How Christian Executive Directors Can Lead When They Feel Alone
Discover how prayer, humility, and the right mentors can renew your leadership and reignite your purpose.
I know what being alone in leadership feels like. It fees like an empty conference room and a ticking clock.
There are moments in leadership—especially as an executive director—when the emails stop, the meetings are over, and you find yourself in a quiet office wondering, Is any of this even working? Am I doing this right?
For me, it was a Tuesday. I was sitting in the conference room—just me and the wall clock. It was around 1 p.m., and I remember staring at that clock thinking:
I have no idea what to do next.
I didn't know how to make an impact.
I didn't know how to get our board aligned.
I didn't know how to raise the money we needed.
I was young, in over my head, and desperate for wisdom.
So I did what I knew to do—I prayed.
Every day, in that same conference room, I asked God for help.
And in time, He answered.
How God Answers Executive Directors Who Feel Alone
He didn't send a lightning bolt or hand me a leadership manual from heaven.
He sent people.
First, a mentor—an older leader who walked the road of fundraising and chose to walk it with me.
Then, a board member stepped up and gave clarity on governance.
And a builder who became our go-to facilities guru and solved what used to overwhelm me.
Each one brought decades of experience.
Each one poured into me.
Each one was an answer to prayer.
The Leadership Lesson from Paul's Conversion
Paul didn't start his leadership journey with instant success. (Although he did get to meet the risen Jesus.)
He started blinded on a dusty road, completely disoriented and undone.
He had ambition—fierce ambition—but it was aimed in the wrong direction.
Jesus knocked him down and interrupted his momentum with a question:
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
(Acts 9:4)
When Paul finally opened his eyes, everything had changed.
But God didn't expect him to figure it all out alone.God Brings the Right People When You Ask
Ananias was sent to Paul—not because Paul had it all together, but because God is kind.
"Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you…—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
(Acts 9:17)
It's worth sitting with that for a minute.
God didn't leave Paul isolated.
And He won't leave you that way either.
The Secret to Finding Support as a Nonprofit Leader
If any of that rings true for you—if you're stuck, tired, or just feeling lost in your own head—here's what I can tell you with confidence:
God is not finished writing your leadership story.
However, that kind of help begins with something challenging for most of us: humility.
Letting people in.
Admitting you don't have the answers.
Asking God daily to provide what you can't manufacture.
And watching for the people He sends—because they're often the answer you've been praying for.
Christian Ambition in Nonprofit Leadership Requires Humility
Paul became one of the greatest church leaders in history—but he never did it alone.
He surrounded himself with people who lifted him, challenged him, and helped him stay true to his values.
Maybe what you need isn't a new strategy—but a new strength.
And that starts with pursuing God like your leadership depends on Him—because it does.
Feeling Stuck? Start by Seeking God's Voice Today
What if your best move today is to pause?
To pray again in your version of that conference room.
To ask God to send the right people—just like He did for me.
And then, when someone reaches out, don't push it away.
He's already weaving the help into your story—even if you can't see it yet.
Scripture Reflection for Christian Leaders
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
— Proverbs 21:5
"So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord."
— Acts 9:28
Before You Go: A Word for Nonprofit Leaders Who Feel Overwhelmed
If you're leading quietly, wrestling deeply, and praying faithfully—God hears you.
He hasn't overlooked you.
Keep showing up.
Keep asking.
He's closer than you think.
And so is the help you've been waiting for.
📬 Ready to Talk?
If this post hits close to home and you're looking for clarity, strategy, or just someone to walk with you—I'd love to help.
Reach out to me directly at Dave@BoldLeading.com.
You don't have to lead alone.