Leadership Summit Day 1

Today was Day 1 of the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit. Bill Hybels kicked off the summit with a timely teaching about how to lead during the current global economic crisis.

Hybels noted how we, as international church leaders, need to acknowledge that the "old normal" of steady economic times is over, and how the "new reality" of prolonged, worldwide economic challenges is going to be with us for a long time. Hybels said that we need to go back to the Acts 2 church model, and that God gave us all the gift of leadership just for these economic times and challenges.

Hybels also said that we, as international church leaders, need to make absolutely sure that during this time of great financial stress and crisis we have an "adequate replenishment strategy" to ensure that we always have a fresh spirit and a grace-filled demeanor.

Hybels said that we all need to ask ourselves, "What do my followers see when they look at me? Do they see someone who is exhausted and fearful? Or do they see someone who has a fresh spirit and a grace-filled demeanor?"

Hybels added that we must always be sure that the pace at which we are doing the work of God does not destroy God's work in us.

It was a great teaching, and just perfect for these days and times.