Mission Briefing
A Bible hero mission for kids about leading with wisdom and courage.
Hero: Deborah
Virtue: Leadership
Best for: Ages 6-12
Time: 10-15 minutes
You need: paper palm tree or leaf shape and pencil
Meet Deborah
Deborah was a prophet and a judge who was leading Israel.
She held court beneath the Palm of Deborah, and Israelites came to her so that she could decide their disputes.
At that time, King Jabin of Canaan had cruelly oppressed Israel for twenty years. His army commander, Sisera, had nine hundred iron chariots.
Deborah summoned Barak and delivered God’s command: he was to gather ten thousand men and go to Mount Tabor. God promised to lead Sisera’s forces to him and give them into his hands.
Barak told Deborah that he would go if she went with him. Scripture records his request but does not directly tell us whether it came from fear, a desire for reassurance or another reason.
Deborah agreed to go. She also told Barak that the honour would not be his because God would deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.
When the time came, Deborah told Barak to go because God had gone ahead of him. Barak led the troops down Mount Tabor, and God routed Sisera’s army.
Sisera escaped on foot, but a woman named Jael ultimately killed him. Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled.
Afterwards, Deborah and Barak sang a song praising God for the victory.
Deborah did not perform everyone else’s role. She judged wisely, delivered God’s command, accompanied Barak and encouraged him to act – while Barak and Jael each fulfilled their own responsibilities.
Leadership means using wisdom, courage and influence to help people move towards what is right – not controlling them or doing everything for them.
Want to learn more about Deborah? Explore Deborah’s Bible Hero profile.
Hero Skill: Lead With Wisdom
Deborah’s leadership combined clear judgement, courage and support for others.
Wise leaders:
- Listen before reaching conclusions
- Check what is true and right
- Speak clearly and respectfully
- Encourage others without controlling them
- Ask for guidance when a situation is beyond them
- Give people room to fulfil their own responsibilities
Children do not need authority or a title to practise leadership. They can positively influence a situation through wise, helpful action.
Your Mission Today: The Palm Tree Plan
You will make a palm tree plan for one helpful leadership action.
What You Need
- Paper palm tree or leaf shape
- Pencil
Step 1: Name a Safe Situation
Draw a simple palm tree and write:
“Where could helpful leadership make a difference?”
Choose an ordinary situation:
- Someone is being left out
- A shared task needs to be completed
- Friends disagree about a game
- Someone needs encouragement
- A younger child needs appropriate help
Step 2: Add Three Leader Moves
Write one action on each branch:
- Listen: Who is affected, and what do they need to say?
- Seek wisdom: What is true, fair and right? Do I need adult guidance?
- Serve: What helpful action can I take without controlling everyone?
Step 3: Make the Plan
Complete:
- I can help by…
- I should ask guidance from…
- I will give others room to…
Say:
“Wise leadership helps people; it does not control them.”
Talk About It
Ages 6-8: Where did people go when they needed Deborah to decide their disputes?
Ages 9-10: What different responsibilities did Deborah, Barak and Jael fulfil?
Ages 11-12: How did Deborah support Barak without taking over the responsibility God had given him?
Leadership Practice For This Week
Look for one safe opportunity to lead through helpful influence this week.
- Notice: What could be improved or helped?
- Listen: What do the people involved think or need?
- Check: What is true, fair and right?
- Ask: Do you need guidance or permission from an adult?
- Act: Take one respectful, helpful step.
- Reflect: Did your action help others participate, or did you try to control them?
Leadership is not being the loudest person. It is using influence responsibly for the good of others.
Parent Note
Deborah is a valuable leadership example for both girls and boys. Her story shows that God-given leadership is not restricted by the expectations people may place on someone.
Avoid turning the story into a competition between Deborah and Barak. Deborah, Barak and Jael fulfilled different responsibilities, while the biblical account credits God with the victory.
The battle and Jael’s killing of Sisera are violent parts of the story. Explain them according to your child’s age and sensitivity, and do not include unnecessary graphic detail.
Children should not be expected to manage adult conflict, protect other people from danger or take responsibility beyond their maturity. Leadership sometimes means immediately involving a trustworthy adult.
Deborah was a prophet in the biblical account. Do not teach children that every thought or strong feeling is automatically a message from God. Help them compare ideas with Scripture and seek guidance from trustworthy adults.
Praise listening, fairness, courage and responsible service – not merely taking charge.
Mission Prayer
God, thank You for Deborah’s wisdom and courage. Help me listen carefully, understand what is right and use my influence to help rather than control others. Give me courage to speak truth respectfully and wisdom to ask a trusted adult for guidance when I need it. Amen.
Free Deborah Coloring Page
Keep the mission going with Deborah’s coloring page.
