Fractals and Faith: Why Your Leadership DNA Matters

By David Broodryk

Photo by Clyde Gravenberch on Unsplash ‍

How do people build buildings?

Foundation, then different rules for the floor, walls, roof. We build hierarchically.

Nature doesn't work that way.

There's a reason we're drawn to walk in nature. Our eyes and hearts are drawn to fractal patterns that repeat at every scale. This changes how we think about movements.

“How We Build” Vs “How God Builds”

Hierarchy Vs Pattern

The organizational chart shows hierarchy: different levels, different rules. Job descriptions change at each level. Different people living by different standards.

Street sweepers, middle managers with offices, executives who play golf. Different privileges, different expectations.

That's not how movements work.

Welcome To The Fractal: Nature's Repeating Pattern

A fractal pattern says: here's a design. To grow it, use the same pattern. Same pattern at every level. Go small or go big, the same is true everywhere.

In nature, you see fascinating fractal patterns. Complex and growing in many ways, but the same repeating pattern over and over. Scientists tell us we love nature walks because our eyes and hearts are drawn to fractal patterns.

God builds differently to humans. In nature, movements, the kingdom - there's a pattern that repeats at every scale.

Fractal Leadership: Same Pattern At Every Level

In movements, it's not different rules for different people. It's the same way, same pattern of life for everyone at every place. At every level. Everybody follows the same pattern “from the Pope to the Pleb”.

Movements aren't something we do to others. Movements aren't "I'm going to get them to do a DBS." Movements are: "This is the way I follow, imitate me."

That's what creates movements.

I'm not saying movements don't have leaders, but it's different.

Kingdom Power Patterns: Power Under, Not Power Over

It's actually difficult to get this out of our heads. We're trained to think hierarchically - different levels, different standards. But fractal leadership means the pattern is the same whether you're brand new or decades into the journey.

But kingdom authority works differently to hierarchies. Leaders exist to lift up and release others, not to control.

We believe that if it's not true at every level, it's not true at any level.

So we challenge ourselves on five rhythms: empowering leadership, abiding prayer, living on mission, joyful belonging, scripture engagement. We ask every person in the movement - from newest to oldest disciple - to live these things. Then we must live them ourselves.

The DNA principle is simple: if it's true at the top, it's true all the way down. If not true at the top, it won't be true anywhere.

Multiplication Through DNA Replication

Organizations maintain hierarchy. Organisms replicate DNA. When the pattern is simple and clear at every level, anyone can replicate it.This is why we've challenged ourselves on these rhythms, and it's transformed us as a team.

We never get a “perfect” balance, but it’s helpful to ask ourselves, “What's out of whack with our team?” Are there things we're asking others to do that we are not living?

When leaders live what they teach at every level, multiplication becomes natural. The pattern copies itself. It's not about programs we implement but DNA we carry. That DNA needs to be the same in the newest believer and the most seasoned leader.

This is the difference between building an organization and releasing a movement. Organizations scale through hierarchy. Movements multiply through pattern replication.

The Draw Of The Pattern

There's a reason we're drawn to fractals in nature - they reflect God's design for life and growth. When we see the same pattern repeating at every scale, something in us recognizes truth.

Movements that last are fractal, not hierarchical. The question: Are you building a hierarchy or nurturing a fractal?

The difference determines whether you're building an organization or releasing a movement.

So what does this pattern actually look like? What are the specific rhythms that define fractal leadership? If everyone - from newest to oldest disciple - is living the same pattern, what are those practices?

Getting Practical

As you think about God's vision for your city and your team:

1) What are your team’s strengths and weaknesses? In what ways do you see hierarchy? In what ways are you nurturing a fractal?

2) How do the 5 rhythms show up in your team? Could they be simpler and clearer?

3) What are some specific patterns and practices you see being replicated in your groups, teams or disicples? Is there anything you think should be different?

---

David Broodryk has been on a long journey into discipleship movements and seeking to see cities impacted by and for Jesus. He and his team now serve teams and leaders in cities all over the world. You can read more from David at davidbroodryk.org/blog/.

© 2026 D. Broodryk. All rights reserved.