Leadership Summit

Once again I’ve returned home with far too much to process. I feel like I’ve experienced a lifetime of learning these past few weeks, and I’m not completely sure where to begin. The leadership conference at Willowcreek church in Chicago was absolutely incredible. The speakers were phenomenal- from the legendary Bill Hybels Pastor Extraordinaire, to Jim Collins the author of the business book “Good to Great,” the seminars were extremely helpful. I realize that through these amazing experiences I’ve been given a lot of experience for my young age. I’ve had the opportunity to be trained in ways that most young people my age cannot even dream up. Somehow the Spiderman quote, “with great power, comes great responsibility” comes to mind. Even better than a movie quote is a quote straight from the Bible in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

I want to live up to my purpose. That could come with a lot of pressure, but thankfully God loves me for who I am, and not what I do. Somehow that makes me want to strive all the more toward the goal. A good reminder that kept coming up in both conferences that I attended was to take care of myself as a leader. I need to put my relationship with God first, or I will burn out or replace my God with my ministry. I need to also find balance in life and ensure that I am taking time away for rest and the things that energize me apart from ministry. I need to keep thinking over the last few weeks, but I am so excited to press on!