Hybels at WC Leadership Summit: "Don't Quit"

This year's Global Leadership Summit 2010 started with three sessions, including Bill Hybels' kick-off talk, with a variant of "don't quit" and "never give up."

"Thanks, Bill, I needed that!"

One of my favorite conferences each year is the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. Why? Because it's all about leaders. I love leaders and leadership. Bill Hybels always inspires and the Summit usually lines up great speakers that provide nuggets of truth and inspiration to improve each leader's effectiveness.

This year, as I arrived at the Westminster Chapel satellite site, I lacked enthusiasm. Not because of the Summit, but because of life and leadership circumstances. Can you relate? Have you experienced times of discouragement in your life or leadership?

Bill Hybels kicked off the Summit with an opening session - as he always does. He reviewed some basics of leadership, including that leaders:

• Move people from here to there - there being the envisioned future
• Recruit fantastic people to the team
• Need to establish mile markers and celebrations

Whispers from God

Then he spoke about The Power of a Whisper - also the title of his new book. He told us how over the years God has spoken to him (not audibly) through thoughts in his head, which he called "whispers." Then he gave us a list of "whispers" and invited each leader to listen for the whisper God intended for them.

Now, listening to God is not new for me, but lately I've had a harder time due to this current funk. As Bill read his list, "Don't Quit" jumped out at me. It was clearly the whisper for me. I wasn't really planning to quit, but this word from God helps me to be more determined to keep following his leading in my life.

Interestingly, the next two speakers, Jim Collins and Christine Caine, also gave variants of "don't quit": "never, ever, give up" and "don't lose hope or give up." It's just what I needed today.

"OK, God. I heard you loud and clear. I won't quit. I will go wherever you lead. Please give me the courage and strength to follow."

Comments

[Dayna]

Oh, I love the Willow Creek Leadership Summit and so glad you received insight to share. I want to hear the whispers and direction. Thanks so much!