Leadership isn’t about the title. It’s not about the accolades, the promotions, or the recognition we receive along the way. Instead, real leadership is about the impact we leave behind, and that impact—if done right—can outlive us. As a leader, I’ve come to understand that it’s not enough to lead; we must lead in a way that serves others, shapes their growth, and leaves a legacy that echoes for generations to come.

In my years of leadership—whether in churches, nonprofit organizations, or coaching—I’ve learned that a legacy is built not on personal success but on guiding others toward something greater than themselves. It’s about creating an eternal impact that extends far beyond our time. And that’s precisely what faith-based leaders get right: they see leadership as stewardship, not self-glory.

Leadership as Stewardship, Not Self-Glory

One of the most profound shifts in my leadership journey came when I realized that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. A leader’s role isn’t to accumulate power or control—it’s to care for others, invest in their growth, and guide them toward fulfilling their purpose. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that leadership is a form of stewardship. We are entrusted with the opportunity to lead not for our benefit, but for the betterment of others.

Stewardship is about taking care of what has been entrusted to me. It’s about leading with humility, with the understanding that everything I have—my resources, talents, opportunities—are not mine to keep but to use for something far bigger than myself. It is deeply rooted in the idea that I am accountable to God for how I lead and care for those under my influence.

I lead with a sense of responsibility, knowing that my role isn’t just about making things happen in the short term. It’s about preparing others for the future—guiding them, mentoring them, and leaving them with the tools to carry on the mission long after I’ve stepped aside. This mindset enables me to focus on building others up rather than building my reputation.

Mentoring: The Key to Building a Lasting Legacy

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about legacy, it’s that a true legacy is passed on through others. I’m not here to lead alone. If my leadership doesn’t empower others to take the reins, to step into their roles as leaders, then I haven’t truly led at all.

I understand that my success is not measured by my accomplishments but by the success of those I mentor. I focus not only on getting things done, but also on equipping others to carry the mission forward. I believe the most outstanding leaders are those who develop future leaders. They pour into their people, sharing wisdom, providing guidance, and giving them the confidence to step into leadership when their time comes.

I’ve seen this play out in various areas of my own life, especially in my work with mentoring young leaders. It’s humbling to see them grow, to watch those overcome challenges, and to know that the seeds I’ve planted are taking root. One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing others thrive in their roles. When I mentor, I’m not just passing on skills; I’m passing on a mindset—a mindset that views leadership as service and faithfulness, rather than glory.

Eternal Impact over Temporary Success

In a world where success is often measured by metrics—by numbers, followers, or dollars—it’s easy for me to get caught up in the chase for tangible results. But faith-based leadership invites me to look beyond those temporary measures. The focus shifts from what I achieve in the short term to the eternal impact I can have on people’s lives. It’s about fostering growth, faith, and purpose that outlasts any milestone or financial gain.

I’ve come to realize that the most fulfilling moments in my leadership journey aren’t the victories that come with hitting a goal but the moments when I see someone else flourish because of something I did. It’s the phone call from a mentee telling me how they applied a lesson I shared and how it changed their approach to leadership. It’s the way a community comes together because someone felt empowered to step into their purpose. That is the legacy I want to leave—one where people are uplifted, where they can stand on their own and pass on the wisdom and values they’ve learned.

The lasting impact occurs when we choose to invest in people rather than profits, when we prioritize relationships over results, and when we lead with integrity and humility. When we lead in this way, we’re creating a ripple effect that lasts long after we’re gone.

The Power of Faith in Building a Legacy

I understand the power of faith in shaping my legacy. Faith isn’t just a belief system; it’s a driving force that influences every decision, every action, and every relationship I have. Faith empowers me to lead with courage, to trust in a higher purpose, and to believe that the work I’m doing is part of something far greater than myself.

For me, faith has been the cornerstone of my leadership. It has helped me stay grounded in moments of uncertainty and given me the strength to face challenges with hope and resilience. When you lead from a place of faith, you’re not relying on your abilities or knowledge. You’re trusting that God is guiding you and using you to make a difference in the lives of those you lead.

In times when I felt overwhelmed or unsure, I turned to faith to remind me that the impact of my leadership wasn’t in my hands alone. God has a bigger plan, and my role is to be faithful to that plan, to serve those around me, and to trust that the legacy I’m building is part of His purpose. This perspective shifts the focus from self-centered achievement to God-centered impact.

Creating a Lasting Legacy: The Takeaway

As faith-based leaders, we have the unique opportunity to leave a legacy that extends beyond our lifetime. We’re called to lead not for our glory but for the greater good, to serve others, and to raise the next generation of leaders. The legacy we leave is not about what we accomplish individually, but about how we shape others, empower them, and help them realize their potential.

If there’s one thing I want to challenge you to do today, it’s this: start focusing on building people, not just projects. Start mentoring, start investing in the next generation of leaders, and begin seeing leadership as a responsibility to guide others, not for personal gain, but for an eternal impact.

Because at the end of the day, the objective measure of a leader isn’t in the success they achieve for themselves, but in the legacy they leave behind—a legacy that lives on in the people they’ve mentored and the communities they’ve served. That is the power of faith-based leadership. That is the legacy that outlives us.