Leading with a Question Mark

“David shepherded them with a heart of integrity.

He led them with the skill of his hands”

(Psalms 78:72, CEB).

If needing to select one word to define leadership, what word would you choose?  There are so many descriptive word options: influential, visionary, humility, motivator, determined, creative, dedicated, etc.

“Biblical integrity, as described in the Bible, refers to a state of moral wholeness and uprightness, encompassing honesty, sincerity, and living consistently with one's beliefs. It's about aligning one's actions with

God's Word and standards, both privately and publicly” (Google 2025).

Leading—whether in the home, the marketplace, or the church–is multifaceted. The description of David in Psalms 78:72 names two important qualities for leading: biblical integrity and skillful abilities. What happens when there is a disconnect between the heart and hands?

Serving in the local church as a music director for 25+ years was a tremendous honor.  Having the opportunity to lead others in worship and witnessing the spiritual receptiveness of hungry hearts were the best hours of the week.  There is great joy in serving the Lord and participating in the work of the church, yet that does not mean difficult situations will not arise.

All ministry requires preparation and commitment, and I faced a challenge when a member of the worship team began to pull away from their responsibility to serve.  As a pattern began to emerge, it became clear that the matter needed to be addressed. There was a struggle within on how to approach the situation as this person was very skilled and brought musical strength to the team.  Would removal create additional work for the rest of the team?  Would the approach be a stumbling block in the spiritual growth of this member?  Would actions be perceived as insensitive and cause a permanent separation from the church?

Collectively and individually, the team was to enter the gates of the sanctuary each week with hearts and hands equipped for worship that would glorify God and lead the congregation in preparation to receive the spoken message from the pulpit.  I felt the weight of responsibility on multiple levels—to the ministry team, the pastor, and the congregation. To allow this pattern of laxness to continue would indicate a lack of leadership integrity on my part.

More than 300 questions were spoken by Jesus in the Gospels. Jesus often asked questions to encourage self-examination.  He already knew the answers, yet His piercing questions were presented to teach, engage, encourage spiritual assessment, and provide revelation.

To the woman at the well: “Will you get me a drink?”

To the blind man near Jericho: “What do you want me to do for you?”

To the disciples in a storm: “Why are you so afraid?”

To Simon Peter: “Do you love me?”

To the man at the pool of Bethesda: “Do you want to get well?”

To the disciples feeding the masses: “Are your hearts hardened?”

We too can utilize leadership skills using the questioning approach that we find in scripture. Rather than give a directive or recite a rule to the team member, a series of ministry-related questions can be shared (i.e. Are you willing...How can you…Do you desire…). The questions encouraged introspection and the answers that follow reveal the true heart-commitment for serving. Volunteering does not mean uncommitted as every level of service brings accountability. Ministry occurs each week in our churches because of the dedicated, sacrificial efforts of members serving from a place of surrender.

When interviewed about his book, Hope for a Hopeless Day: Encouragement and Inspiration for When You Need It Most, Dr. Jack Hayford–accomplished author, songwriter, pastor, and educator, made the statement, “God did not call us to know all the answers, He called us to know Him.” 

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for

Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, NASB).

So, going back to the opening question to select a single word to describe leadership: perhaps an appropriate word is surrender.  In desiring to know God—His plans, purposes, and the direction to take when faced with difficult situations or decisions—seek Him.

Seek Him with a surrendered heart, seek Him with open hands, seek Him with listening ears.  Listen closely; in presenting your questions to God, He may reply with a question for you.

Robin Daugherty Cole, fifth generation Church of God and raised in a pastor’s home, has given administrative support at the International Offices since 2016.  In addition to serving in the local church, she has worked with Empowered21 and secondary education in Texas, teaching marketing, business management, and directing the high school career preparation program.