I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the feet of some incredible leaders during the recent Leadership Summit hosted by Willow Creek Community Church.  I joined several other leaders from Great Oaks for the simulcast at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria.  Here are some of the quotes that jumped out to me as I re-read my notes in my teaching journal.  As you can see, I have a lot to process from this conference!

  • “We cannot make it rain, but we can make sure it rains on prepared soil.” - Henri Nouwen
  • “Nobody comes to church for a mild dose of God.” - Bill Hybels
  • “The pace at which I’m doing God’s work is destroying the work of God in me.” - Bill Hybels
  • “First impressions are often wrong.” - Carly Fiorina
  • “The most important gift you can give someone is candor.” - Unknown
  • “The kindest form of management is the truth.” - Unknown
  • “Every organization is successful until it isn’t.” - Gary Hamel
  • “The future is not unknowable; it is simply unpalatable.” - Gary Hamel
  • “The job of leaders is to convince people that change is more exciting than standing still.” - Gary Hamel
  • “The longer you are in the trenches, the easier it is to mistake the edge of your rut for the horizon.” - Gary Hamel
  • “You get to be a leader when people choose you to be a leader.” - core philosophy at Gore-Tex where there is no formal leadership structure
  • “The lack of spiritual vitality [in church members] is the greatest frustration of pastors.” - Tim Keller
  • “Religious people want more things.  Gospel people want more of God.” - Tim Keller
  • “You can’t stay angry or bitter with someone unless you feel superior.” - Tim Keller
  • “Great poets show; they do not tell.” - Unknown
  • “If darkness is present in your community, you are not the light.” - Harvey Carey
  • “God has called us to build a church that is contrarian.” - Dave Gibbons
  • “The world will notice when we love those not like us.” - Dave Gibbons
  • “The people on the fringe lead the movements.” - Dave Gibbons
  • “When Jesus wipes away my tears, may he also wipe away my sweat.” - Wesley Stafford
  • “When you don’t forgive, you allow people to live in you rent-free.” - Wesley Stafford
  • “Someone who can look farther back can look farther forward.” - Winston Churchill
  • “Maturity is coming to grips with your flaws.” - David Gergen
  • “The age of the lone ranger leader is over.” - Warren Bennis
  • “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.” - Unknown/Disputed
  • “Successful change begins with establishing an emotional connection with your followers.” - Chip & Dan Heath
  • “In a time of change, failure is necessary.” - Chip & Dan Heath
  • “Sometimes the comfortable thing to do is the wrong thing to do.” - Tony Blair
  • “What are the consequences if I don’t lead to my fullest extent?” - Chris Genders