From an early age I had an inkling that I had some, even if only a few, leadership skills. I came to this realization when I could get other kids to goof off in my girl scout troop (that my mother led. At least I didn't do it in school.) Those "skills" eventually led to actual leadership opportunities in music and other activities I was involved in. Finally, my skills were used for good, not evil.
Today, I've confirmed this finding by staying involved in the organization-end of activities, taking strength-finder and gift assessments, and most recently, experiencing the excitement that occurs within me when I attend leadership conferences/summits/events.
I am blessed and humbled to be a part of our team from South Park Church that is experiencing the Willow Creek Community Church Leadership Summit. I was able, today, to connect with God and others while listening to passionate, experienced speakers talk about a wide range of leadership issues.
We all need and use leadership skills on some level. Whether it is in your profession, your home, or your hobbies, a good leader inspires, motivates, equips, and supports others to be the best they can be. Gone are the days of the dictator that communicates a vision and barks orders. I am thrilled to be a part of this leadership movement. Not only do I feel empowered and challenged to give, do, and grow more, but I pray that I instill that in those I come in contact with as well.
The summit began with Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor at Willow Creek speaking on Leading in a New Reality. Now, I have to be honest here. I had a guard up about what I would hear and experience from Pastor Hybels and Willow Creek. Not because I heard anything bad in particular. More because I have never gone to WCCC or heard Hybels and I was expecting that "let down" you get when someone builds something up so great that it can't possibly meet your expectations. I wasn't let down--and I let my guard down pretty quickly! Hybels was genuine, moving, honest, and inspiring. What was cool was to hear much of what he said and know that our current leadership has had to, in recent days, address many of the "hard issues" and are coming out on the other side in one piece and energized! He talked about four lessons he learned in the past 8 months since the economic downturn. Philosophy (in regards to the church), Finances in this reality, Staffing in this reality, and Personally-referring to replenishment emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Two things stuck out to me most from what Hybels said. The first being a lesser known bible verse from the book of Habakkuk (3:2--NLT)
2 I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and He can help us in this time. I have been thinking on a verse this past week from 1 John 2:16-17:
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
God will use this time in amazing ways and if we as individuals are open to it, He will use us to lead others.
The other thing Hybels said is this: Teach, Love, Fill, and Challenge others. I add, if you do this, God will equip them (and you for that matter) for His good works.
I was riveted by Timothy Keller from Reedemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He spoke on spiritual deadness and the epidemic proportions we can find this in today's churches. He disected the Parable of the Prodigal Son in an eye-opening way. In addition, EVERYTHING he said always came back to Jesus and the Gospel. And he emphasized that to reach the generations of today, in this culture, bringing it back to the Gospel is what needs to happen. People in America today are educated and sharp. They have information at their fingertips with the internet, phones, etc. There are many good people out there doing good things...the teachings of the church have to go beyond the moral and back to the Gospel. We need to reach a new level of repentence. Not that of our "bad works" but that of our "good works" for wrong reasons. I could go on in more detail about this...it was, for me, the most powerful part of the day.
The day ended on a passionate note from an inspiring and energetic pastor from Detroit, Harvey Carey. His encouragement to stop huddling and start doing was moving and Hybels prayed that those words would not just be motivating, but would become activity in our communities.
Today I was reminded of how much I feed off of hearing others in their experiences and insights. It causes my heart to beat faster and my mind to think deeper. It throws my priorities out like a deck of cards thrown on the floor and I am able to pick them up and re-order them to begin a new hand.
I look forward to a restful night, an energizing morning, and another amazing day tomorrow!
