Rapid Fire Thoughts…Leadership Summit

I’m not one to write “short” entries, mainly because it’s not my style and I do better writing longer essays that aren’t as frequent. However, I’m attending the Leadership Summit today and tomorrow and always seem to have some quick impressions that I flesh out eventually in an essay. So…here are a few of my quick thoughts:

Willow always puts on an impressive show…but after having been away from churches that make liberal use of the arts with lots of flag waving and dancing…it actually made me laugh out loud when it first started. I was a little embarrassed by my reaction, but it seriously struck me as funny for some reason…almost rediculous, because I wasn’t at the Summit to be wowed by the Arts…but to be challenged in my leadership. Anyway…

Hybels gave some interesting thoughts about axioms in our life becoming a “shortcut” toward making critical decisions. His thoughts will need further reflection, but I’m pretty sure I might do what he’s suggesting. At the moment, I’m drawing a blank on the “axioms” or proverbs I live my life by.

The second speaker, Gary Haugin, is doing a very good thing with International Justice Mission. However, I have some concerns with the the way he thinks through matters of justice and people’s involvement in such causes. I’ll have to write an essay on this one.

Bill George was the third communicator. To be honest, the Summit has at least one speaker every year that disappoints. Mr. George seems like a man that would be very good and beneficial to a leader in a one-on-one situation…but from the stage, he sounded like a grand-dad giving us a leadership pep-talk that I didn’t need.

Wendy Kopp was the interview segment for the day. She dreamed a big vision in college and accomplished the dream when she established “Teach for America” as a peace-corp type organization focused on education of under-served children. Much like Mr. Haugin, there are some underpinnings I’d like to challenge in a future essay. However, let it be said that Teach for America is a doing a great thing and I hope they continue to succeed.

John Burke was the final speaker I heard today. He gave some good thoughts regarding his experiences in Austin…and for those in similar cultural environments, his thoughts were solid. Unfortunately, a good amount (not all) of his talk can probably be found in his book. I realize that this is the purpose of these events sometimes…to give a snippet of a person’s “message” so as to whet the appetite for their book…but since his book was released a while ago, I was a little disappointed.

Efram Smith: I had to leave the Summit early and didn’t hear Efram. From Youth ministry days, I remember him to be solid…so I wish I would have been able to hear, but I supposed I can wait for the DVD…if we purchase it!

Which brings up my final thoughts. I can’t place my finger on it…but something about this year’s Summit seems “off”. I’m afraid I can’t unpack my statement due to my inability to discern what seems amiss. I’ve talked to several Summit “fans” that have had the same reaction. My only response is to pray for the organizers, the attendees and that day 2 would be fruitful. Perhaps my “sense” is what’s off.