How a More Active Approach to Faith Made Me a Better Leader

While it might be a stereotype, I believe there is some truth to the old adage that men aren’t as emotional as women. There are certainly outliers, but on the whole, I’d say it’s harder for us to get in touch with our emotions, and most of us don’t give it much effort. This disconnect with emotion has a tendency to run over into the faith arena too, or at least it does for me. Don’t get me wrong there are times when I do feel that emotional connection to God, but that comes and goes.

Does that mean my faith is broken?

I used to think so. I used to wonder why it was easier for my wife. I looked around the church and saw that women were doing so many of the jobs that traditionally men have done, and I wondered why? The answer was pretty obvious. Women had taken over because there were no men willing to do the job. They saw a need, and they filled it, in obedience to God, but where were all the men? The only ones I saw serving in the church were those dragged to do so by their wives. What happened to our faith fellas?

Then, it dawned on me…

The traditional modes of worship, prayer, and reflection are catered to women. When every worship song drones on about God as a lover or as a best friend, I think it’s hard for a lot of men to relate to that. We don’t particularly want to worship a lover. It’s much easier to draw inspiration and admiration from a God that is strong, takes action, and rules with authority. I think men have checked out because we have stopped teaching about the aspects of God that are powerful, resourceful, and awe-inspiring.

The truth is though, that God is now, and always was, a God of action. That aspect of him is most strongly reflected in the man, and that’s the aspect we need to tap into to feel connected to our Father. This revelation changed the way I approach my faith. I now approach it with action!

Let’s face it men need to be needed…

I know it might seem selfish, but sometimes we need to provide or have a purpose. I have seen countless men struggling with their faith grow exponentially by simply getting involved and finding a purpose. Those men volunteered to be ushers, church security, help with sound, help with church maintenance, or help organize church league sports teams. I’ve seen men grow in confidence by leading a bible study group. The list goes on and on…

I personally have found that my faith grows way more when I am involved in some sort of active engagement. Local and international mission trips have been a big part of faith-in-action for me. I’ve been blessed to lead crisis teams into war-torn Ukraine to relocate refugees, work with orphans in Haiti and Ethiopia, and teach English in Nepal. Using what I learned in the field to teach missions courses in my church further solidified my faith. It was through serving others that I truly first experienced the presence of God. Somehow, I feel closer to him when feeding an orphan than during a typical worship session. My faith is most powerful in action. This simple shift in perspective not only deepened my relationship with the Lord but also transformed me into a better leader both in my home and at work.

Learning to take action in my faith made me an all-around better leader. That’s because effective leadership is not about commanding from the sidelines (football coach by professional here) but about rolling up your sleeves and leading by example. Here are a few ways in which embracing a more active approach to faith has made me a better leader, and how it can do the same for you:

Leading with Humility- Engaging in acts of service humbles the heart and reminds us of our shared humanity. By actively serving others, I’ve learned to lead with humility, recognizing that true leadership is not about exerting power but about uplifting others.

Building Stronger Relationships-Serving alongside others fosters deep bonds of camaraderie and mutual respect. Whether it’s working together on a community project or volunteering at a local shelter, these shared experiences strengthen the bonds within teams and families. This focus on relationships has made me a more effective leader both at home and in the workplace.

Inspiring Others-Actions speak louder than words. By living out my faith through acts of service, hopefully, I’ve inspired those around me to do the same. Whether it’s my family, colleagues, or friends, witnessing the impact of active faith has motivated others to step out of their comfort zones and make a difference in the world.

Problem-Solving with Creativity-Mission work often presents unforeseen challenges that require quick thinking and creative solutions. By embracing an active faith, I’ve learned to approach problems with new-found resourcefulness, a trait that’s invaluable in leadership roles.

Fostering Resilience-The journey of faith is not always smooth sailing. There are setbacks and obstacles along the way. However, by actively engaging with my faith, I have pushed through those ups and downs by staying involved. The relationships I’ve made on serving teams have acted as agents of accountability, reflection, and wisdom in hard times. I hope I have done the same for them.

How Can You Embark on Your Own Journey of Active Faith and Leadership?

Get Involved Locally-Look for opportunities to serve in your local community. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in a neighborhood clean-up, or joining a community service organization, there are countless ways to make a difference right in your own backyard.

Explore International Missions- Consider participating in short-term mission trips or supporting international organizations that are making a difference around the world. Engaging with different cultures and communities can broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of global issues. The more perspectives you understand, the better leader you become.

Invest in Relationships- Take the time to invest in meaningful relationships with those around you. Whether it’s spending quality time with your family, mentoring a coworker, or reaching out to someone in need, building strong relationships is key to effective leadership.

Lead by Example- Don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk. Let your actions speak volumes about your faith and values. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, generosity, or service, strive to be a living example of the principles you hold dear.

If you find yourself struggling Embracing a more active approach to faith has not only deepened my relationship with the Lord but has also transformed me into a better leader. By serving others, leading with humility, and hopefully inspiring those around me, I’ve learned what it is to be a leader: making a positive impact in the lives of others. So, roll up your sleeves, step out in faith, and watch as your actions transform not only your own life but the lives of those around you.

About Author

Ryan Davis

Ryan is a professional travel and relationship writer, originally out of Arkansas. Educated as a health and physical education teacher, he sold all his possessions, uprooted, and went on sabbatical in 2020 to go exploring! He's spent the last four years traveling the world, living and working in more than forty countries. At his side, is his wife of 19 years and fellow travel writer, Abby. Aside from being a sports fanatic and Jesus lover, he's uncle extraordinaire to 14 of the greatest creations on Earth. His passion is sharing cultural finds and encouraging men to experience a more fulfilling life by loving, serving, and understanding their partners better. Ryan is often published on Adventures From Scratch where he shares his relationship advice and family adventure tips, and on Let's Roam, where he details his travel experiences. You can find more from Ryan on he and his wife's YouTube Channel- LostAmongLocals.