Leadership Q&A: Michael Davis, Pastor & Founder of Dark Horse
- MissionEB
- Mar 21
- 5 min read
In this inspiring Leadership Q&A, Michael Davis, Pastor and Founder of Dark Horse, shares his journey from youth pastor to leading a thriving organization. With over 12 years' experience, Michael has cultivated a leadership style that evolves alongside the needs of his community. He candidly discusses the pivotal moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped his perspective, offering insights into how he integrates personal growth tools like the Enneagram and books like Super Communicator into his leadership approach.
Michael’s reflections reveal a leader who values intentional culture-building and the power of communication. He’s not just shepherding a church; he’s leading a dynamic nonprofit organization, with a focus on developing leaders at every level. Join us as we explore his leadership philosophy, and his vision for inspiring the next generation of faithful leaders.
How would you describe your current leadership style, and how has it developed over time?
I earned a degree in Ministry, spent three years as a youth pastor, and then planted had the privilege of leading a church for over 12 years, and am now growing Dark Horse; Empowering the Unseen, Unheard, and Unlikely. A place where the overlooked and the underdog find their voice. Join us as we redefine what it means to be chosen, to be seen, and to be transformed.
When we first planted it was just me, so I was only leading people. But now I have staff and directors, so I not only lead people I lead an organization. I've learned what it looks like to be hands off an inspire other people to care and to do what I did and cared about for so many years. With that comes new challenges because not everyone thinks like you or processes information like you do. Not everyone has the same goals or personality as you. So, I had to learn to communicate and a lead people in ways that are even different from my personality. That was a challenge.
What has inspired your path and leadership approach?
I've always kept my ears open to new information. Working Genius really inspired me and probably saved our organization. But beyond that I finally relented and looked into enneagram and honestly, I wish I wouldn't have waited so long. It's helped me a great deal communicate with people and lead them.
How do you integrate lessons from your role models into your leadership philosophy?
I've taken what I've learned and tried to directly apply it to my context. So, for instance, I read Super Communicator this year. It's a great book. I started to take meetings and apply it. Once I feel like I have a handle on it I teach it to my staff and directors to create a culture that matches the information. I don't want it to be something I just do. I want it to be part of our DNA. With super communicator I actually made it part of our small group culture and taught it at launch of our groups this year.
Could you share a pivotal experience that shaped your perspective as a leader?
The most pivotal moment for me was on a plane someone asked me what I did for a living, and I said I was a pastor, and they asked what that meant and I explained what I did. And they said oh you aren't a pastor. You pastor but you're a president of a Non-for-Profit organization. For some reason that sounded so bigger and more valuable. But it stuck with me. I felt like a business leader all the sudden. I was like wow yeah; I'm a president of a company I started. And I should take care of it like that. I should lead like that. And I changed my perspective and inspired me to not just pastor but communicate, lead, organize, and inspire.
What major challenges have you faced in leadership, and how did you overcome them?
Having staff has been a big one. Managing people is hard. I've learned that sometimes what's in my head isn't communicated clearly. I've actually been going through a process of writing down all my procedures and why I do what I do so that if something were to happen to me or I can't be there I can just hand someone a document and then everything I know someone else can know to. All the way down to the what, why, how, and when.
How do you ensure the vision, values, and culture align with your personal leadership style?
I strive to create a place that aligns with my personal beliefs and leadership style—somewhere I genuinely want to be part of. If the organization's vision and values don’t match my life, not only would I lose passion for being here, but I’d also feel hypocritical. Culture has always been our strongest area, and the "why" behind what we do matters to me deeply. I approach it by envisioning how I want the organization to feel and operate, then working backward to determine the values needed to make that vision a reality. This alignment ensures that our culture remains authentic and reinforces the organization's mission at every level.
How do you invest in growth, and what advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
I always listen. I'm always looking at trends and asking questions. When I see something or someone be successful, I ask myself how that happened.
Can you describe initiatives or programs that support leadership development within your company?
We've realized we don't have the resources to just keep hiring so we've developed and approach that challenges people to step up and lead, but every leader needs a co-leader that they are pouring into. So, I'm pouring into my top leaders who are then pouring into their co-leaders. We're also starting young. We also have an experience you go through that teaches our vision, mission, and culture. Our language is if you're serving, you're leading. Everyone who serves is in a leadership position.
Looking ahead, what excites you about the future?
As we grow there will be more need for development of leaders. Which means learning new ways to inspire and develop leaders. I think we are starting to see a new generation of leaders come up. I'm excited about what the next gen will bring to the table.
Michael Davis’s journey as a leader highlights the importance of aligning personal beliefs with organizational values to create a thriving, authentic culture. His dedication to continuous learning, empowering others, and fostering a vision-driven environment serves as an inspiration for leaders in any field. As Dark Horse continues to grow, Michael’s thoughtful approach to leadership ensures that the organization remains a place of purpose, impact, and inspiration for both staff and community.
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