In Week 7 of our Life of David series, Pastor Dustin Woodward brings a timely and challenging message titled “The Making of a Leader.”

The call to follow Jesus is also the call to lead others toward Him.

As Rick Warren said, “Every believer is a leader because every believer carries light in a dark world.”

Through the story of David, we’re reminded that leadership is not defined by position or power—it’s shaped in the valleys, refined through surrender, and strengthened by trust in God.

The Making of Great Leaders:

Great leaders are formed in valleys.

What you learn in the valley becomes what you lead with on the mountain.

Pain doesn’t always change your situation, but it should change your priorities.

Great leaders value surrender over control.

Humility is the strength of a secure leader.

You can’t hold onto control and claim to trust God at the same time.

Great leaders come back stronger and wiser.

Great leaders don’t just recover—they rebuild.

When you’ve been through the valley and trusted God, you come out with authority that can’t be manufactured.

David’s journey reminds us that even when life falls apart, God is still forming something in us. Leadership in the kingdom begins not with status, but with surrender.

Scripture References:

2 Samuel 13:36 | 2 Samuel 15:30 | 2 Samuel 19:14–15

Questions to Reflect On:

What have I stopped pursuing because of fear, failure, or loss?

Who do I need to forgive so I can move forward again?

What would it look like to lead, serve, and dream again—but this time with humility, grace, and wisdom?