Leadership Summit Recap

I thoroughly enjoyed the leadership summit. I am now trying to process all of the great leadership training that I received over the last two days! I enjoyed spending time with some of the staff from FBC Ashford: Todd Thorpe (Lead Pastor), Tim Flowers (Worship pastor), and Chris Lasseter (Small Groups). Here are a few things I learned:

"You cannot have a great vision unless you have a great relationship with God."                     - Dave Gibbons

Relationships trump vision every time. I desire to have a God-sized vision that believes that He can do anything and change anyone. Vision is not just a strategic plan with charts, graphs, mission statements and such. My relationship with God fuels and gives the vision that HE desires. The best vision for ministry is life-on-life relationships, not programs. Building relationships and equipping is our main purpose as leaders.

"Obedience is more important than passion" - Dave Gibbons

Emotional feelings cannot overcome our daily obedience to God. I'm learning that the more I obey God, the more of His passion flows through my life. Jesus felt the burden before He went to the cross:

"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

The ultimate leader portrayed obedience to God not based on His feelings, but on His obedient love for God and us.

"Recognize your flaws" - David Gergen

"Personal habits of leaders should be: Self-discipline (spend quality time with God), be physically fit, take time to reflect, and be with people you cherish and love. - David Gergen

Ouch. This one hit home to me. For those of you that know me, I have many flaws. I'm learning to stop and reflect on myself and not be held prisoner by my flaws. As leaders, we need to stop and reflect upon God's grace and admit our weakness so that He can make us strong. I'm grateful for God's grace, aren't you?!

Lastly, I need to spend time listening. We live in a culture that is afraid of silence. I need more time to stop, listen to God, read His Word (slowly), and reflect. I am going to spend more time reading books that stretch my thinking, my life, and faith.

How about you? What are your thoughts?

Leadership Summit - Day #1

Day one of the summit has been insightful and challenging to me personally. I appreciate this time to grow and learn more about being a good leader. The pursuit of becoming a better leader is a journey, not a destination we come to in life.

Few notes/quotes from today:

"Do we still believe the church is God's hope to the world?" - Bill Hybels

The church has a huge opportunity to starting actually "being" the church to the hurting world. God's plan has always been for the local church to be His "hands and feet" to the world. God does not have a plan "B", we are it!

"We will not see real change in the community until it happens first in the church"

"Is the church keeping up with the cultural climate of today?"

"Are we doing things "this" way because God commanded it or because it is tradition?"

"What hasn't changed in the last 3-5 years in your church?"

"Is the church built on redemption, reconciliation and renewal? Or is it policies, procedures, and programs?" - Gary Hamel

The world is wanting to see the church put their faith to action. I'm excited about what God is doing at FBC Ashford. I believe the church is ready to impact the community and world for Christ.

Tim Keller spoke on the parable of the prodigal son. It was a powerful look at the elder brother in the story.

"Religion = I obey, therefore God accepts me. The Gospel = I'm accepted, therefore I obey." - Tim Keller

My favorite speaker was Harvey Carey. He has a powerful ministry to reach the inner city of Detroit.

"The role of the leader is to equip" (Ephesians 4:11)

"The church members must have ownership of the ministry"

"We must break out of our spiritual huddles and get in the game and be the church" - Harvey Carey

It was an encouraging day for me! What are your thoughts?