Adventure, Accountability, and Kingdom Governance with Mart Green

What separates leaders who endure from those who burn out? Often, it’s not vision - it’s governance. In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob sits down with Mart Green - a respected business leader, philanthropist, and architect behind some of today’s most influential faith-driven ventures - to explore why lasting impact is built through accountability, trusted partnerships, and courageous leadership. Mart serves as Ministry Investment Officer for Hobby Lobby, Founder of Mardel, and now champions global Gospel initiatives through his leadership with Come and See and Come Near. Drawing from decades of experience leading at the highest levels of business and ministry, Mart shares practical insights on the critical balance between leadership and governance. From helping guide Oral Roberts University through crisis to collaborating on Christian media initiatives, he unpacks why organizations often fail not because of weak leadership, but because of weak structures of accountability.In this conversation, you’ll discover:Why governance is essential for both personal and professional leadershipHow to build “adventure partnerships” rooted in trust and honest accountabilityThe difference between bold vision and sustainable leadershipPractical wisdom for building relationships and structures that stand the test of timeWhether you’re leading a team, serving on a board, or growing in your own leadership journey, this episode offers timeless insight for leading with purpose, resilience, and integrity.Episode Guide: Access a resource designed to help you reflect and learn from this episode conversation! Hobby Lobby— Referenced as the business founded by Mart Green's familyThe Chosen— TV series mentioned as a current adventure/projectOral Roberts University (ORU)— Referenced throughout the discussion on governance and leadershipThrough Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot — Book referenced in connection to the missionary story and filmEnd of the Spear (film)— Movie produced as a result of an early adventureCHAPTERS:00:05 The True Meaning of “Adventure Partners”01:14 Building Trust: The Nature of Real Relationships03:04 Stepping Into the Unknown: Inviting Yourself In04:15 Choosing Accountability: Seven Adventure Partners05:18 The Two Wings: Leadership and Governance06:35 Inspiration from “Through Gates of Splendor”09:08 Extreme Generosity: 39% of My Year for ORU11:03 The Power of Mentorship: Meeting Bob Cooley12:13 Wisdom Is the Body of the Plane14:00 Saying Yes When You Want a No15:00 Every Mess Traced Back to Governance17:17 Practical Steps for Young Leaders: Personal Accountability18:31 Stages of Governance: From Founder to Generative20:10 The Value of Young Voices on Boards22:03 Building Generational Strategy Groups22:35 Friendship, Adventure, and the Joy of Not Going Alone