How To Lead Where God Has Placed You
3 SURPRISING TRUTHS ABOUT LEADERS
BSF Staff
From the Editorial Team
Rosemary Jensen felt lost. After serving as a missionary in Africa for nine years, Rosemary returned to the United States and immediately felt a lack of purpose.
Then a friend told her about BSF.
“I joined a church in San Antonio and decided to lead a Bible study. One friend mentioned having interesting Bible study materials, and after some initial hesitation, I agreed to take a look. She showed me the BSF lessons for Genesis. I was immediately captivated by the depth and insight of the material. It felt like the author of the study truly understood me.”
From there, Rosemary’s involvement with BSF grew. She served, she led, and she taught. Eventually, Rosemary would become BSF’s second Executive Director after Audrey Wetherell Johnson. Under Rosemary’s leadership, Bible Study Fellowship entered an era of scalability: establishing the San Antonio Headquarters campus, guiding an unprecedented expansion in classes around the globe—including Africa, South America, and India—and launching the School Program (now known as BSF Students).
Today, Rosemary continues to pray for and support BSF. She has used her BSF experience to start another ministry, Rafiki Foundation, which has Training Villages in ten African countries to cultivate a multitude of godly men and women through Bible study and classical Christian education.
All along her journey, God prepared Rosemary to do His work, teaching her valuable lessons about leadership.
Leaders are willing, not perfect
One of the most surprising things about Rosemary is she never considered herself to be a leader. Her willingness to serve, however, paved the way for more and more opportunities to build God’s kingdom.
“I never volunteered for anything. I was just told that this is what I should be doing. People would say, ‘You should be teaching this’ or ‘You should be doing this.’
“I was only a Teaching Leader for two years, and Miss Johnson asked me to be an area advisor. I said, ‘I don’t know how to do it or what to do.’ And she told me, ‘It’s just like being a teaching leader, only just a little bit harder.’ It took a lot of trust in the Lord to say yes. But I did what she thought I could do and therefore I could do it.”
It took a lot of trust in the Lord to say yes.
During her years of volunteering in various roles in BSF, Rosemary learned to rely on God’s promises and His character through Scripture. Her willingness to step into uncomfortable roles to serve the Lord prepared her to lead a growing ministry.
“Later, Miss Johnson said, ‘You know, I think you could be the director.‘ And I looked at her and I thought, ‘My goodness, that was the last thing I ever in this world would have thought of.’”
Rosemary Jenson became BSF’s longest-serving Executive Director, holding the position for 20 years. Her experience reminds each of us that God provides what we need to lead when we willingly answer His call. Even when we feel inadequate, He is more than enough.
Leaders learn from others
For many of us, leadership brings an added pressure to have all the answers. We struggle to stand as an expert in every situation. But Rosemary realized she would grow in her leadership skills by watching and learning from those around her, no matter their position.
As a new Teaching Leader, Rosemary especially relied on a member in her class. Though Rosemary was appointed to lead, she was always ready to learn.
“Fortunately, there was a woman there who had been a Class Administrator. She really helped me a lot. I had to ask her questions, everything to do, and she helped me to do it.”
By watching her predecessor, Rosemary was influenced by Audrey Wetherell Johnson’s unwavering commitment to God’s Word.
If you love something, you don't have to tell anybody. It'll come out in the way you do it.
“She didn’t have to say she loved the Bible—it was just evident in everything she did. She just exuded a love for what she was doing. Her love for teaching the Bible. If you love something, you don’t have to tell anybody. It’ll come out in the way you do it.”
From those experiences of asking for help and observing others, Rosemary developed her own leadership style—inspired by fellow believers and rooted in God’s Word.
Leaders find joy in struggles
While reflecting on her tenure as BSF Executive Director, Rosemary was honest about the difficulties she faced: the hard decisions, long hours, and time away from her family. But none of the hardships ever diminished the joy she experienced while serving her precious Lord.
“I loved what I learned more than anything else. You know, the teacher learns more than the student. And I think that was probably what I loved most.
“I think studying the Bible is the most important thing that you can do in your life, because it’s only in the Bible that you learn to know who God is. It’s only in the Bible that you learn to know who you are, and it’s only in the Bible that you really understand the world that you live in. So how do you know how to live if you don’t study the Bible?”
Many years have passed since Rosemary retired, and we still hold fast to her wisdom.
Studying the Bible is the most important thing that you can do in your life.
As the culture shifts around us, the world desperately needs Christian leaders like Rosemary. Our Revelation study reminds us that we live in a spiritual battlefield where God calls His people to persevere and respond in faith. We are called to stand for truth and share His grace.
We can cling to Revelation 14:12, which “calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”
Rosemary Jensen’s story inspires us to remember that God calls us to lead at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. When we don’t feel prepared, God uses a willing heart for His glory. When we struggle for direction, we can learn from those who have gone before us. And when we face hardships, we can look amidst the struggle for the glimpses of joy God has planted.
About Us
At Bible Study Fellowship, we believe people discover their true purpose and identity by knowing God through His Word. That is why BSF offers free, in-depth Bible studies in community for people of all ages around the world. To learn more about Bible Study Fellowship, visit bsfinternational.org.
Ready to study God’s Word in community? Find a group that works for you at joinbsf.com.
4 Questions Christian Leaders Should Ask
LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM EXILE & RETURNBSF Guest ContributorWhether we lead in our homes, at the office, or elsewhere, God has placed each of us in a position of influence. After decades in business, I’ve read countless books about leadership. But one book, more...
Four Ways to Resist the World’s Influence
LEAVING BABYLON BEHINDJanuary 5, 2026BSF Guest ContributorAs we look ahead to a new year, a fresh start, we long to leave the old behind. We embrace the new and step forward in confidence, but old patterns can still get in our way. As Christians, we often expect to...
Is God Still Here?
FINDING ANSWERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENTDecember 28, 2025BSF Guest ContributorThere are moments in life that stop us in our tracks—a sudden loss, an unexpected diagnosis, a change we never saw coming. But more often, it’s not one big disaster that wears us down. It’s the...
Starting a Gospel Conversation
Three helpful reminders when sharing the gospelFrom the Editorial TeamWe all know people who seem to have a natural gift for evangelism. They appear to weave Jesus and the gospel into every conversation, and they make it look effortless. You can often find them...
Discover hope in Christ
Join BSF’s study Revelation: The Hope
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Rosemary’s Story solidifies my commitment as a Group Leader in Abbotsford, B.C. I believe it to be my “calling” even at 86. I thank The Lord for the privilege to serve Him in this manner.
I enjoyed reading all of the following articles: 1) How God Gave me Courage in Tragedy. 2) 3 Ways to Experience Lasting Newness This Year 3) Don’t Give Up On The Next Generation and 4) How To Lead Where God Has Placed You.
All of the articles were encouraging in helping me to see how I can be used by God as I study God’s Word.
My BSF Teaching Leader always told us, •God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” I was a BSF Children’s Leader for 10 years in preschool. Then, He called me away from BSF to work in speech therapy in public elementary schools. He equipped me in my BSF years, He equips me for every day and every speech session, speaks into my heart to reach each child. He calls and He equips faithfully, always.
I’m excited to be at BSF. It’s my first study with you. Revelation, what a book to start with! I’ve done several bible studies, but never Revelation- I just never felt lead to. I’ve read it but never studied it. I felt the Lord’s leading and felt it was time. I know the Lord is growing me deeper in love with Him & His word. Preparing me for a New! Not sure what that is but trusting in the creator of my being. I just ordered “Praying the Attributes of God” I’m delighted to be a part of growing the Kingdom of God & spreading the hope of Jesus to a world that so desperately needs Him.
This was so encouraging to me! I am a leader for a BSF class and each week, I wonder why God chose me and if He should have chosen someone else. Someone smarter, someone with more skills. And yet I have never been happier in my service to God. I love my Leader’s Group and teaching my students. I’m relieved to know that we all struggle, but we are not alone!
This is a beautiful reminder to focus on one’s spiritual growth through BSF to remain steadfast in God’s purpose for our lives. Leadership is a calling that one can only do well when armed with God’s Words.
this was a great blessing to me. thank you for sharing
Thanks for sharing your story with me. I enjoyed what you had to say.
I have been in BSFsince the 80s. I am 83 years old and BSF studies has carried me through many difficult, heartbreaking times and I’m dealing with a different challenge with my husband’s dementia now. I couldn’t have made it without our precious Savior. I don’t believe I was truly born again until I joined BSF many years ago. I went to church from a child and was baptized as a 12 year old. I even played the piano for a while in our youth group but I knew something was missing. Now I know it was a personal intimate relationship with my Jesus. His mercy and grace has been overwhelming to me. I teach Sunday School to us old folks now and struggle always feeling I let the Lord down. Please hold me up in prayer. I want to serve the Lord but I have very little strength between my husband and my own health problems. I thank God every day for revealing himself to me through the study in BSF
Elsie, thank you for sharing! It’s when we feel we don’t have enough in us that God’s faithfulness is experienced. He will always provide where He guides. God bless you sister! Praying for your husband, as dementia is incredibly difficult. Jesus is with you and for you. Love in Christ, Diane
I want to join a class to study Revelation.
Dear Mengean, we would love to have you join! Go to joinbsf.com to learn more!
An inspirational script.
Encourages me to “keep on keeping on”for The Name and cause of Christ in our ever changing world……… and serve sacrificially.
I too have her book, Praying The Attributes Of God, and treasure it as a life changing tool in my Faith growth.
I am very encouraged. Thanks so much .Once again may we Believers trust more our Lord as from Him are the willing and the completion.
Glad to be a member of bsf
I was blessed to meet Rosemary Jensen several years ago while volunteering at BSF headquarters. I have an autographed copy of her book, “Praying the Attributes of God”. I still go back to this wonderful book from time to time. I have many personal notes and prayers (answered and unanswered) in the pages of my copy. Rosemary noted Colossians 1:9-10 under her signature. That verse has become a.constant prayer in my life. I thank God for the leadership within BSF.
BSF has been and is now, a major part of my adult life! Rosemary Jensen a major part of my time in BSF. Learning that my God given gift is in administration and being a Class Administrator for several years has been so rewarding! After a “break”, God has provided a BSF study in Revelation. Thankfully, Ellen
BSF is the best Bible study I have done. After this season I will have completed all studies in BSF, many more than once. But I have learned because God’s Word is living, you can read it over and over again and learn something new. It is the only Book I read. The only Book I like to share with others. I am in the student program and am thankful every moment that God equips me to teach. Apart from Him I could not do it.with Him I can do all things. It is by His grace that I have faith and courage to do the things He has called me to do. This high calling is not only my biggest challenge in life, but also give me the greatest peace. Thankful to God for this in depth Bible Study Fellowship. I love the circle of Gods people who seek to know Him more and serve Him Faithfully!
This year is my 1st year in leadership I was thinking what an honor to be asked to lead and then wondering did I make the right decision once I realized it was God’s call to me and now I thank him that I answered his call to lead I am a part of a loving caring group of leaders who train and teach us it is all about what God is doing through us we can do nothing with out him in our leadership and God never makes mistakes I am looking forward to all he has for me this year and looking forward to next year in leadership I am so glad he called me.
Rosemary Jensen was the BSF Executive Director when I began BSF. We were studying John. I began BSF with the attitude, “If I don’t like it, I’ll quit.” That was over 20 years ago. I have stepped down several times but God always drew me back to where He wanted me and where I needed to be. In BSF, I learned to study the Bible, to love God and His Word. I thank God for His faithfulness to his promises especially His promise that when we seek God we will find Him, Jeremiah 29:13.
It is true what Rosemary said because I have experienced the same thing she did by reading the Bible. I began to learn more about God’s character, more about my self and about human nature. Everything is there. Why should we look elsewhere?
BSF has certainly convinced me to agree with Rosemary Jensen:
“I think studying the Bible is the most important thing that you can do in your life, because it’s only in the Bible that you learn to know who God is. It’s only in the Bible that you learn to know who you are, and it’s only in the Bible that you really understand the world that you live in. So how do you know how to live if you don’t study the Bible?”
I think the next generation especially needs this firm foundation. As a current CL but former CS, ACS, and AOT, I am excited to see this priority communicated globally to infants, children, teens, young adults, men and women!
Praising God for your timely and priceless experience shared with us.
Your response to God’s leadership call reminds me of your WILLINGNESS and not your capability. The humility of the heart to serving the Living God. Thank you for your leadership. To God be the glory.
I so love my studies with BSF each week. I have grown so in knowledge of God Word and His purpose for me. Thank you for sharing this story.
thankyou for this blog it is such a great reminder to always be looking to learn and that it is the study of his word that brings authenic joy and love into my life.
Rosemary put into words exactly how I felt when I started BSF. It was the first time I studied the Bible in-depth and allowed the Holy Spirit to work within my heart. I wanted to give up after five weeks. A friend said, “You are trying too hard. Relax and let the Holy Spirit work.” Finally, after getting stuck on one thing, I learned that God would give me the answers in His time.
Patience is something that takes work. It is in my character to decipher the meaning right now. God does not work that way, and after 10 years of BSF, I am learning what patience is. What a roller coaster ride it has been, too. I PRAISE God for calling me so many years ago, who kept calling me even when I didn’t want to hear it. If He wants something from you, He never gives up on you! That truth is etched in my mind forever.
Thank you, Rosemary, for your inspiration and love for Our Lord!
Rosemary is surely missed, we need more like her in BSF.
Wow! Glory to God.
Thank you for your inspiration!
That is so incredibly inspiring, especially for a new leader like me 😉
Though I am not perfect, I am willing to lead where God has placed me and under His guidance.
Thank you!
I am grateful my first year in leadership in EW class, I got to hear Rosemary Jensen at Leaders Retreat in Hershey, PA. I was in awe, still am, with the leadership team I was part of.
Me too, me too!! “I loved what I learned more than anything else. You know, the teacher learns more than the student. And I think that was probably what I loved most.”
To patiently endure any circumstance, moment by moment, with the assurance that His Joy will be your strength. You certainly proved that Rosemary Jensen. What a legacy you leave. I praise Adonai for you & your godly example for us to follow. Praying we all keep our hearts open & teachable, for His Glory.
Loved sitting under her teaching in Milwaukee
How timely.I am encouraged ,inspired and challenged to serve God in all seasons because He is the one who enables and equips me to serve.Thank you for sharing
I am so encouraged by this words, so inspiring and uplifting.
I pray for more grace and wisdom as i lean kn him everyday of my life in Jesus name
I was so inspired by Rosemarie Jensen’s testimony! I have been w/ BSF for more than 2 decades. I love to study the Bible, and I can empathize w/ her experiences in BSF. I was a grp member for only 2 months, then I was invited & interviewed to be a DL (Discussion Leader). I felt so inadequate but it’s so true. That I learned more than my grp members! I’m now 81 yrs old, an ophthalmologist by profession & by God’s grace, I still practice, lead small grp BS among our ladies in our church, and still a GL. I have many times been tempted to quit but somehow the Lord has kept me going! His grace is truly amazing & all sufficient!!! Praise, glory, honor & wisdom unto Him who sits on the throne of majesty!!!
I was so inspired by Rosemarie Jensen’s testimony! I have been w/ BSF for more than 2 decades. I love to study the Bible, and I can empathize w/ her experiences in BSF. I was a grp member for only 2 months, then I was invited & interviewed to be a DL (Discussion Leader). I felt so inadequate but it’s so true. That I learned more than my grp members! I’m now 81 yrs old, an ophthalmologist by profession & by God’s grace, I still practice, lead small grp BS among our ladies in our church, and still a GL. I have many times been tempted to quit but somehow the Lord has kept me going! His grace is truly amazing & all sufficient!!! Praise, glory, honor & wisdom unto Him who sits on the throne of majesty!!!
Enrolled in Revelation:The Hope. Love it. From Newport News VA
Inspired today by the comments by Jensen in todays blog that Studying the bible is the most important thing you can do in your life
God Bless all leaders 🙏 for reaching out to us. I have enjoyed and learned so much in the last 8 Years.
“ If you love something, you don’t have to tell anybody. It’ll come out in the way you do it.”
May the Lord shine His light to the world through me! May others see how God has transformed my life through BSF Revelation study!
This was such a great article. What a precious lady and woman of God willing to be used by Him, and not afraid to be taken out of her comfort zone. We can always trust in Him to be faithful in His Word and meet us in our weaknesses and carry us through. 💕💕
You can’t help but admire Ms. Jensen for Her leadership, wisdom and consistency as a Servant Leader in spreading God’s truths to so many parts of HIS vineyard.
Certainly She will be blessed beyond measure.
What a powerful testimony of Rosemary Jensons obedient’s to Christ. I was privileged to meet her at a leaders retreat in Hershey Pennsylvania years ago. I praise God for opportunity to serve in leadership at BSF for many years.. By God’s grace I’m serving in leadership over the women’s ministry at my church. God prepared me for this leadership role through my obedience at BSF. I felt unqualified but stepped up to serve by faith trusting in Jesus.
That’s wonderful!! I’m sure you are a true blessing to the women. I’m glad you stepped up to the challenge!! Bless you.
This is an awesome piece of information, that reminds me to really consider and value the environments that I’m part of. I do learn more an appreciate the choice I choose to be part of BSF. I do agree to the statement that ” studying the bible is the most important thing you can do in live” . I will add that to study the Bible alone is Alright, but studying with a group is even better and practical(living testimonies). We sharpen each other more faster, stronger and being equipped to face the challenges of the spiritual battlefield.
AMEN ❤️, AMEN ❤️, AMEN ❤️
I absolutely love being a member of BSF. I love the in depth study of God’s word and applying God’s word to my life no matter what I am going through. I also love the close-knit family of sisters in Christ as I serve alongside of them in the children’s program. It is truly a joy and a privledge to do so.
I experience the opposite.
After serving BSF for more than 15 years, I was forbidden by The Lord to serve but stay to share His Word in another latitude.
It’s really an exciting experience when viewing what I higher learned from BSF can be at a higher level.
Praise the Lord.
wonderful blog. it being a first time CL I have inadequate feelings at times to teach.. Seeing that Rosemary had those same feelings encourages me to trust that God is there supporting me and many other members i can learn from at BSF.
I love BSF. This is my 19th year studying with the best leaders in the USA. I have repeated the study of the same books of the Bible and always find something that I did not see before.
Thanks to all who work so hard to make BSF such a success.
BSF has been one of the most wonderful gifts and experiences i”ve had in my life. I was blessed with learning about it and joining it in 1998. I would never have learned all I experienced without all the studies I have attended since then. Thank you all for the magnificent job you are doing providing all the years of study. It has been so wonderful being
in BSF all these years. May God continue to bless and grow Bible Study Fellowship all over the world!
I enjoyed reading the history of Rosemary Jensen and her availability and willingness to serve. These types of stories from prior BSF leaders are very encouraging for one who serves but sometimes questions my limited abilities as I age. Thanks for her story and even more as they become available.
Hallelujah
Thanks
Very inspiring
I love you Rosemary. You don’t know me, but I heard your speak at the Clear Lake BSF class and followed your work in Rafiki. God has used you powerfully in my life. Thank you for saying, “yes”.