Leaders

Each year, Bill Hybels and his Willow Creek Church, hold a "Global Leadership Summit." Here is their mission statement.

"To transform Christian leaders around the world with an injection of vision, skill development and inspiration for the local church."

Well, that certainly sounds . . . like a mission statement. And who wouldn't want to be injected with "vision", right? But what are the attending Christian leaders being "transformed" into? It doesn't really say in their mission statement, but apparently those in attendance are going to be transformed, injected, developed and inspired en mas somewhere near Chicago in early August.

I was reading Romans 12:2 the other day. It's a good "every day" verse. We are supposed to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. And from what I gather, this can be accomplished right where we are. As Christians, isn't God's Holy Spirit transforming us already? And shouldn't we be looking to Jesus when seeking transformation? And leadership? Hmm, I wonder . . . How did all of the world's past Christian leaders ever become great Christian leaders without Mr. Bill's leadership event to transform them? Mind boggling!

This year Bill's keynote speaker is Colin Powell. Mr. Powell first became a public figure during the Gulf War back in the early 90's. He was a general in the army and was a very good leader . . . in the army. But where does he stand as a Christian? As a Christian leader? And should we be really following HIS example like Bill Hybels obviously does?

Collin Powell is pro-choice. That means he supports abortion. The following statement is from his speech during the 1996 Republican National Convention . . .

"You all know that I believe in a woman’s right to choose and I strongly support affirmative action. And, I was invited here by my party to share my views with you because we are a big enough party -- and big enough people -- to disagree on individual issues and still work together for our common goal: restoring the American Dream."

Why would someone who supports abortion be asked to speak as an example of a Christian leader at a Christian leadership conference? I thought most Christians were against abortion? I thought GOD was against abortion?

And "a woman's right to chose" . . . You mean someone has the "right" to "choose" to take someone elses' life just because just because they want to? Isn't that . . . umm, like . . . murder? Or in the case of abortion, maybe genocide. As a Christian, am I to follow a leader like that?

As a side note, do you know what those who favor abortion like to call it now? They no longer call it "pro-choice." Now they call it, are you ready for this? They call it . . . "women's health." Who could possibly be against women's health, right? (sigh)

President Obama on Women's Health.

I'd like you to read a verse and dwell in its meaning for a few moments. Take as much time as you need. Read it over a couple of times and let it sink in.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" - Jeremiah 1:5

God knew us BEFORE we were born. How does a Christian embrace abortion and yet claim to follow Christ? And Colin Powell, this leader Bill Hybels wants our pastors and church elders to learn from and emulate, supports killing living babies BEFORE the wonder of God's creation can even see the light of day. That sickens me.

This leadership summit of Mr. Bill's . . . I wonder where those in attendance are being led?

God uses a very different training method from those Bill Hybels suggests. I'm kind of glad too. He tends to use untrained, inadequate, inept, bungling, stuttering leaders to accomplish His will. Look at Moses. Most would say we was a great leader, yet he had a speech impediment.

"10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” - Exodus 4:10

Why does God use inadequate people to lead? Psst. It's so that everyone will know that GOD did the leading, not the "leader."

Looking to other men for leadership is complete foolishness. There is only one place to look for leadership and that is God. God raises up leaders, not man.

This past weekend I attended a conference on biblical leadership up in Green Bay.

Stand Up For The Truth - Watchman Conference on Biblical Leadership.

There were over 300 pastors and elders and other church leaders in attendance. What an uplifting yet frightening experience. The leadership examples we were given were all out of the Bible, except for Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Probably the best take-away from this past weekend was the concept of what makes up a good leader - a BIBLICAL leader. We are to lead . . . by following. Perhaps Mr. Hybels should have a FOLLOWING Summit! There should be no opinions of man in our leadership, only the following Christ. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Later in Hebrews we read this, good instruction for those who would be leaders. Oh, and we ALL are leaders my friends. Every last one of us. So lead. Lead . . . by following . . . Christ.

"12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears." - Hebrews 12:12-17

"15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." - Ephesians 5:15-17

You Lead by Jamie Grace