of Christ who believes leadership is a calling, not a career. This book was born out of a deep desire to help everyday believers—like you and me—lead with strength, integrity, and most of all, grace. The kind of grace that comes from knowing who you are, whose you are, and why you’re here. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be WILLING. Willing to examine your heart. Willing to grow in wisdom. Willing to let God shape you into the kind of leader others trust, respect, and follow; not because of your charisma, but because of your character. This book is part story, part study, and part toolbox. I’ll share biblical principles, personal insights, and practical strategies that have helped me, and others, lead better, live stronger, and serve deeper. My prayer is that something in these pages will meet you where you are, and take you where God wants to grow you. Whether you're leading a company, a church, a family, or just trying to lead yourself. You belong here. Let’s walk this leadership journey together—with grace. Chapter 1: The Call to Lead Rediscovering Leadership Through God’s Eyes Leadership is everywhere, from boardrooms to family rooms, pulpits to podcasts. Yet for many of us, the word "leader" still feels like it belongs to someone else. Maybe someone louder. Smarter. More confident. But what if leadership isn’t about personality or position at all? What if it’s about purpose, God’s purpose for your life? Whether you realize it or not, you are already leading. Someone is watching how you show up, listening to how you speak, and learning from your example. And that means leadership is less about having a title and more about living with intention. From the very beginning, God gave humanity dominion (Genesis 1:26). That word isn’t about domination—it’s about stewardship. It means you were made to influence the world around you in a way that reflects His heart. This chapter unpacks how leadership starts not with ambition, but with alignment. Alignment with God’s vision for who you are and what He’s called you to do. Where in your life are you already leading others, perhaps without even realizing it? Take a moment. Write it down. Pray about it. And ask God to show you how to lead with more grace, more courage, and more clarity. Want more? Continue reading Leading with Grace to uncover faith-filled strategies for navigating conflict, casting vision, developing others, and staying spiritually grounded—no matter where God has called you to lead.