Leading with a Non-Anxious Presence

Last week, I had the privilege of facilitating a director roundtable meeting, and I was so blessed by the open, honest, and grace-filled conversation that unfolded. We gathered as leaders from different places and experiences, and yet our hearts resonated with a common thread: the desire to lead from a place of peace instead of anxious striving.

We talked about what it would look like—and feel like—to lead out of peace. We shared our wins, but also bravely admitted where we felt stuck, discouraged, or worn thin. The conversation moved into what it feels like to reach that edge, where anxiety begins to tip into burnout. And we explored the practical and spiritual ways we each realign ourselves with the peace of Jesus.

This article begins with the short devotion we shared at that meeting, and it unfolds into the collective wisdom, insight, and encouragement of the seven strong, faithful women who took part in that beautiful hour away from our days. My prayer is that what encouraged us will encourage you too.

Scripture: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled...” – John 14:27

In high-stakes ministry, anxiety can feel like the default setting. There’s pressure to produce results, keep everyone happy, and hold everything together. But emotionally healthy leaders learn how to carry peace into chaos—not by controlling outcomes, but by anchoring in Christ’s presence.

Jesus modeled a non-anxious presence, even in storms and betrayal. His peace wasn’t passive—it was powerful. When we remain rooted in Him, we bring calm into the room, not confusion. Leadership isn’t about being emotionally detached—it’s about being spiritually centered.

Let peace—not panic—be the tone you bring to your team, your meetings, and your decisions.

What is a Non-Anxious Presence?

To lead with a non-anxious presence means that we walk into stressful situations carrying the atmosphere of heaven instead of echoing the tension in the room. It means we are thermostats, not thermometers. We don’t simply reflect the emotional climate—we help reset it.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. When the storm raged, He slept in the boat. When betrayal came, He stayed the course. He didn’t avoid conflict or chaos—He just refused to be ruled by it. His confidence came not from controlling the outcome but from communion with the Father.

In ministry, we are often tempted to scramble—to fix, to please, to push, to carry it all. But true leadership isn’t about holding everything together in our own strength. It’s about being deeply centered in Christ, so that His peace becomes the defining tone of our leadership.

The Cost of Leading from Anxiety

When we lead from a place of anxiety, several things happen:

• We micromanage instead of empowering.

• We make reactive decisions instead of prayerful ones.

• We absorb everyone’s emotions and lose our boundaries.

• We misread situations because fear clouds our discernment.

Anxiety spreads fast—like a virus. When a leader is panicked, everyone feels it. But peace is contagious, too. When a leader is calm, rooted, and confident in God’s sovereignty, the team breathes easier. The ministry becomes more resilient.

Tools to Combat Professional Anxiety

Leading with peace isn’t automatic—it’s cultivated. Here are some of the practical tools we shared as a group—things that help us get back to center and lead from a place of rest and strength:

1. Quiet Time is Essential

This isn’t a “nice to have” spiritual checkbox—it’s your lifeline. Prioritize time in God’s Word and presence daily. Let His truth ground you before emails and emergencies start flying.

2. Find A Mentor

You don’t have to do this alone. God often speaks wisdom through others. A mentor with experience can help you gain perspective, remind you of what matters most, and speak peace over your situation because she’s been there.

3. Read Books

Business and Leadership books, devotionals, and biographies of other ministry leaders can recalibrate your thinking. They help you remember you’re not the first to walk through hard seasons—and you won’t be the last.

4. Network

Connect with other pregnancy center leaders. Peer support is priceless. When you hear someone else say, “Me too,” your burdens feel lighter. Their wins and wisdom can encourage you deeply.

5. Practice Gratitude

Anxiety thrives on what’s lacking. Gratitude refocuses on what’s already been given. Make space to thank God for the victories, big and small. Gratitude shifts your internal atmosphere.

6. Recall God’s Faithfulness

When you’re tempted to spiral, pause and remember how He’s come through before. Make a list of answered prayers and past provision. The God who sustained you then is the same God now.

7. Prioritize What Matters

Everything cannot be urgent. Identify what truly matters in this season. Focus your energy on mission-critical tasks and delegate what you can. Peace often comes from clarity.

8. Release Control

Control is often a mask for fear. Surrender is not weakness—it’s worship. Hand over the outcomes to the Lord. You’re called to be faithful, not flawless.

9. Lean on Trusted Friends

You need a “2 a.m. friend” or a “square squad”—people who love you, tell you the truth, and remind you who you are when you forget. Safe, wise friendships keep you grounded.

Final Word

Peace is not a personality trait—it’s a fruit of the Spirit. You don’t have to manufacture it; you just have to remain connected to the Vine. Leadership will always come with pressure. But you were never meant to carry it all. The burden is light when you walk with Jesus.

Let His peace—not panic—be what you bring to the team, to the clients, and even to the boardroom. Your calm courage could be the very thing that helps someone else breathe again.