Sam Houston State senior launches TheGodlyLeader to empower future Christian leaders
A Passion for Faith and Leadership
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – For Sam Houston State University senior Sarah Hensley, leadership isn’t just about taking charge—it’s about serving others through faith. A communications and general business major set to graduate in December, Hensley has launched TheGodlyLeader, an initiative focused on faith-based leadership development.
Hensley’s passion for faith-driven service started at a young age. “Even at 3 years old, I was curious about God,” she said. That curiosity grew into action, leading her to establish Treasure Heart Foundation at age nine to provide essential supplies for foster children.
Hensley credits her upbringing and her mother’s guidance for fostering her sense of service. “My mom would always tell me to be thankful for what I have because others may not have parents who love them,” she recalled. That lesson stuck with her and became the driving force behind her nonprofit efforts.
TheGodlyLeader: A Vision for Christian Leadership
Building on her earlier experiences, Hensley launched TheGodlyLeader to develop faith-centered leadership skills in young people. “Everybody is a leader, they just don’t know it,” she said. The organization’s goal is to instill confidence and identity in individuals, equipping them to influence others through Christ-centered leadership.
Hensley envisions TheGodlyLeader as a broad initiative with different branches, including Godly Girl, Godly Guy, Godly Women, and Godly Corporate. “We can teach godly attributes not just to individuals but also within workplaces,” she explained. The organization aims to encourage a leadership mindset rooted in faith, integrity, and service.
Part of Hensley’s mission is to help people recognize their God-given talents and influence. “Even the most introverted person will influence at least 10,000 people in their lifetime,” she said, emphasizing the power of leadership at all levels. By developing leadership skills through faith, TheGodlyLeader hopes to inspire generations of Christian leaders.
Overcoming Challenges and Future Plans
While the vision is clear, securing funding remains a challenge. “I don’t have a website yet, and fundraising is difficult,” Hensley admitted. However, she remains committed to her calling, planning to earn a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship at Liberty University.
Hensley’s strategy involves starting small groups in churches and schools, with the long-term goal of organizing conferences and church camps. “If we can teach identity and leadership, we can grow leaders to teach other leaders,” she said. She hopes that through TheGodlyLeader, she can inspire others to step into leadership roles and make an impact in their communities.
Her mother, a strong supporter of her work, encouraged her to think beyond a single initiative. “She told me that TheGodlyLeader could be bigger, that it could have multiple branches to serve different people,” Hensley said. That encouragement led her to expand the vision to include conferences, corporate leadership programs, and faith-based mentorship initiatives.
A Call for Support and Prayer
The organization is still in its foundational stages, and Hensley encourages prayers for the success of TheGodlyLeader. “There is a really big vision, and I’m still learning the steps in between,” she said. She acknowledges that while there is much to do, she trusts that God will provide the right people and opportunities along the way.
Hensley plans to build a team of directors and advisors to help guide TheGodlyLeader as it moves toward official nonprofit status. She has already secured a domain name for the organization and is actively working on securing a 501(c)(3) designation.
Hensley believes that small acts of faith-based leadership can have a lasting impact. “Sometimes, all it takes is a small note of encouragement or a simple act of kindness to change someone’s life,” she said. Her goal is to create an organization that fosters that spirit of encouragement and empowerment on a larger scale.
As she prepares for her next steps, Hensley remains steadfast in her mission. “The best is yet to come,” she said. “Not for material things, but for the purpose God has for me.”
Hensley will continue providing updates on TheGodlyLeader, including details on how to contact her and support the organization. She encourages those who want to get involved to stay connected and pray for the success of the mission. “This is only the beginning,” she said. “God is leading the way.”
Watch Sarah’s Good Morning Huntsville interview from February 27, 2025, in the video below.
