Faith That Builds: Servant Leadership Lessons from the wise King Solomon for GovCon (Applies even in a Shutdown)

In 1 Kings 9, we encounter a remarkable moment:

Think about that. Solomon spent twenty years building the temple and his palace after just one divine encounter—and a lifetime of hearing about God’s goodness to his father, David. One visit was enough to anchor decades of perseverance. That’s the kind of faith and focus we need in GovCon—especially in the uncertainty of a government shutdown.

Shutdowns Test More Than Budgets—They Test Resolve

When funding stalls and projects freeze, the temptation is to panic, pivot, or pull back. But servant leaders know that mission doesn’t stop when money does. Like Solomon, they keep building—not because conditions are ideal, but because calling is clear.

Solomon didn’t measure progress by speed. He measured it by faithfulness. In GovCon, that looks like:

• Maintaining readiness even when contracts pause

• Investing in people when revenue feels tight

• Preserving integrity when shortcuts seem tempting

Servant Leadership: Anchored in Purpose, Not Pressure

Whenever I encounter someone in our industry who is struggling, I ask them, “What’s your ‘why’?” If their ‘why’ is fleeting, then their dedication to the industry will be fleeting as well. That’s because success in GovCon is anchored in purpose—especially during a shutdown. Shutdowns expose the heart of leadership. Are we driven by profit—or by purpose? Servant Leaders choose purpose. They:

• Communicate Calm: Transparency reduces fear and builds trust. Honestly and clearly communicate the impact of a shutdown and the plan to survive it.

• Protect People: Prioritize employee well-being over short-term savings. Everyone in GovCon says “our people are our greatest asset”, but that sentiment gets tested during a shutdown. Steward people as if they are truly your company’s greatest asset and the benefits will reveal themselves, just like in 1 Kings 9.

• Plan with Margin: Build contingency into budgets and timelines before crisis hits.

Like Solomon, they understand that great work takes time—and trust. Servant Leaders also understand that success in GovCon isn’t linear.

Practical Steps for GovCon Leaders During a Shutdown

1. Reaffirm the Mission

   
   

   Remind teams why their work matters—even when funding is delayed.

2. Engage in Scenario Planning

   
   

   Model best-case, baseline, and worst-case outcomes. Prepare, don’t panic.

3. Invest in Development

   
   

   Use downtime for training, certifications, and process improvements.

4. Pray for Discernment

   
   

   Invite God into decisions. Ask for wisdom to steward resources and people well.

Biblical Insight Sidebar

David spoke these words to Solomon before the temple was built. Shutdowns may feel like setbacks, but they are invitations to strengthen our resolve. Servant Leaders don’t wait for perfect conditions—they lead faithfully in imperfect ones.

Conclusion: Building Beyond the Pause

Solomon’s story reminds us that perseverance isn’t passive—it’s powerful. He didn’t stop building because progress was slow. He trusted the promise and kept laying stones. In GovCon, the same principle applies: faithful leadership outlasts temporary disruption.

So, as you navigate this shutdown, don’t just ask,“How do we survive?”

Ask,“How do we serve—and keep building for what’s next?” 

Because in the end, the best leaders don’t just weather the storm—they prepare for the promise.