Lead Like the Father: What Christian Businessmen Can Learn from God's Sovereignty and Goodness

by Dave Miller

As Christian business owners, it’s easy to compartmentalize our faith—keeping “God stuff” in one box and “business stuff” in another. But God never intended for us to lead that way. The model of leadership we see in Scripture—especially in the character of God as our Father—is meant to influence how we lead at every level, including in business.

Let’s consider this: God is not only aware of our lives, He is intimately engaged in them. He doesn’t lead us like a busy executive with more important tasks to manage. He leads like a Father who refuses to disregard a single detail of His creation, especially His people.

This is not a sentimental idea—it’s a transformative truth for how we lead others.

The Father’s Model of Leadership

We often talk about God’s power and wisdom in church, but what if we started applying those truths to the way we run our companies?

- God is sovereign: He is in control, above all, and nothing escapes His notice.

- God is good: His intentions, actions, and outcomes are perfectly loving and just.

These two qualities must stay together. If He were good but not sovereign, He’d be like a kindly grandfather—encouraging, but ultimately powerless. And if He were sovereign but not good, He’d be a tyrant—controlling, but untrustworthy.

But because God is wholly good and wholly sovereign, He is a Father who can be trusted completely—for wisdom in decision-making and control over outcomes.

This is the leadership model we’re called to imitate and where we are to find restful hope.

Applying the Father’s Model in Business

As a business owner, you are entrusted with people, resources, and influence. The way you lead matters—not just for profit margins or growth curves, but for the culture you're building and the people you're forming.

Here’s how you can lead like the Father:

- Be present, not passive: God doesn’t check out of the details. As a leader, don’t just delegate and disappear. Show up. Care deeply. Be engaged in your team's struggles and growth.

- Be trustworthy and intentional: God's sovereignty isn’t random—it’s purposeful. Your team should know they can trust you to lead with clarity and care. Make decisions that serve both the mission and the people.

- Pursue wisdom over control: God doesn’t need control to prove authority. He uses wisdom to guide us. You can do the same. Listen well. Seek counsel. Make space for prayer before major decisions. Be the kind of leader who knows the difference between control and stewardship.

- Respond with grace and justice: The Father disciplines and blesses perfectly. In your leadership, balance accountability with compassion. Be firm when necessary, but always redemptive.

What Happens When We Lead Like the Father?

When Christian business owners mirror the Father’s leadership, their businesses become places of health, trust, and impact. You’re not just running a company—you’re building a culture. And that culture will either reflect the world’s values or the Father’s heart.

When your team knows you care deeply, lead wisely, and respond redemptively, they begin to flourish. And your leadership becomes a witness—not just in what you produce, but in how you lead.

Final Thought: Seek His Wisdom, Trust His Control

God, as your Father, is both perfectly wise and completely in control. You can trust Him to guide you in how to lead your business and care for your people. And just as He refuses to neglect a single part of your life, you are called to reflect that same diligence and love in the way you lead.

So lead like the Father—present, wise, good, and trustworthy.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”  — James 1:5, NLT