Leadership Lessons from Acts 27

Leadership is often tested not in moments of ease, but in the chaos of crisis. Acts 27 presents a vivid picture of such a moment—a ship lost at sea, battered by relentless storms, filled with fearful passengers who had abandoned all hope. Yet during the turmoil, one voice rises above the wind and waves: the Apostle Paul. Though a prisoner aboard a doomed ship, Paul became the leader everyone needed.

How did Paul do it? What enabled him to stand firm when everyone else was falling apart?

As detailed in Acts 27:22–25, Paul’s leadership flowed from deep convictions—what I call anchor points. Just as the sailors dropped four physical anchors to prevent the ship from crashing into the rocks (Acts 27:29), Paul dropped four spiritual anchors that steadied his soul and allowed him to lead with clarity, calm, and courage.

1. The Anchor of God’s Presence

"For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship..." (Acts 27:23)

Paul could face the storm because he knew he was not alone. God was with him. The presence of God didn’t eliminate the storm, but it gave Paul strength to endure it. Great leaders don’t always have the power to calm the storm, but they carry the calm of God’s presence into the storm. People will follow the leader who radiates peace amid panic.

Leadership Lesson: Your calm in crisis comes from being rooted in the presence of God. Leaders who dwell with God can dwell with peace.

2. The Anchor of God’s Purpose 

"Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar..." (Acts 27:24)

Paul knew this storm was not the end of his story. He had a divine appointment in Rome. That sense of purpose gave him clarity when others were confused. It gave him boldness when others were paralyzed by fear. Visionary leaders remind people that storms are never the whole story—God still has a plan.

Leadership Lesson: Leaders help others see beyond the present storm by pointing them toward God’s purpose. Vision stabilizes the soul.

3. The Anchor of God’s Protection

"God has granted you all those who sail with you." (Acts 27:24)

Paul understood that God was protecting them. Paul did not have to depend on his own abilities or understanding because God would see them through. This assurance clearly came as an answer to prayer. Paul had a conversation with God in which he was assured of God’s protection. It was that assurance that enabled Paul to take leadership and encourage the crew.

Leadership Lesson: Your faith in God’s providence and protection can become a source of peace for those you lead.

4. The Anchor of God’s Promise 

"So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told." (Acts 27:25)

Paul was confident in God's Word. He didn’t rely on weather reports or gut feelings. He stood firm on the promises of God—and urged others to do the same. In crisis moments, people need leaders who trust in something more secure than circumstances. Paul believed God’s promise, and because of that, others believed Paul.

Leadership Lesson: Effective leaders cling to the promises of God and instill hope in those around them by speaking words of faith.

Conclusion: Lead Like Paul—Lead Anchored

Anchored leadership is not reactive—it’s rooted. Paul didn’t become a leader in the storm; the storm revealed the strength of what he had already anchored to. When everything else was drifting, Paul stood still. That’s the kind of leader every crisis needs.

In firefighting, an anchor point is a place that can’t be overrun by flames—a secure spot from which the crew builds outward. For Paul, and for us, God’s presence, purpose, protection, and promises are anchor points that can’t be overrun by fear or failure.

If you’re called to lead in difficult seasons, take heart. You don’t have to control the storm—you only have to be anchored in the One who does.

Anchor Point: How to Lead with Faith, Find Strength, and Rebuild with Hope after Crisis by John Crowder is available here. To learn more about Anchor Point, click here. Read more from John Crowder here.