My Leadership Summit Experience

This past week on Friday i had the chance to go to Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL for the right price... FREE!

One of the guys who interestingly enough, previously served on the staff of the church i serve at Westbrook, is the person that allowed me to tag along with him. As a matter of fact, Mark served in the same position that i currently fill at our church... Pastor of Spiritual Formation.

At any rate, the day i attended The Leadership Summit was absolutely phenomenal! The first speaker that i heard was former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell.Unfortunately he was not able to be on site for the event but there was a recorded interview between he and Senior Pastor Bill Hybels. All i could think about was how much i would have loved the opportunity to be one of the soldiers under his command! His insights on leadership (The Powell Principles) were simple but powerful. The other thought that continue to occur to me was "Man, i wish he would run for President..."

i also listened to John Ortberg, Senior Pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. John was a teaching pastor at Willow Creek before he moved out West. The topic he tackled was "A Leaders Greatest Fear". Very, very challenging! In particular the concept of the leaders' "shadow mission" versus "authentic mission" made for a very uncomfortable topic. Using the Old Testament book of Esther as a backdrop, he did an incredible job of making it possible to hear a pin drop!

These events are especially powerful for me, it's as if they fill my own "leadership tank" and remind me of why i do what i do... so next year if any of you plan on trying to attend this event , give me a call.... i'll take the FREE ticket!