Ep 2142: Leading with Faith in Small-Town America
What does it look like to lead a city not just with strategy, but with surrendered faith?
In this episode, we head to small-town Oklahoma to hear from Loran Mayes, mayor of Wilburton, who never planned on public office, but stepped in when she felt called to serve her community. What unfolds is a deeply honest conversation about leadership under pressure, faith in conflict, and trusting God in places you never expected to go.
Loran opens up about the moment her faith truly became her own – and how that foundation now anchors her as she leads, makes difficult decisions, and navigates the realities of public life. From small-town leadership to unexpected influence at the state level, her story reveals how God stretches and positions us in ways we could never plan.
What you’ll hear in the episode:
The moment Loran’s faith became personal and how she still returns to it today
Why she ran for mayor (and why “change” wasn’t actually the goal)
The unseen cost of leadership on her family and how they’ve navigated it
What it means to run a campaign – and lead – with integrity as a believer
A powerful leadership principle: creating environments where the right things are easier
How God “paves the way” (and why it often feels like everything is falling apart first)
How prayer shifted from “God, change this situation” to “God, align me with Your will”
A raw look at conflict, mediation, and choosing humility over being right
Why more believers should step into politics– without needing to be loud or extreme about their faith
Loran’s story is a reminder that God often calls us into spaces we don’t feel ready for and faithfully equips us along the way. Whether you’re leading a city, a team, or your family, this conversation will challenge you to lead with humility, courage, and trust.
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Featuring: Loran Mayes
Ministry: Mayor of Wilburton, OK