Month: November 2015

My Grander Vision for France | Servanthood Across the Nation

Posted on November 19, 2015 by - Calling, Europe, Stories, Western Europe

Michel Schneid 1“The country of France used to be a Catholic country, but now the second religion is Islam. We have about 5 million Muslims in France. To be a Christian leader in this environment means that we have to be aware of cross cultural situations and take care of people.

My dream would be that everyone would be a servant.

We have seen in Willow a servanthood that I’ve never seen before. My dream is our whole church being involved in servanthood. The Summit has inspired us to take new risks. We have many refugees coming into France. We take the risk to go to the refugees and to take care of the new situation. It’s a big challenge, but the Summit has helped us to take this risk and go for it.

I’ve been very inspired by the Summit. We need the GLS in France, and we’re happy to be part of it. We’re looking forward to having more and more sites in France in the future.

I want to say is a big thank you. Thank you to the whole team that makes the Summit available to us. We are thankful to be a part of a big family. The Summit has been inspiring us with the teaching, examples and testimonies. I just can’t express my gratitude enough. I notice a great generosity from the Americans and from all the people involved financially. It allows so many people to come who otherwise couldn’t come to the Summit. Thank you so much!” – Michel Schneider, GLS Leader, France

In light of recent tragedy in France, our partners have asked for prayer.

The country is wounded deeply. Please pray for:

  • Peace over the land and a work of the Holy Spirit among the nation.
  • A new openness for spiritual life. People are gathering in many places, and also in churches. May they be open to hear from God as they reflect on the situation.
  • Now is an opportunity for the church to show up and to be “the hope of the world”. May God use the testimony of local churches to bring hope where there is despair, light where there is darkness and peace where there is violence.
  • Wisdom for the government and those in charge of the protection and security of the population.

“Thanks for praying with and for us,” says Michel.

 

#Giving Tuesday: Help us Spread the Word

Posted on November 19, 2015 by - News & Updates

With Thanksgiving just a week away, we know many of you are gearing up for the biggest shopping day of the year—Black Friday. For those of us who are not as eager to fight the early morning crowds to track down a “door buster,” there’s Cyber Monday where our shopping consists of clicking around the web to find the best deals online.

In recent years, however, another online trend has caught our attention: Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, gives us an opportunity to give back to organizations and causes we care about. At the Willow Creek Association Giving Tuesday has become a platform to launch our year-end giving campaign—and we need your help.

We have set a goal of raising $600,000 to help meet our immediate needs and invest in our strategic goal to impact 500,000 leaders annually by 2020.

Two ways you can help:

  1. Donate a tweet or Facebook post through our Thunderclap campaign to spread awareness about the ministry of the Global Leadership Summit. What is Thunderclap, you ask? Thunderclap is like Kickstarter for social media, and with your permission, it will post an update to your account on Giving Tuesday. Together we can unite our voices online. If 250 people donate one tweet or Facebook post, the message will go even further!
  2. Donate a gift to the Willow Creek Association to fill the $600,000 funding gap for 2015. Give online at willowcreek.com/give. Every gift makes a difference, no matter the amount. Share that you supported the cause on social media by using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.

Together we can unite our voices online to encourage people to learn more about the GLS and contribute to our year-end campaign.

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Friends At Work? Not So Much

Posted on November 19, 2015 by - Articles, Culture, Leading Organizations

In a recent New York Times article, Adam Grant (TGLS 2015) analyses recent research showing that Americans are no longer finding their most meaningful relationships in the workplace. Over the past twenty years, workplace interactions have become increasingly transactional and focused on productivity. Have you noticed this trend? What do you think are the causes?

Once, work was a major source of friendships. We took our families to company picnics and invited our colleagues over for dinner. Now, work is a more transactional place. We go to the office to be efficient, not to form bonds. We have plenty of productive conversations but fewer meaningful relationships.

In 1985, about half of Americans said they had a close friend at work; by 2004, this was true for only 30 percent. And in nationally representative surveys of American high school seniors, the proportion who said it was very important to find a job where they could make friends, dropped from 54 percent in 1976, to 48 percent in 1991, to 41 percent in 2006.

We may start companies with our friends, but we don’t become friends with our co-workers. “We are not only ‘bowling alone,’ ” Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford, observes, “we are increasingly ‘working alone.’ ”

Focusing our friendship efforts outside work isn’t the norm around the world. In surveys across three countries, Americans reported inviting 32 percent of their closest colleagues to their homes, compared with 66 percent in Poland and 71 percent in India. Americans have gone on vacation with six percent of their closest co-workers, versus 25 percent in Poland and 45 percent in India.

It’s not that Americans are less concerned with relationships overall. We’re social creatures outside work, yet the office interaction norm tends to be polite but impersonal. Some people think pleasantries have no place in professional meetings.

To continue reading this article, click here.

Faces of the Global Leadership Summit – Brazil

Posted on November 19, 2015 by - Latin America, South America, Stories

IMG_2860“This is my first Summit! What brought me is my desire to grow as a leader, more specifically my promotion to command a new post. My goal is to be a leader that influences people that will then in turn improve the world around them. Having God as the master of my life, I hope to bring greater impact to His Kingdom.  Above all else we are His instruments.

I learned so much at the Summit. What impacted me the most was the interwoven theme of failure.  Failure is not necessarily all bad.  In the face of human tragedy that may come upon me, I need to learn to what extent God led this failure to restructure my character and learn from it so that it raises me up to higher level then I was before. ”

– Azael Lages , GLS Attendee & Military Chief in the air traffic control division in Manaus, Brazil

 

 

 

IMG_2861“I expected to just come watch a couple days of lectures. What is impacting me is that each day there is something different, and each message builds on the other about my reality, truth, fears, frustrations, and at the same time, who I desire to be. I was surprised by how each lecture captured me more and more. The GLS has helped me with my self-analysis.

My biggest challenge is myself, recognizing my potential, my motivations and that I am responsible to take the name above all names, presenting him with Honor, glory and worship. The GLS calls me to greater responsibility and accountability to put all these learnings into practice and learn what I need to do for my people.  The GLS has helped me innovate, discovering new opportunities to reach my goals for the Kingdom.”

–  Olavo, GLS Attendee & Pastor of  Igreja Batista Alpha Omega, Manaus, Brazil

Feedback from the GLS in Jos, Nigeria | “You are changing the world. Keep doing it, the devil will go mad.”

Posted on November 18, 2015 by - Africa, Communication, Stories

The local team in Nigeria worked hard to spread the word of the GLS to communities in the north, where the majority of the region practices Islam. Christian resources are limited in these areas, and the GLS came as an incredible blessing.

On November 3rd, more than 500 leaders from various backgrounds attended the GLS in Jos, Nigeria. Gabriel, GLS producer in northern Nigeria, expresses his great thanks.

 

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Be encouraged by the amazing feedback from leaders in Jos, Nigeria. These are just some of the comments that we received!

 

“Great! Like the Great Commission, we need to get these messages on leadership to more and more of our people to get the change we desire and move forward.” – Dr Daniel , Retired Federal Government Director & Evangelist

“It was awesome. A mind sharpener. Makes me see God’s glory.” – Suleiman, Teacher

“A huge wisdom on how to be a good leader and how to get feedback. Wow, you are changing the world positively. Keep doing it, the devil will go mad. Thanks.” – Kayus, Arts and Craftsman

“It was a wonderful experience of a new perspective and new beginning for my life.” – Kachollom, Public Servant (Government worker)

“The GLS was the most powerful and life changing moment of my life.” – Andrew, Student

“Awesome! I have never experienced anything like this and am looking forward to coming next year, and bringing a friend.”- Ndibe, Student

“Inspiring! I can’t wait to get back to work and lead a little better.” – Abraham , Botanist & Teacher

“I am getting sharper. Our ministry sponsored over 30 people. More people are getting blessed!” – Luiwanger, School Proprietress/Pastor

“It has changed my mindset concerning leadership. I am challenged.”  – Lois, Civil Servant (Government Worker)

“It is indeed a great experience. I wish I knew about it before. I wouldn’t have missed any in the past years.” – Pastor Harris, Teacher, Pastor and Musician

“It was an excellent experience in God’s presence and I appreciate the leaders involved. May God bless you.” – Moses, Civil Servant (Government Worker)

“It is challenging, motivating, exhilarating and terrific. It is a moment of learning new stuff and it expands my faith. It is a good thing we are doing, and it is helping young leaders.” – Louisa, Medical Student

“The GLS is one of my best experiences in building my leadership capacity. I have no appropriate words to commend the organizing committee, but say they are near perfect.” – Gbedozin Elijah, Student/Farmer/Teacher

“I had a good time of my life because I have learnt what I have never learnt in life.” – James, Private Businessman

“The GLS makes me change the way I think and makes me to have more ideas on how to organize my business well. It helps me develop courage in everything I do.” – Sarah , Private Businesswoman

“It is a mind-blowing experience! You are doing a very wonderful job here and impacting ideas on people on how to have an excellent mindset to live their life.  Keep it up and God bless you.” – Juliet, Student

“The GLS is something I will never forget. It empowered me as an individual and has made me see life from a different view. It has made me a better leader in my career. It has made me to know how to receive feedback no matter how bad or good it is to me.” – Hassan, Teacher

“Amazingly refreshing, and broadening my leadership dimension!” – Obaje, Private Business (Water Drilling Technician)

“The GLS is timely for me as I take over the leadership of a Hospital with diverse problems with financial, human and material resources needing restoration.” – Dr Fred, Medical Superintendent

“Honestly, awesome! This GLS  is so stimulating that going out to change my world is the only option. There’s no alternative at all.” – Onyike, Radio Presenter & Public Speaker

“This is what I need in this season of my life. Some days back, I was at the edge of giving up, but now God has strengthened me.” – Odinaka, Student

“The GLS is insightful, empowering, elevating, encouraging, and challenging to be better. It has and will forever be a great blessing to me and my generation.” – Rachel, National Youth Corps member

“To me it’s a life changing experience that changed my perception on how I can become a great leader in this generation. It inspired me to involve God in all aspect of leadership.  I am blessed.” – Phinehas, Ex-corps member

“It made me re-assess my leadership role and inspired me to make corrections and motivated me to lead better and to care for the people I lead and not be self-centered.” – Shepherd

“The GLS is one of the best intellectual outreaches that God has graciously given me grace to be part of. Now I can see the need to touch a life other than mine.” – Peter, Student/Business

“Potentially life-changing if I do my part.” – Dashi Domshak, Medical Doctor

 

Thank you for your prayers and support for the GLS in Nigeria!

My Grander Vision for Liberia | Reaching the Lost through Healthcare and Education

Posted on November 17, 2015 by - Africa, Calling, Education, Healthcare, Stories

Samuel-200-200After attending the GLS in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Samuel Reeves, native to Liberia and Senior Pastor of the Historic Providence Baptist Church in Liberia, was inspired with a Grander Vision and decided to return to his home country. “I wanted to construct a one million dollar medical center, high school, and IT center in Liberia at the border with Sierra Leone in a city called Bo-Waterside, a city that is 99% Muslim. I wanted to use the facilities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of this region.”

According to the latest statistics, there are about four million inhabitants in Liberia of which 85% claim Christianity and 15% Islam. The Western region of the country, where Bo-Waterside is located, is predominantly Muslim, and right where Samuel dreamed to go once he returned home. Prior to returning to Liberia in 2005 to serve as the senior pastor, Samuel served as Co-pastor at Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan for nine years. While at Madison he attended the Summit every year. “The teaching on the Grander Vision and the time spent fasting and in prayer was used by the Lord to inspire me to give-up the pastorate at Madison Square and call me back to my home in Liberia to be the senior pastor.”

“My dream for Bo-Waterside is that it will become a Christian city” Samuel explains. “We are praying that this Medical Center becomes a state of the art facility and a great witness to the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Because he had been connected to the Christian community in Grand Rapids, he partnered with a foundation that helped fund his vision into a reality. The medical and education center has now been in full operation for the past four years. They’ve also planted a church in the area, and it continues to grow– There are 150 new Christians in the city as a result of this ministry. And all this happened as a result of one man attending the Summit and grasping onto a God given, grander vision to reach his country for Christ.

Samuel continues to be involved with the GLS in Liberia as a member of the organizing committee. He seeks to develop, empower, and inspire the next generation of leaders in Liberia in order to lead people to Christ. “In order to make a difference for the Lord as we lead, we must be a difference for the Lord. When God gives us a vision, he will provide the provision. We must be ready to take on the necessary risk, because God always walks beside us. Please pray for wisdom as we continue to lead and prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Surprising Insights into Untapped Leadership

Posted on November 16, 2015 by - Articles, Human Resources, Leading Organizations, Servant Leadership

Looking for untapped leadership potential?

Try looking for the person who is providing outstanding customer service.

That was one of the key take-always I jotted across my notebook page at this year’s Global Leadership Summit.

The session featured Horst Schulze, COO of the Ritz Carlton Hotels. In his fantastic talk, Schulze challenged leaders to explore the relationship between leadership and customer service.

And as he built his case, it dawned on me that when you spot outstanding customer service, you actually may be seeing evidence of leadership potential. Lying dormant in that person, there might be remarkable leadership capabilities waiting to be discovered and developed.

Because those who provide exemplary customer service are:

  • Others-focused
  • Intuitive
  • Solution-oriented
  • Initiative takers

In other words, the core qualities of someone who provides exceptional service are the very qualities you would look for in a rising leader.

Several years ago I saw this truth played out while waiting to pick up two conference speakers in the Calgary airport. This was before cell phones, and the speakers were arriving at the same time, on separate flights, at completely opposite ends of the terminal.

airport-dusseldorf-197743_1280But a sharp thinking airport volunteer recognized my dilemma and offered to wait for one speaker while I went to meet the other.

But she did much more than simply tell my arriving guest that I would be a few minutes late. When I returned to that part of the airport, I found her sitting in a local café having coffee with my conference speaker. She made him feel welcome, at ease, and well cared-for.

That volunteer not only exhibited exceptional customer service. She had demonstrated core leadership ability.

She recognized a problem, she took initiative to find a solution, and she executed her solution with excellence.

That’s leadership.

Ever since then, I’ve kept a watchful eye out for people inside and outside organizations I lead who exhibit these qualities. And more often than not, I’ve discovered that inside the person who is providing such service, lies the heart of a leader.

Who have you encountered of late who has provided exceptional customer service? Perhaps there’s someone in your own organization whom you have observed going well above and beyond the call of duty in order to provide great service to a customer or to a member of your church.

You might well have found someone with more than great customer service skills.

You might have found your next rising leader.

The GLS in Denmark | Getting Creative with Live Graphics

Posted on November 14, 2015 by - Europe, Stories, Western Europe

We love to see how the teams executing the Global Leadership Summit across the globe utilize the arts in their events. Take a look at what they did in Denmark this year!

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Celebrating Lee Powell’s Leadership and Legacy

Posted on November 13, 2015 by - Calling, Church, Church & Faith-Based, Collaboration, North America, Stories

Rev-Lee-Powell-Senior-PastorLee Powell, senior pastor of CedarCreek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio retired in October due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. In today’s blog post, we want to celebrate his incredible leadership, faithfulness in building an amazing church in Northwest Ohio and partnership with the Global Leadership Summit since 2004.

 In 1994, Lee attended a Willow Creek conference where the local church was described as “the hope of the world” and God birthed a vision in Lee to start a seeker-style church in Northwest Ohio. Since that time, CedarCreek has grown to 8000+ attendees on multiple campuses, and has been listed among the largest and fastest growing churches in America. Through Lee’s leadership as a key Summit host site, CedarCreek  launched ideas like Taste of The Summit and Summit Sunday, strategies we still use to invite the community to get involved with the Global Leadership Summit. 

 Ben Snyder, who came to CedarCreek as an intern in 1999, was named the succeeding pastor. Below, Ben shares more about the impact of Lee’s life and leadership.

What was it like being raised up as a leader under Lee Powell’s leadership?

I have known Lee since fall of 1999. I was in CedarCreek’s first internship class when there were only three interns. Who knew that I would someday be the lead pastor.

Lee is a genuine leader. What you see on stage is who he is…and who he is, you see on stage. He was always looking to give young leaders great opportunities. He did so with me in a few arenas that I shake my head at today. Lee believed that all people matter to God, including unchurched people. Lee loves to have fun and loves to laugh. His faithfulness in ministry is what inspires me the most!

Tell me more about Lee’s leadership. How has he challenged or inspired you? What kind of impact have you seen as a result of his leadership?

Lee always led graciously. When people would twist his intent, he would put away the sword and not try to make a public display, even if it was uncomfortable. One of our staff members described it as living in his shadow of grace. We had our swords drawn ready to defend him or our church and he would remind us by his example to be gracious.

Lee was willing to try anything (with excellence in mind) to reach people. And if it didn’t produce the results he had hoped, he didn’t linger long. He was ready to move forward.

What is Lee’s legacy?

6000+ baptisms

19 years of unprecedented growth (reaching people) at CedarCreek.

6 church plants reaching people in new cities and new ways.

An incredible transition/hand-off

 

“Lee Powell’s leadership and legacy here at CedarCreek Church will be felt for years to come. There are numerous stories of people who committed their lives to Christ, had their eternities changed and families strengthened—all because Lee answered God’s call. – Casey Wagner, executive assistant to Lead Pastor, Ben Snyder

Watch more about Lee’s ministry and his journey through Parkinson’s in this five-minute video below.

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Lee, on behalf of the staff at the Willow Creek Association, words are not enough to thank you for your legacy, leadership and your partnership. You live a beautiful life!