Willow Creek Association Global Leadership Summit

Bill Hybels at the Global Leadership Summit

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The highlight for me every year at Willow Creek Association's Global Leadership Summit is always Bill Hybel's opening message.  His transparent leadership and passion for the Church is truly inspiring and has shaped so much of the leader that I am striving to become.

This year was no different as he talked about innovating in the future as well as transparency about the future succession plan at Willow Creek Community Church.  Here are some of the notes I took from Hybels opening message at the Summit:


Everyone wins when a leader gets better If you want to see more trees, plant more seeds We need to sow a lot more seed! News seeds being planted at Willow:   "Getting started at Willow"- 1st timers class      Micro communities within worship services based on sections Stop sowing the same kind of seed Always stay experimental! Become an incessant tinkerer Trees are worth it! Transformed lives and eternities are worth it You are the most difficult person that you will ever lead Your most valuable asset is your energy and your ability to energize those around you You cant Sprint for 6 months, but you can for 6 weeks    - Create a list of the 6 most important things you want to focus on over the next 6 weeks Put energy bursts each day about overcoming these challenges What new initiatives will you move ahead in the next 6 weeks? God didn't make you a leader to respond to stuff all day, but to move stuff ahead!

Succession Planning Planning Phase- whose job is it to chose the successor?  what is the time frame? how will the pastor be honored? will that pastor still have a role? Internal Phase- find an internal successor External Phase- if an internal candidate does not work then look for an external Succession- 18 months succession transition Board members need to understand how emotionally connected Senior Pastors are to their church Set up our churches so that they are stronger after we leave them than they ever were when we were leading them. Leaving Willow debt free with cash reserves so that the next leader can soar with no limitations. Soaking in every moment that he gets to lead- What a privilege it is to be a leader Have you thanked God recently for the privilege to lead?



Here are links to my Notes from the other speakers at the 2012 Summit:


Jim Collins


Condoleeza Rice


Craig Groeschel