In a culture where success is often defined by scale—bigger audiences, larger platforms, and broader influence—Scott Sauls, a pastor, author, and mentor, challenges the norm. For decades, Sauls led large congregations, planted churches, and spoke to thousands at conferences and events. Yet, he came to realize that influence isn’t always about reaching the masses. Instead, true transformation often happens when leaders invest deeply in a smaller, intentional group.
Today, Pastor Scott Sauls of Nashville has shifted his focus. Rather than spreading himself thin, he now prioritizes mentoring high-impact leaders—about three dozen Nashville-based individuals including bestselling authors, musicians, media influencers, athletes, educators, government officials, and CEOs. It’s a move Sauls describes as both strategic and personal. “It’s a way to hang one’s own fruit on other people’s trees,” he says, explaining how investing in a few creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial relationship.
This “power of small” approach is not a retreat from influence but a method to amplify it—sustainably and meaningfully.
For more than 25 years, Scott gained a reputation as a leader capable of mobilizing large communities through Scott Sauls church ministries, books, and speaking engagements. However, over time, the demands of such a wide-reaching platform took a toll. “I tried to be everywhere, all the time,” Sauls reflects, admitting that such an approach often leads to burnout and diluted impact. “It wore me out and brought frustration to those around me.”
Now, he mentors a select group of Nashville-based leaders, helping them navigate challenges, strengthen their faith, and lead lives of integrity. These individuals are positioned to influence their own communities—creating what Sauls describes as an “ever-spreading ripple effect.” Instead of measuring success by numbers alone, he focuses on lasting transformation. “When you invest deeply in a few,” he explains, “the effects multiply far beyond what one person could achieve alone.”
Sauls’ approach centers on personal, tailored mentorship. “In large-scale settings, advice tends to be generalized,” he says. “But working closely with a few allows for targeted, meaningful support.” Whether it’s helping someone transition careers, refine their leadership skills, or overcome personal struggles, this kind of mentorship fosters real progress.
At the heart of Pastor Scott Sauls of Nashville’s work is trust—something that is harder to cultivate in larger groups. Smaller circles create safe spaces for vulnerability and honest conversations with follow-up and mutual support, allowing mentees to share their struggles and aspirations openly. For leaders, this kind of trust is essential yet often difficult to find.
“Trust, especially in the company of peers who are walking a similar path, forms the foundation for transformation,” Sauls says. “When people feel safe and connected, they can grow—personally, spiritually, and professionally.” This deep connection leads to sustainable change, as mentees apply what they learn to their own lives and leadership roles.
The benefits, Sauls adds, extend far beyond the initial group. “When you invest in a few, those mentees often go on to mentor others,” he explains. This cascading effect multiplies the impact of small, intentional mentoring, creating far-reaching change that endures.
While Sauls’ approach may seem countercultural in today’s scale-driven society, he points to timeless examples that demonstrate the power of small, focused mentorship.
“To be honest, this approach is nothing innovative or new,” Sauls says. “Jesus is the clearest example. He taught and served large crowds, but he invested deeply in 12 disciples.” By focusing on a small group, Jesus equipped his followers to carry his message far and wide—a strategy that continues to shape history and bring good into the world.
The principle has held true across time. In trades and professions, master-apprentice relationships have long been the foundation of skill development, producing highly capable individuals. Similarly, modern businesses often invest in small groups of high-potential employees, recognizing that tailored development strengthens both the individual and the broader organization.
“Whether in faith, education, or business, ‘the power of small’ comes down to genuine connection and targeted growth,” Sauls explains.
Beyond its impact on the leaders and influencers he serves, Sauls believes this model is healthier for mentors as well. When leaders attempt to “do it all,” they risk exhaustion and diminished effectiveness. Sauls admits that he experienced this firsthand during his years of juggling pastoral responsibilities, writing, and speaking.
“When leaders, mentors—and in my case, pastors—try to have their hands in everything and spread themselves too thin, they become less effective,” Sauls says. “By focusing their energy on a select few, they can avoid burnout and have a greater impact. It’s about targeting your efforts where they will make the greatest difference—and leaving the ultimate outcomes in God’s hands.”
This focused approach allows mentors to remain present and effective, avoiding the fatigue that often accompanies overcommitment. Sauls, who confesses to being a “recovering overachiever,” knows this all too well.
For leaders considering a shift toward more intentional mentorship, Pastor Scott Sauls of Nashville offers practical strategies:
These practices, Sauls believes, are essential for cultivating meaningful, lasting mentorship relationships.
A common misconception, Sauls observes, is that smaller groups mean less impact. “The truth is, meaningful investment in a few individuals creates room for outsized influence,” he says.
When mentors focus on depth, their work leads to lasting personal transformation and professional growth. Mentees equipped through intentional relationships often go on to lead and mentor others, creating a ripple effect that far exceeds what could be accomplished alone.
“In a world obsessed with scale,” Sauls adds, “choosing depth is not a retreat—it’s a wise, strategic, effective, and sustainable approach.”
For Scott Sauls, the decision to focus on a smaller group of leaders, pastors, and influencers has proven personally and professionally fulfilling. It’s an approach that aligns with Scott Sauls church teachings, which emphasize that true influence is measured not by numbers but by the depth of transformation achieved.
In a society captivated by size and speed, Sauls’ intentional focus serves as a reminder that lasting change begins with depth. “The smallest investments,” he says, “often yield the greatest results.”
By embracing the “power of small,” mentors can create a legacy that outlives them—one relationship, one transformed life, and one ripple effect at a time.
