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Leadership

David's Leadership

12 May 2026 · Hero: David
David crept forward in the darkness and could have ended it. He chose to walk away instead.
1 Samuel 24:7 (paraphrase)

Mission Briefing

A Bible hero mission for kids about leading with self-control.

Hero: David
Virtue: Leadership
Best for: Ages 6-12
Time: 10-15 minutes
You need: paper crown, pencil, and scissors if needed

Mission Verse

"The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord's anointed." – 1 Samuel 24:6

Meet David

David was hiding in a cave.

King Saul had been chasing him.

Then Saul came into the same cave and did not see David.

David could have hurt Saul.

His men thought this was David’s chance.

But David stopped himself.

He cut a piece from Saul’s robe, then let Saul leave alive.

David showed leadership by choosing what was right, not what was easy.

Leadership means doing what is right even when you have power.

Hero Skill: Lead Yourself First

Before we lead others, we must lead ourselves.

David had power in that cave, but he used self-control.

Children can practise leadership by pausing before they act.

Your Mission Today: The Self-Control Crown

You will make a crown that reminds leaders to pause.

What You Need

  • Paper crown or strip
  • Pencil
  • Scissors if needed

Step 1: Write The Leader Words

On the crown write: “Pause. Choose. Lead.”

Step 2: Name Power Moments

Talk about places where a child has power.

  • Older sibling
  • Team captain
  • Knowing a secret
  • Being stronger
  • Winning an argument

Step 3: Practise The Pause

Put on the crown and practise saying: “I can choose what is right.”

Talk About It

Ages 6-8: What could David have done in the cave?

Ages 9-10: Why did David stop himself?

Ages 11-12: How can self-control make someone a better leader?

Leadership Practice For This Week

When you have power, pause.

Ask: “What is the right way to use this?”

Lead yourself first.

Parent Note

David’s cave story gives children a clear leadership lesson without making leadership about status.

Watch for real moments of power: teasing, exclusion, winning, or being older.

Praise restraint as leadership.

Mission Prayer

God,
help me lead myself first.
Give me self-control when I have power.
Help me choose what is right like David.
Amen.

Free David Coloring Page

Keep the mission going with David’s coloring page.

Get David’s free coloring page

♥ Mission Prayer

God, help me use my strength wisely. When I have the power to hurt or to take, give me the courage to choose what is right instead. Amen.

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