Leadership is one of the most rewarding—and demanding—callings in ministry. Whether you’re a lead pastor, youth director, administrator, or staff member guiding a team or supporting one, your influence matters deeply. In a world where leadership failures seem to grab headlines, we must remember this: godly leadership still makes a lasting difference. And you, as a ministry leader, are part of that sacred work.

I’ve seen leadership in the corporate world, in nonprofits, and across countless churches. Here’s what I know: Christian leadership is unique because it’s spiritual. The pressures may be unseen, but they are real. Satan is not passive. As leaders, we are targets. And that’s why we cannot—and must not—lead in isolation. Just like the workers rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall in Nehemiah’s time, we need others standing guard beside us.

If you want to protect your leadership legacy, here are three truths that continue to guide me:

Pray like it depends on God—and work like it depends on you. We need a posture of humility and obedience. When we echo Jesus in saying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42), we shift the weight of leadership from our shoulders to His. Prayer isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s a strategy. As Greg Pruett puts it, “Extreme prayers” invite God to move in ways we never imagined.
Lead with diligence. Ministry often doesn’t fall neatly between 9 and 5. There are moments that require early mornings and late nights. That doesn’t mean abandoning rest, but it does mean recognizing that leadership often asks more of us than we expected. When we lead with consistency and integrity, we model dedication to the teams we shepherd.
Go together. A mentor once told me, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, take others with you.” The most effective leaders aren’t solo acts—they’re community builders. When the unexpected comes—and it will—you’ll need trusted voices walking the path with you. Just like Lewis and Clark had to abandon their canoes and adapt, leadership requires courage to press on when the map runs out.

At Servant Solutions, we walk alongside leaders like you. We know the burdens you carry and the impact you make. You’re not alone—and your leadership matters.

Keep pressing on. You are serving well. And the Kingdom impact of your leadership is far greater than you may ever see.

Mark Senseman develops, communicates, executes, and sustains corporate strategic initiatives for Servant Solutions. He is a 1988 graduate of Anderson University with a B.S. in Business Management and is also ordained in the Christian Church. Most recently, Mark served as Vice President of Ministry Development with CDF Capital, formerly known as Church Development Fund.

Throughout his career, Mark has made it his goal to use his gifts and talents to further the kingdom. He feels called to serve the church and its leaders with resources that bring about transformational impact to the lives of those far from God.