His transition from leading large, multi-campus congregations to an intentional focus on mentoring leaders through Healthy Leaders, Inc. reflects a shift in focus. Scott Sauls now dedicates his work to helping high-achieving professionals, pastors, and emerging faith-driven leaders cultivate integrity, emotional resilience, and sustainability in their callings. Rather than focusing on numbers and large-scale impact, he invests deeply in a few dozen individuals, guiding them toward healthy, long-term leadership.
His approach is highly personal, reflecting his belief that leadership is best shaped through intentional relationships rather than broad, impersonal strategies. Unlike one-size-fits-all leadership development programs, Sauls tailors his mentoring based on the unique needs and challenges of each leader. Whether through individual coaching, group discussions, or immersive retreats, he fosters an environment where leaders can be vulnerable, ask hard questions, and receive the guidance they need to grow in wisdom and effectiveness.
Mentoring Leaders Through Challenges
Leadership, whether in the mainstream or in ministry, comes with unique pressures that can often lead to burnout, self-doubt, or unhealthy ambition. Sauls has witnessed firsthand how leaders struggle with the weight of expectations, and his mentorship approach provides them with a space for honest reflection and recalibration. Through one-on-one sessions and small cohort discussions, he helps leaders navigate personal and professional struggles while reinforcing the importance of maintaining faithfulness over performance.
One of the key issues Sauls addresses is the emotional and spiritual toll of leadership. Many pastors and leaders operate under the assumption that they must always appear strong, composed, and in control. However, this unrealistic expectation often leads to isolation and internal turmoil. Sauls actively works to dismantle this mindset by fostering a culture of openness and mutual support, encouraging leaders to prioritize their well-being alongside their responsibilities.
Sauls understands these challenges not just from observation, but from personal experience. His own leadership journey has included lessons in humility, grace, and the dangers of overachievement. As a mentor, he encourages leaders to embrace rest, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize inner renewal over outward success. He reminds them that sustainable leadership is not about maintaining an image but about being grounded in faith and authenticity.
The Core Values of Sauls’ Mentorship
Sauls’ mentoring philosophy is deeply rooted in biblical principles and shaped by his years of pastoral experience. He instills in leaders a commitment to:
- Integrity: Leaders must cultivate trust and transparency in their communities.
- Emotional and Spiritual Health: Sustainable leadership requires attending to one’s well-being and avoiding burnout.
- Humility and Teachability: The best leaders continue to learn and grow, acknowledging their limitations and dependence on God.
- Relational Depth: Leadership is not meant to be isolating—mentorship fosters connection and accountability.
These and similar core values shape his guidance, ensuring that leaders are equipped not only with practical strategies but also with the character to sustain their leadership journey. Sauls believes that leadership is not simply about effectiveness, but about faithfulness. He challenges leaders to remain faithful to their calling, even when success does not look like rapid growth or outward recognition.
The Role of Writing in Mentorship
Beyond his direct mentorship work, Sauls also reaches leaders through his writing. His books provide guidance for those who may not have the opportunity to engage with him personally. One of his most well-known books, Irresistible Faith, serves as a practical guide for integrating faith into leadership, emphasizing the importance of modeling Christ’s love in every aspect of life. He encourages leaders to create communities that reflect the radical hospitality and grace of Jesus, offering a compelling vision for faith-driven leadership.
Another book, BeFriend, delves into the importance of authentic relationships in leadership and discipleship. Sauls challenges leaders to expand their circles, engage with those who are different from them, and cultivate friendships that mirror the inclusivity of Christ. This message resonates deeply in leadership contexts, where genuine connection is often sacrificed for efficiency and control.
Through his books and regular blog posts, Sauls extends his mentorship reach, offering encouragement and wisdom to a broader audience of leaders seeking to deepen their faith and leadership practices.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Through Healthy Leaders, Inc., Sauls’ impact extends beyond church walls and into broader professional and community leadership. His mentorship is designed to create ripple effects—when leaders are spiritually and emotionally healthy, their congregations, teams, and organizations benefit as well. He firmly believes that leadership is not about position or influence alone, but about faithful stewardship of one’s calling.
The leaders who work with Sauls often describe their experience as transformative. Many enter his mentorship feeling fatigued, disillusioned, or uncertain about their future in leadership. Through his guidance, they gain renewed clarity, a deeper sense of purpose, and practical tools to navigate the demands of their roles. His focus on developing character, rather than simply teaching leadership techniques, ensures that his impact is both deep and lasting.
Equipping the Next Generation of Leaders
Sauls is also passionate about investing in younger leaders, ensuring they step into their callings with wisdom and resilience. His mentorship model offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern leadership, helping emerging voices develop confidence in their faith and decision-making. By fostering an environment where young leaders can ask difficult questions and wrestle with uncertainties, he provides them with the tools to lead with grace and conviction.
In a world where leadership is often equated with charisma and rapid success, Sauls encourages younger leaders to embrace a different model—one that prioritizes humility, consistency, and depth over quick results. He reminds them that true influence is not about gaining followers but about serving others well. By imparting this perspective, he helps shape leaders who will carry forward a vision of faith-driven, ethical, and compassionate leadership.
Looking Ahead
Scott Sauls’ work in mentorship is a testament to his belief that the best leadership is rooted in authenticity, service, and ongoing personal growth. In a world where leaders are often under immense pressure, his guidance provides a pathway to sustainable, faith-filled leadership. Through his commitment to mentoring others, Sauls continues to shape a current and new generation of leaders who are prepared not only to lead but to do so with integrity, humility, and a deep reliance on God.
His ongoing efforts reflect a deep conviction that healthy leadership is essential for the flourishing of communities, organizations, and churches. As he continues to mentor, write, and speak, his influence will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on those who seek to lead well. By championing authenticity, resilience, and faithfulness, he is creating a legacy that extends beyond his own work—one that will continue to inspire and equip leaders for years to come.