Key Insights from the Global Leadership Summit

The 15th edition of the Willow Creek Association’s Leadership Summit (now the GLOBAL Leadership Summit) is now history. The two days were filled with a number of excellent speakers, some good preachers, and upbeat music. Although the language at the Summit is not gender inclusive, WCA’s advocacy for women in leadership roles receives more exposure among evangelical leaders in these two days than many of them experience in a year in their home churches. The meeting is consciously ethnically inclusive as well. All that to say, this is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Summit continues to bring together an interesting collection of leaders and leadership scholars each year and is worth attending.

Our printed programs suggested that we select our key insights from each session, so here are mine:

Bill Hybels, founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church—“Teams are catalysts for change.”

Jim Collins, author and business guru—“Never give up!”

Christine Caine, pastor and teacher, Hillsong Church, Sydney, Australia—“Refuse to be a victim!”

Tony Dungy, former NFL coach and author—“Don’t mistake the number of hours you put in for productivity.”

Adam Hamilton, founder and senior pastor of the Church of the Resurrection (UMC), Leawood, Kansas—“Although we are held to a higher standard as leaders, we are all tempted and in need of grace and redemption.”

Dr. Peter Zhao Xiao, economist, Beijing, China—“The most important part of China’s necessary reform is spiritual.”

Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Pointe Church, Alpharetta, Georgia—“The role of the leader is to manage the necessary tension in the organization.”

Jeff Manion, senior pastor of the Ada Bible Church, Ada, Michigan—“The land between is fertile ground for transformational growth.”

Terri Kelly, president and CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates—“Leadership is defined by followership.”

Daniel H. Pink, business thinker and author—“Our essence as human beings is to be active and engaged.”

Blake Mycoskie, founder and “chief shoe giver” of TOMS Shoes, Inc.—“Give.”

Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric—“If you don’t feel the fire, you can’t pass it on.”

T. D. Jakes, chief pastor, The Potter’s House, Dallas, Texas—“What is the source of your passion?”

Overall, this was the best selection of Summit personnel in several years. Did I agree with everything presented? No, but I was given a lot to think about in relationship to leadership and its application in the church. I will be reflecting on it for awhile.

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