Mary is a pastor’s wife, a speaker and an author. She has been a Christ follower for over 40 years and has been in full-time ministry for 30 years. Mary is the founder of Journey Ministry, Inc. which is her personal speaking/writing ministry, and is also a co-founder of Girlfriends in God with Sharon Jaynes and Gwen Smith. In addition, Mary works at the women’s ministry of her church, Westside Family Church in Lenexa, Kansas. She is married to Dan Southerland. They have two grown children, and four grandchildren.

A good leader is a servant and shepherd – out in front to deflect any attack on the flock – encouraging and equipping the sheep to follow. A good leader looks for the strengths of the follower – cultivates those strengths and then sets them free to serve in their giftedness.