Empowering Leaders in Faith: Lessons from the Navy, Corporate America, and the Pulpit
Serving as an enlisted sailor in the United States Navy for 14 years, later working at a Fortune 500 company for 24 years, and leading a church as a bi-vocational pastor for the past 22 years, I have come to understand and deeply value one enduring truth: effective leadership flourishes on structure but is sustained by character.
While the Navy and Corporate America provided me with reliable structure, systems, and processes, my calling as a Christian leader taught me that the greatest influence does not come from authority or rank but from leading with faith, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. Here are insights I’ve learned on this journey that I hope will empower other leaders in faith.
1. Faith: The Anchor That Grounds Leadership
In the military, structure and discipline guide every step. But without faith, those structures are hollow. Faith has always been my compass — whether navigating the challenges of military deployment, war, complex corporate projects, or shepherding a congregation.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Leadership anchored in faith keeps us humble and steady, reminding us that we serve a purpose beyond ourselves. Faith in God and His purpose calls us to servant leadership, modeled by Christ Himself:
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45
When faith guides decision-making, it fosters courage, integrity, and resilience — qualities that stand the test of both battlefields and boardrooms.
2. Emotional Intelligence: The Bridge Between People and Purpose
The United States Navy and Corporate America allowed me to meet and work with people from every background and walk of life. These experiences taught me that leadership is less about giving orders and more about understanding people—their fears, strengths, and motivations.
Jesus Himself demonstrated perfect emotional intelligence, showing compassion to the hurting, patience with the struggling, and boldness with the proud.
Effective leaders learn to:
Be self-aware: Constantly evaluating our own motives and responses.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23
Exercise self-control: Remaining calm, thoughtful, and attentive, especially in high-pressure moments.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” — Proverbs 25:28
Show empathy: Walking with others through both valleys and victories.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” — Romans 12:15
In my corporate roles, emotional intelligence was often the key to influencing without authority. In ministry, it became the lifeline for building trust and spiritual growth.
3. Inclusivity: Reflecting the Kingdom of God
Whether standing on a flight deck aboard a US Navy ship, attending a business leadership meeting, or preaching from a pulpit, one truth has remained clear: God’s Kingdom is beautifully diverse, and therefore, the leader should be able to reflect Christ’s attributes and His love for all people.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
In the Navy, inclusivity wasn’t just a value — it was survival. Regardless of background, every military member mattered for the mission’s success. In Corporate America, inclusivity drives innovation. In the church, it’s the heart of the Gospel.
Inclusive leaders:
Listen to every voice, especially the quiet ones. A leader must be able to discern between what is being said and what is not.
Recognize the unique gifts God places in each person.
Create environments where differences are celebrated, not just tolerated.
As faith leaders, our task is to build bridges, break down barriers, and reflect Christ’s unconditional love.
One of the greatest blessings of my career in both the military and the corporate world has been the reliable structure that guided teams and missions. But structure alone is not enough. In ministry, I learned that spiritual leadership calls for both discipline and grace — balancing accountability with compassion.
Great leaders create clear expectations while extending grace to their followers. They uphold standards without breaking the human spirit or heart. Jesus called His disciples to high commitment but walked patiently with them through their weaknesses.
Reflection for Faith-Based Leaders:
Stay grounded in scripture daily. Let God’s truth guide your decisions, not culture or convenience.
Make space to truly listen. Empathy builds trust and strengthens your team’s connection.
Celebrate differences. Seek out voices not yet heard and create room at the table for all.
Lead with clear expectations but always leave room for mercy. People grow best where both exist.
Final Thoughts: Lead Well, Finish Strong
Leadership, in any sphere, is a great gift and a responsibility. However, for leaders in the faith, it is a greater calling in the Lord — one that shapes lives and impacts an individual’s eternal status. Whether serving in the military, working as a civilian in Corporate America, or ministering to the body of Christ, I have found that the most powerful leaders are not those who command the loudest but those who serve faithfully with endurance and unwavering love for truth.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” — James 1:5
My prayer is all church leaders would lead with an undeniable faith in God, walk in His wisdom, learn to be more empathetic with the body of Christ, and embrace inclusivity as God adds to the church. If we embrace these fundamental principles, we’ll be better servant leaders and hear those powerful words from our Leader, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” — Matthew 25:23
Damon Peavy, Sr.
Pastor, Zion Temple of Pentecost – Charlotte, NC
Secretary, Building the Bridge Ministries
