Every hockey team has leaders... Some wear the "C" or "A", some lead by example. But real leadership isn’t about what letter you have on your jersey, it’s about how you live, how you serve, and how you treat others.

As followers of Jesus, we're called to lead differently. Here are six Bible Verses to help guide you for leading others in the game and in life!

1. Lead by Serving

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:26–28

Jesus taught that leadership starts with putting others first. In hockey, that might look like helping a teammate, standing up for a teammate, staying humble when things go well, or doing the little things like blocking shots.

2. Set the Example

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

How do you react to tough calls by the ref or when things don’t go your way? Do you use language you shouldn’t or do you respect the refs, your teammates, coaches and opponents. Let your actions reflect your faith.

3. Have Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Sometimes leadership means standing firm when it’s not easy. Whether that’s calling out negativity or living differently than the crowd, courage means trusting God and doing what's right, even when it's hard.

4. Build Others Up

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

A good leader makes others better. Be the voice that brings calm, encouragement, and perspective, especially when the team is frustrated. A kind word or quiet prayer can make a huge difference.

5. Stay Humble

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” - Philippians 2:3–4

Christ-like leadership isn’t about chasing the spotlight, it’s about lifting others up and pointing everything back to God.

6. Let Your Light Shine!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14–16

You don’t always have to preach to share your faith. People notice how you treat others, how you handle pressure, and how you lead with grace. Let your life speak. Be the light, even on the ice.