In Episode 31 of The Greater Call, Mark Immelman welcomes musician, musical director, and longtime Zach Williams band member Brandon Robold for a powerful conversation about Jonathan—the uncrowned king—and what his story teaches us about fierce loyalty, servant leadership, identity, and purpose. Jonathan had every reason to pursue the throne. As King Saul’s son, he was the natural heir, a proven warrior, and a respected leader. But when he recognized God’s calling on David’s life, Jonathan chose something greater than position: he chose purpose. Drawing parallels between Jonathan’s loyalty to David and Brandon’s own calling to serve and lead behind the scenes, Mark and Brandon explore what it means to elevate others, remain faithful when the spotlight belongs to someone else, and lead without needing the crown. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why Jonathan can be viewed as the Bible’s “uncrowned king” How Jonathan chose God’s purpose over his own position and power Why true loyalty often requires sacrifice The difference between servant leadership and simply staying in the background How Brandon found his calling serving alongside Zach Williams for nearly a decade Why great leaders protect, develop, and elevate the people around them How Jonathan’s security in his identity allowed him to celebrate David’s calling Why integrity requires more than words—it requires action How genuine friendship can redirect us toward God and our greater purpose How to recognize your own calling through faith, gifting, passion, and community Why faith requires action instead of waiting indefinitely for certainty What life on the road with the Zach Williams band has taught Brandon about purpose, ministry, and keeping the mission at the center Key Themes 🎙️Purpose Over Position Jonathan was born into a position of power, but he refused to let his title define his identity. When he recognized God’s calling on David, he willingly supported the future king instead of competing with him. 🎙️Fierce Loyalty Jonathan’s loyalty to David came at a tremendous personal cost. He stood beside his friend even when doing so put him at odds with his own father, King Saul. 🎙️Servant Leadership Leadership is not always about being the person out front. Brandon shares how his role as a musical director, band leader, and bass guitarist often means leading from behind the scenes—making the entire team stronger without needing the spotlight. 🎙️Elevating Others Saul viewed David as a threat. Jonathan viewed David as someone to elevate. Secure leaders don't fear the success of others; they help others fulfill their calling. 🎙️Integrity & Accountability Real leadership means standing by your word, accepting responsibility, speaking truth, and resisting the temptation to blame others when things go wrong. 🎙️Finding Your Calling Your calling isn't necessarily announced by a booming voice from heaven. Brandon encourages listeners to begin with their relationship with Christ, then pay attention to their gifts, passions, abilities, and what trusted people consistently recognize in them. 🎙️Faith Drives Courage Jonathan didn't wait until success was guaranteed before stepping into battle. His faith gave him the courage to move. Sometimes leadership means taking the next faithful step and trusting God with the outcome. Key Verses Mentioned 1 Samuel 18:3–4 — Jonathan makes a covenant with David, giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt. 1 Samuel 14 — Jonathan and his armor-bearer step out in faith against the Philistines, trusting that God can save “by many or by few.” The story of Jonathan and David throughout 1 Samuel provides the foundation for the episode, illustrating loyalty, friendship, courage, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s greater plan. Music Mentioned Chain Breaker — Zach Williams A song Mark describes as especially meaningful and a powerful picture of what transformation and freedom can look like. Jesus Loves — Zach Williams A reminder that Jesus welcomes the broken, the backslider, and those who have fallen from grace with open arms. Takeaways ➡ Your position does not define your identity. ➡ True leaders care more about the success of the mission than who receives the credit. ➡ Loyalty becomes most meaningful when it costs you something. ➡ Secure leaders celebrate and elevate other people's success. ➡ Servant leadership doesn't mean weakness—it means using your strength for the benefit of others. ➡ When someone under your leadership struggles, lead with accountability, guidance, and responsibility instead of blame. ➡ True friendship doesn't simply make you feel better—it helps bring you back toward God and your calling. ➡ You don't need the crown to make a lasting impact. ➡ Your calling may be found where your relationship with God, your gifts, your passions, and your opportunities intersect. ➡ Faith isn't passive. Sometimes you have to take the step and trust God with what happens next. “Loyalty is one of life's most costly qualities. It is the most selfless part of love.” About Brandon Robold Brandon Robold is a musician, musical director, band leader, and longtime bass guitarist for Zach Williams. After an earlier pursuit of a career in country music didn't unfold as expected, Brandon received an opportunity to audition with Zach Williams in 2017—a door he believes God opened at exactly the right time. Nearly a decade later, Brandon has become a trusted leader behind the scenes, helping shape live shows, lead the band, develop arrangements, coordinate production details, and support the greater mission behind the music. His approach to music, church leadership, and even his work in real estate reflects the same philosophy explored throughout this episode: lead by serving others well. Follow Mark Immelman Instagram & YouTube: @MarkImmelman Facebook: @markimmelmangolf X: @mark_immelman LinkedIn: @mark-immelman-87ab46162 Website: markimmelman.com 🎙️ Follow Mark Immelman • Instagram & YouTube: @MarkImmelman • Facebook: @markimmelmangolf • X: @mark_immelman • LinkedIn: @mark-immelman-87ab46162 • Website: markimmelman.com Connect with Us: 📲 Follow us on social media: @TheGreaterCall (Instagram & X) 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: Search ‘The Greater Call Podcast’ 📩 DM us for prayer requests, leadership advice, or to share your story! 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: The Greater Call Podcast 💌 Send feedback or topic ideas via direct message Website→ https://markimmelman.com/the-greater-call/ ✨ Be full of joy in all things, no matter where you are. Be thankful. Go and be a legend! ✨
