Drive Change, Not People: April K. Mills on Faith-Led Leadership and Accessible Rest

In a world often driven by force and coercion, April K. Mills, founder and CEO of Engine-for-Change, offers a refreshing and profoundly impactful approach to leadership: "Drive Change, Not People." This philosophy, deeply rooted in her faith, is the basis for her book, Everyone is a Change Agent (available at Amazon), and it guides her mission to help organizations and individuals navigate change with purpose, authenticity, and a servant's heart. Mills' journey, from nuclear engineer to strategic planner at a naval shipyard, and ultimately to leading her own company, is a testament to the power of integrating faith with business.

Engine-for-Change, initially a blog born out of Mills' desire to help 10,000 shipyard employees adapt to change, has evolved into a "Bureaucracy Hacking Company." Her work focuses on equipping large organizations to overcome the inertia of bureaucracy, rewire processes, and accelerate results. Mills emphasizes that true change comes not from compelling others, but from choosing change for oneself and clearing obstacles for others to do the same. This mirrors the leadership of Jesus, who role-modeled transformation and removed barriers to understanding and acceptance.

Servant Leadership in Action

For Mills, servant leadership is not just a concept but a daily practice. She believes in clearing the path for others to use their unique talents, honoring their contributions while doing what she can to support them. This blend of support and challenge fosters an environment where individuals are empowered to thrive.

Faith-Guided Decision Making: The Accessible Rest Project

A powerful example of Mills' faith-guided decision-making is the genesis of her "accessible rest" project. Years ago, she felt a strong calling to acquire raw land in rural Washington state, envisioning it as a retreat for families with children with special needs. Her second oldest son's journey with spina bifida and cancer treatments had shown her the immense need for such a space. Despite financial uncertainties, she stepped out in faith, and God provided in miraculous ways. A friend offered to carry the loan for the first parcel, and later, a $10,000 inheritance from a departed friend's parents arrived precisely when needed to secure a second adjacent property. This journey, though ongoing, is a testament to her unwavering trust in divine provision and timing. She openly shares her vision of a lodge and homestead, aiming for a 2032 opening, with a for-profit venture supporting a non-profit arm to fund travel for families in need.

Faith in Business: Financial Decisions with Purpose

This faithful resolve extends to her company's financial decisions. Mills is currently focused on growing Engine-for-Change, taking faith-led financial steps even when the path ahead is unclear. Her confidence in the future, and her commitment to not let fear dictate her choices, is rooted in her ultimate purpose: to grow her business, the retreat center, and the R&R Foundation, all to serve those seeking rest from life's weariness. Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest," serves as her guiding scripture, encompassing the diverse forms of rest she aims to provide.

Advice for Christian Business Leaders

For Christian business leaders, Mills offers clear and compelling advice: live out your faith authentically in and through your business. She argues against compartmentalizing one's Christian life from their professional life, emphasizing that we are called to bring our faith into the world. This doesn't mean coercion, but rather role-modeling, demonstrating, and testifying through how one shows up and how their business operates. In an era where authenticity is highly valued, she believes that leading with faith is the most real and compelling way to stand out. Her own journey, marked by vulnerability and unwavering faith, serves as a powerful example of how to drive change, not people, and in doing so, create a lasting, Kingdom-focused impact.

Start Your Own Change Engine

Are you drowning in bureaucracy or an entrenched status quo and in need of a positive change? Do you need a partner to come alongside in the struggle to live out your faith in your business or community? Mills is ready to help. You can reach out to her via her website: Engine-for-Change.com. Mills' second book, Change Tactics, is also available to help launch you on your journey of change.