EquipHer Vol. 31: "Born to Thrive, Not Just Survive!"نموونە

Day 3 – Build Through Collaboration

From books to social media, we are often told that the most admirable leaders are the ones who figure it all out on their own, relying solely on their own hustle, vision, and work ethic.

However, Scripture offers a different model: one where lasting success is built through collaboration, wise counsel, and Spirit-led guidance.

This brings us to the third biblical principle we want to build on: wise leadership does not operate in isolation—it is built through collaboration with the right people.

Even the early church understood this principle. In Acts 15, the Apostles and elders gathered to resolve one of the most pressing theological tensions of their time: should Gentile believers be required to follow Jewish laws, in order to be fully welcomed into the community of faith?

This was a foundational issue that touched the very heart of the Gospel message—was salvation by grace alone, or did it still require adherence to the Mosaic Law?

It would have been easy for Peter or Paul to act based on their own knowledge and intuition, but instead, they submitted the matter to the collective wisdom of the Church including: other Apostles and elders who all played a role in the discernment process. They prayed together, testified about the work of the Holy Spirit, and reasoned from the Scriptures—not to win an argument, but to seek God’s heart (see Acts 15:6, 7, 12–15, 28).

“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” This phrase (Acts 15:28, NIV) reflects a decision that was not made impulsively or individually, but through Spirit-led community.

That is what wise leadership looks like—anchored in God, strengthened by trusted counsel.

As Christian women in business, we will face moments when the path ahead feels unclear—ethical dilemmas, relational tensions, or opportunities that stretch our values. In these moments, it is easy to withdraw and make a decision in isolation, but God invites us to something better: seek counsel, pray through it, and move forward with clarity.

One of the EquipHer 2025 speakers, Melanie Cox, stated: “I never want to compromise who I am in Christ, but pray into it for solutions.” This kind of wisdom does not avoid difficult situations—it transforms them. In one of her most intense leadership seasons, Melanie faced a challenge that tested her values. Instead of reacting or compromising, she prayed. She leaned in closer to God, and He met her with a solution that honored her integrity and unlocked a new way forward.

This exemplifies how wisdom is not about knowing everything, but instead, knowing who to walk with. We were never meant to navigate leadership alone.

The weight of leadership is real. Vision is heavy. But no one is meant to steward it alone.

Scripture reminds us that safety is found in community, not in isolation (see Proverbs 11:14). The more we steward, the more we need wise voices around us to help carry it well.

So today, ask yourself: “Who are you surrounding yourself with?” “Do they draw you closer to God’s values or pull you away? Are they willing to pray with you, or only push you toward performance?”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding me that I do not have to carry the weight of leadership alone. Surround me with wise counselors—people who love You deeply and speak truth into my life. Help me integrate faith and practical wisdom, especially when decisions are tough. Guide me by Your Spirit, and through the voices You have assigned to walk with me. Amen.