Leadership Is Heavy—But It’s Not Meant to Be Lonely

I used to think leadership meant always being the strongest one in the room.

The one who had all the answers. The one who didn’t show weakness. The one who carried everything, even when it felt like too much.

But over time, I’ve learned that kind of leadership isn’t strength—it’s silent suffering.

And that’s not what God ever intended.

We often hear the phrase “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” And while there’s truth to the weight of responsibility, there’s a lie hidden underneath that says, “You must wear it alone.”

That’s not kingdom leadership.

From Moses to Paul, Scripture gives us examples of leaders who learned—sometimes the hard way—that leadership was never a one-man show.

Even Jesus, the Son of God, surrounded Himself with disciples. He prayed in Gethsemane, not by Himself, but asking His closest friends to watch and pray with Him.

So why do we think we have to grind through it solo?

Some of us are burning out because we’re trying to carry a God-sized calling with a lone-wolf mentality.

Others are too proud to admit we’re overwhelmed—because we’ve been taught that asking for help looks like failure.

But here’s the truth: even leaders need support. Even visionaries need rest. Even warriors need a safe place to lay down their armor.

You weren’t meant to carry the mantle by yourself.

Leadership is weighty, yes—but it’s also shared. Delegated. Supported. Covered in prayer. Encouraged in community.

There are people God has assigned to help you lift what you can’t keep holding by yourself. The question is: will you let them?

I’m writing this as someone who knows the pressure. I know what it feels like to smile publicly and stagger privately. I’ve been the go-to for everyone else but didn’t know where to go for myself.

But God is teaching me how to lead from a place of grace, not grind.

He’s reminding me that the same God who gave the mantle also provides the strength and the support system to carry it.

Let that settle in your spirit: you don’t have to lead alone.

Whether you’re pastoring, parenting, teaching, mentoring, or just trying to walk faithfully in your calling—it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to say, “I’m tired.” It’s okay to lean on someone else while you catch your breath.

That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise.

And wisdom is leadership, too.

Pastor Harold

Pastor Harold