Our Founders

A man in a suit and tie is smiling in a circle

Dr. Mark Rutland and Allison Rutland

Founded by Dr. Mark and Allison Rutland in 1977, Global Servants began with a simple but bold vision: to take the Gospel to the nations, strengthen the local church, and serve people in need around the world. Over the last 45+ years, that vision has grown into an international missions and evangelism organization with long-term ministry centers in Thailand and Ghana. The story of Global Servants is inseparable from the lives and leadership of its founders—especially the far-reaching evangelistic ministry of Dr. Mark Rutland.

A Vision Rooted in Calling

Dr. Mark Rutland entered ministry with a deep passion to preach the Gospel and a heartfelt desire to see lives changed by the power of God. His early pastoral work revealed a gift for communication, compassion, and leadership—qualities that soon opened doors for evangelistic outreach far beyond the local church. Sensing God’s call toward global ministry, Dr. Mark and Allison stepped out in faith to establish Global Servants in 1977.


From the start, they committed themselves to preaching wherever God opened a door. What began with church services and small gatherings quickly expanded into large evangelistic crusades, teaching seminars, leadership conferences, and international ministry invitations. Whether speaking to small groups or crowds of thousands, Dr. Rutland carried the same clear, Christ-centered message.


Evangelism, Leadership, and Global Influence

For more than four decades, Dr. Rutland has preached the Gospel across multiple continents, strengthening churches and equipping pastors through leadership training. His ministry has reached countless lives through:


  • Evangelistic crusades
  • Leadership and pastoral seminars
  • Youth camps and conferences
  • Local evangelism and community outreach
  • Books, radio, and media broadcasts
  • International teaching and preaching engagements


His ability to blend biblical truth with practical leadership insight has made him a highly sought-after voice in both ministry and academic settings. Dr. Rutland has authored numerous books, founded the National Institute of Christian Leadership, and served as president of both Southeastern University and Oral Roberts University—guiding each institution through seasons of renewal and growth.


Founding and Expanding Global Servants

Under the leadership of Dr. Mark and Allison Rutland, Global Servants expanded from an itinerant ministry into an international missions organization. Their obedience to God’s leading opened doors to Thailand and later Ghana—two regions where Global Servants established long-term mission campuses that continue to serve communities today.


These campuses became home to ministries focused on rescue, education, leadership development, evangelism, and community strengthening. The Rutlands’ vision laid the foundation for programs that now protect vulnerable girls, support rural villages, build sanitation and water systems, plant churches, and equip spiritual leaders.


A Lasting Legacy

Though Global Servants has grown far beyond its original beginnings, the DNA of the ministry still reflects the heart of its founders: evangelism, compassion, integrity, and a commitment to share the gospel. Today, Dr. Mark Rutland continues to preach, teach, and mentor leaders while the organization he and Allison established carries the mission forward.


Their legacy is seen in every girl rescued, every village served, every well built, every pastor trained, and every life touched by the Gospel. Global Servants exists—and continues to flourish—because two people simply said yes to God’s call.