Serving on the Mission Field: Leadership Through Compassion and the Holy Spirit

Dr. Shelley
Aug 18
3 min read

Updated: Aug 21

I Love Leadership in Theory and Praxis

As you may know, I love leadership in theory and in practice. This is why I’ve committed myself to empowering emerging leaders. Over the years, my journey on the mission field has taught me that leadership is most powerful when it is rooted in service, humility, and love. True transformational leadership is not about titles or authority. It’s about equipping others, modeling Christ-like behavior, and walking alongside people as they grow.

“Leadership is most powerful when it serves, empowers, and multiplies.”

The Realities of Mission Work

Serving on the mission field is not glamorous. It’s often uncomfortable, challenging, and requires reliance on God. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us,“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Every encounter teaches patience, compassion, and courage. Leadership here is about heart, not strategy alone.

Leadership in Action at Sawubona House

At Ruach Global Missions and House of Prayer, our work is deeply relational. At our flagship base, Sawubona House in Durban, South Africa, I have witnessed leaders grow through challenges, learning to lead with integrity, humility, and courage.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reminds us, “Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, and rejoices with the truth.” Leaders who embody this love create safe spaces where teams thrive.

The Call to Go

The call to missions is also a call to go. Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to “make disciples of all nations.” Ruach Global Missions exists to empower people of color to serve as missionaries, equipping leaders to step into challenging contexts with faith and courage.

We are preparing to launch mission bases in Chile and Haiti in late 2026. Chile faces a secularized society hungry for meaning, while Haiti faces ongoing political and economic instability. Both nations need leaders empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister with wisdom and compassion.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 reminds us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” On the mission field, we cannot rely on our own strength. The Spirit provides courage, guidance, and discernment in every step, from cross-cultural interactions to mentoring emerging leaders.

Humility and Service

Serving on the mission field cultivates humility. We encounter communities where faith is vibrant despite material poverty or brokenness. Matthew 25:40 reminds us,“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these…you did for me.” Leadership is not about control or recognition. It is about service and empowerment.

Courage and Obedience

Leadership on the mission field requires courage, obedience, and compassion. Joshua 1:9 encourages us,“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” As we prepare for Chile and Haiti, there is time to pray, seek clarity, and discern God’s calling.

Answer the Call

If you feel called to serve, I invite you to join us. Ruach Global Missions provides training, mentorship, and support for emerging leaders of color, equipping them to impact communities with faith and love.

👉 Answer the call by joining a mission or sending a missionary today. Learn more at www.thewellencounter.org/join-a-mission or partner financially at www.thewellencounter.org/partner.