As leaders—whether in business, ministry, or any form of service—it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of casting visions, developing systems, strategies, and structures. They’re absolutely necessary. They help things run smoothly. But it’s so important to remember that process should never come before people or before prayer.
God’s order is always spiritual first, natural second. I believe it’s the spiritual that should lead the natural and not the other ways around! Policies, systems, structures and strategies are absolutely important but without prayer and the care of the people you won’t have a thriving business or organization! We were never meant to lead with process and then backtrack into prayer. When we do that, we risk losing the heart of what we’ve been called to build. We risk treating people like metrics and goals instead of the living, breathing souls that God has entrusted to us.
Some leaders become so consumed with filling a room—whether it’s with clients, members, or followers—that they forget their first calling: to care. To love. To shepherd.
A BIG MISTAKE I see leaders make over the last two decades: Forgetting that the people they employ are just that–people with lives. As a business owner or organizational leader do you check on all of your employees, staff, volunteers or team members? Do you ask them about their personal lives; things that matter to them or are you solely focused on a business meeting, an organizational meeting, a building meeting? Those meetings are important but don’t forget that people are not AI–they are not robots. They have lives outside of being your employee, team, department or group participant and so on. And not ONE is more important than the other regardless of titles. Ask them how they are and then pause and listen. Ask them about their family. Celebrate with them in achievements and various wins they may have outside of your business or organization. Show them that YOU CARE.
Care Is #1, Not Numbers
In my business, I don’t just work with clients—I equip and love them. I listen. I pray over them. I celebrate their wins and walk with them through their fears. Even in the volunteer spaces where I serve, my aim is the same: lead with love and lead in prayer.
Yes, I have processes. Yes, I have strategy. But above all, I lead with care because I know that we are all people.
5 Reasons why leading from prayer & people first blesses your business or organization:
- It Builds Trust that Lasts When people know they’re not just a number, they lean in. They open up. Whether they’re clients, church members, or team volunteers, people stay connected when they feel seen and valued.
- It Creates a Culture of Compassion When leadership models care, it sets the tone. Your team, clients, and even the broader community begin to reflect that same heart. Compassion multiplies—and culture is the proof.
- It Increases Retention and Loyalty People don’t leave environments where they feel genuinely cared for. Care creates a sense of belonging. And when people belong, they remain—and they bring others with them. Some will remain, for a time, because maybe they are obeying God, or need the income, or it’s a place where they have friendships and people they care about even though they may not be treated well by the boss or leader(s)–but remaining may be temporary!
- It Attracts Purpose-Aligned Growth God will send the increase, but only when what you’ve built can carry His heart. When you prioritize people and prayer, your growth aligns with His purpose—not just your plans.
- It Keeps You Anchored in God’s Why You’ll never lose your “why” when you’re rooted in God’s heart for people. Prayer keeps you aligned. Love keeps you humble. And care keeps you focused on what—and who—matters most.
Let me encourage you today, friend: don’t sacrifice people at the altar of process. Let your systems serve your mission—not overshadow it. Pray first. Love deeply. Lead well. The fruit of your leadership will never be in the fullness of your calendar or the size of your following—it’ll be in the lives you’ve touched, the hearts you’ve reached, and the legacy of care you’ve left behind.
You were called to build—but you were called to love first. We’re not going to be perfect in it by any means but lets endeavor to follow the Holy Spirit as business owners, organizational leaders, career and ministry women!
Blessings,
Lisa Shaw
LisaShawCares.com
