Small Gatherings, Big Callings: How Scripture Shapes the Way I Lead

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There’s a familiar feeling that comes with Sunday mornings: the sense that it’s time for church, time to get showered and ready to go. However, since the pandemic, the way we gather has changed. With online services, flexible schedules, and our current family group, we now meet sporadically. When we gather in person, it’s often all together in the San Fernando Valley; for small groups, we meet in someone’s home, hosted by a member of our community.

Typically, we begin our gatherings with prayer and thanksgiving, followed by a brief message and Scripture reading. We then partake of the sacraments—usually a plate of Triscuits or Wheat Thins passed around, and a small paper cup of Welch’s grape juice. After a moment of silent reflection and prayer, we enjoy fellowship as a community of believers here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Bible study has been a steady part of my life ever since my baptism. I’m not trying to be overly zealous here—just honest about the comfort and wisdom I find in Scripture. One of my favorite things is following those cross-references in the margins, seeing how verses connect across the Bible. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is a great resource for this, but even the side notes in most translations help point out connections, whether between the Old and New Testaments or within a single book. It’s a simple pleasure that keeps me grounded and curious about my faith.

As a leader, my faith deeply influences how I respond to, treat, and interact with others, especially in professional relationships. While I am accountable to my organizational leader, I am ultimately responsible to God. Remembering who I truly serve guides me in supporting and leading my direct reports with integrity and compassion.

Even Jesus, when his disciples were focused on their own ambitions and hoping for special treatment—believing he would become a powerful earthly king—reminded them that he did not come to be served, but to serve others (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Mark 10:45). This example of servant leadership is one I reflect on often in my own role. The servant-leader mindset, as taught by the Greenleaf Institute, is more important than ever, especially in healthcare. With ongoing challenges like labor shortages and financial pressures, organizations need leaders who put others’ needs first. Servant leaders are able to meet the challenges of both those they serve and those they lead. Greenleaf (2008) suggests that true servant-leaders serve first because their genuine desire is to help others, and only then do they seek to lead. This approach continues to inspire my work and perspective on leadership.

Centuries ago, Thomas Aquinas addressed the argument of design in defense of the question, "Does God exist?" I share the belief that, just as an artist creates a lasting portrait, God intentionally created everything we see. There was a beginning—a moment of purposeful creation—rather than something coming from mere chance. As Aquinas (1952, p. 13) suggests, our world is the result of masterful design, not a random accident. This perspective also shapes my view of leadership: organizational influence does not happen by accident or mistake, but through intentional design and thoughtful action. My actions are a direct result of some influence on me, for example, the following.

“Don’t ask for a long life, don’t ask for wealth, and don’t wish harm on your enemies” (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, 1 Kings 3:1-12). What does this mean? Solomon’s father, King David, wasn’t perfect, but he consistently aimed to be faithful, to act with integrity, and to make wise judgments as a leader. When Solomon, David's son, became king, he recognized his own limitations and inexperience and turned to God—not to ask for riches or revenge, but for two things: a discerning heart to be a good follower himself and to lead his people well, and the wisdom to tell good from evil.

As someone who works in healthcare, I understand the importance of working hard to provide for one's family—it's an honorable and deeply valued pursuit. There’s nothing wrong with building a career or striving for success; in fact, God created us to work and contribute. However, I believe Jesus cautions us against letting personal ambition overshadow our concern for others. When our own success becomes more important than the well-being of those around us, we risk losing sight of what truly matters.

It’s important to remember that all our achievements are ultimately possible because of God’s provision. This idea is echoed in the message God gave to Moses for the Israelites after they escaped Egypt. As they began to prosper—with growing bank accounts, homes, and property—God warned them not to become proud or forget the One who makes prosperity possible (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1999, Deut. 8:11-13).

Together in the struggle,

Brian

References:

Aquinas, T. (1952). The Summa Theologica of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In R. M. Hutchins The Great Books of the Western World (Vol. 19, pp. 12-14  ). Encyclopedia Britannica

Greenleaf, R. K. (2008). The servant as leader. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1999). Cornerstone Bible Publishers. (original work published 1973)