by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D. @khutch0767

Leadership is a blessing, but often comes with unexpected spiritual battles and loneliness. This is especially true for Christian authors and creatives in leadership roles. I learned this firsthand during my years as an assistant principal and then a principal. Each promotion brought more responsibility, a higher paycheck, and greater influence—but also a shrinking circle of peers, increased stress, and a deepening sense of isolation.

Though I’m no longer in school administration, I hold several leadership positions within Christian writing and editing organizations. The dynamic hasn’t changed much. The higher you rise, the fewer people truly understand the weight you carry. As leaders in the writing world—whether you’re directing a critique group, mentoring authors, running a publishing project, or speaking at conferences—there’s often an expectation to always have the answers, always be composed, and always pour into others.

It’s easy to feel like you’re giving more than you’re receiving, especially when you’re the one others look to for guidance and encouragement. I’ve learned that without intentional care for my spiritual, physical, and mental health, the calling to lead can become crushing.

Jesus modeled a powerful truth in Luke 5:16: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If the Son of God needed time alone to be refreshed by the Father, so do we.

I’ve developed a personal rhythm of self-care to combat the loneliness of leadership. I maintain a gym membership and exercise regularly to manage stress and boost mental clarity. I attend therapy, where I can process challenges in a safe, nonjudgmental space. And I make time for regular spa visits—massages and facials remind me that even leaders need nurturing and restoration.

These practices aren’t indulgent—they’re essential. They help me stay rooted in Christ, grounded in truth, and emotionally present in my work. They allow me to lead from a place of health rather than burnout.

Fostering the following relationships can rejuvenate our spirits and help us remain committed to our mission. Knowing we have others to lean on when the weight of leadership feels heavy can help us stay focused.

Cultivate a Support Network

• Building a community of fellow leaders is essential for understanding the unique challenges and pressures of leadership roles. This network can offer a sense of belonging, reducing the feelings of isolation that often accompany decision-making and responsibility.

Share Experiences and Wisdom

• Engaging with like-minded individuals allows leaders to share their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned. This exchange of wisdom helps to foster personal and professional growth, as leaders can learn from others’ successes and setbacks, refining their own approaches to leadership.

Encouragement and Validation

• Having a support network provides leaders with validation, helping them to feel understood and supported in their experiences. This encouragement can be vital during challenging times, as it reinforces the idea that their feelings and struggles are normal and shared by others.

Variety of Engagement Methods

• Connections can be fostered through various means such as formal mentorship programs, informal social gatherings, or online forums and discussions. Each method has its benefits and can cater to different preferences for networking and support.

Alleviating Isolation

• Leadership can often feel lonely; having a network of supportive peers can greatly diminish this sense of isolation. Knowing that others face similar challenges can provide comfort and perspective, reminding leaders they are part of a larger community.

Rejuvenating Spirits

• Regular interactions with a support network can rejuvenate leaders’ spirits and renew their commitment to their mission. These relationships remind them of the passion that originally inspired them, helping to reignite motivation during tough times.

Shared Responsibility

• When leaders have supportive relationships, they can feel more empowered and less burdened by the weight of their roles. This collaborative spirit encourages leaders to seek assistance and share their burdens, leading to more effective and sustainable leadership.

Long-term Commitment to the Mission

• Having reliable support not only benefits leaders in the short term but also encourages long-term dedication to their missions. With the knowledge that they have others to lean on, leaders are more likely to persevere through challenges and remain focused on their goals.

If you’re a Christian author or leader feeling attacked and alone in your role, know that you’re not the only one. There are many of us on the spiritual battlefield. Prioritize your well-being. Make space for God. And don’t be afraid to seek the support you need. When you care for yourself well, you’ll lead others even better.

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She is a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”