I’ve heard many sermons on Hebrews 10:24–25. It reads:

“24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)

Most often, this passage is preached as a reminder to congregations. Stay connected. Don’t drift from community. Prioritize gathering. Join a small group. Be present.

And all of that is right.

But lately, I have been hearing these words differently. Not just as a reminder for congregations, but as a word for those entrusted with leadership.

We are not meant to be alone.

The same Scriptures that call believers into community also apply to leaders. Leadership does not exempt us from that need. If anything, it intensifies it.

Throughout Scripture, leadership is consistently relational. Paul’s letters are filled with companions, co-labourers, and spiritual sons and daughters. Moses did not stand alone; Aaron stood beside him, Hur held up his arms, and Jethro offered needed counsel. Elijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan. Ruth had Naomi.

The biblical pattern is not solitary strength, but shared faithfulness. And yet many leaders quietly carry the weight alone. Decisions accumulate. Expectations rise. The responsibility feels singular. Over time, isolation can begin to feel normal. Even necessary. But if it’s lonely, something’s missing.

Leadership without counsel is not courageous; it is exposed. Leadership without trusted voices becomes fragile. We need mentors who have journeyed ahead of us and can help us grow in wisdom and maturity. We need peers and close friends who know us well enough to speak honestly and love us enough to challenge us. We need people who pray for us, not only when we ask, but faithfully and consistently. And we need people we are investing in, mentoring and raising up, so that leadership remains an act of service rather than self-preservation.

One helpful framework I recently came across describes what is called a Relational Constellation Map. It is a simple visual exercise where you place yourself at the centre and intentionally identify the relationships surrounding you. Who mentors you? Who are your trusted friends? Who are your prayer partners? Who are you discipling and developing?

The goal is not to build a large network, but a healthy one. A constellation of relationships that sustains you spiritually, corrects you lovingly, strengthens you practically, and keeps you anchored in Christ.

If you were to map out your constellation today, who would be there?

• Is there someone who sees your blind spots?
• Is there someone who can ask you hard questions?
• Is there someone praying for your soul, not just your ministry?
• Is there someone you are intentionally forming and encouraging?

If this resonates with you, I would encourage you to read the article Why Isolated Leaders Are Vulnerable Leaders from The Pastors Workshop, which explores this idea further.

You can also download and use the relational constellation map directly here.

And for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, agency, and the tendency toward isolation, you may want to listen to the recent interview between Carey Nieuwhof and Dr. Henry Cloud.

Hebrews calls us to spur one another on and to encourage one another. That command does not disappear when someone steps into leadership. It deepens. Leadership was never meant to be a solitary climb. It is a shared pilgrimage, sustained by brothers and sisters who walk with us, strengthen us, and remind us that Christ alone is the Head of the Church.

If it’s lonely, something’s missing.

And perhaps the invitation is not to work harder, but to reach out.