As ministry leaders, the fall is usually one of those seasons that we tend to start new initiatives. With everyone settling back into the routine of school, work and church, we attempt to maximize the momentum with new ministries and events.

This year at The Summit we were challenged by several of the speakers to be entrepreneurs… to “step out” and to take action. For as much as we as leaders are starters by nature, fear often paralyzes us. The very things we want to start can grip us with fear and uncertainty. I love what Len Schlesinger had to say about this:

“Instead of worrying about what you are going to do, worry about what you are going to do next. We’re afraid of taking action because we’re afraid of failure.”

What are you afraid of?
What’s holding you back?
What do you wish to start but the details are paralyzing you?
What do you wish to start but you’re afraid it might meet some resistance?

Let me echo Len Schlesinger’s advice: focus on what you are going to do next. Don’t stress the details. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the “what if’s”. Just focus on what’s next. Here are some things I do when I need to determine what’s next:

Pray. Do I sense that this is where God is leading me/the ministry?
Evaluate. How will this affect my team? Do we have the resources we need?
Define. What are the legitimate concerns?
Act. What can I do today to take a next step?

What’s next for you?

By: Jenni Catron (@jennicatron)
Executive Director of Cross Point Church
Read more of Jenni’s thoughts here.

In years past, I had been at a satellite campus near my home in Des Moines, IA, watching the experience like most everyone else. This year, however, was much different.

This year I was an official Summit blogger. That means I was responsible for tweeting, posting and sharing everything and anything I could about the Summit to the literally hundreds of thousands of people who joined us online.

Social Media Room During Summit 2011

As the Summit transpired, I was impressed by the level of depth and maturity each speaker brought to the stage. From the humility of Mama Maggie Gorban, to the humor of John Dickson, to the encouraging challenge of Erwin McManus, each speaker called us to a deeper place.

But even with the amazing talent that was literally walking around right above us, I wasn’t most impressed by them.

“But Justin,” you might be asking, “do you have any idea who was in that room?”

I do, in fact. International best-sellers, innovators, business leaders and powerful preachers, to be precise. Talented, for sure, but not the most impressive.

I was blown away by the staff of Willow Creek Association. Everyone I encountered, from the Social Media team Summit speakers, including to Senior Pastor, Bill Hybels, was an absolute gem to work with. Not only that, they were some of the most teachable, humble people I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. Refreshing.

In the world of Evangelicals, there are plenty of Willow Creek-clones. They see a church that’s doing well and falsely believe that emulating the building size, teaching material and staff structure will create a perfect copy.

It won’t.

I believe the staff of Willow Creek Community Church and Willow Creek Association has learned the meaning of 1 Peter 5:5, “God resists the proud but favors the humble.” God can’t help himself but to bless those who want to learn, grow and move his kingdom further. The staff and Willow Creek does just that.

And that’s what I learned at the Summit.

By: Justin Wise (@justinwise)
Social Media Director for Monk Development
Co-direct the Center for Church Communication
…and official blogger during Summit 2011

We wrestle with desires for honor and to be esteemed. We long to be known, but Proverbs reminds us of the power of humility:

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33

There’s a confident humility that comes from being deeply rooted in Christ’s calling for us. A confident humility that I believe is rarely seen…

But I saw it at this year’s Summit in two very specific moments:

It was in the extraordinary leadership of Bill Hybels as he shared the news of the Howard Schultz cancellation. I was inspired by a leader who spoke with confidence and conviction, yet with grace and forgiveness. He spoke boldly and called us as believers to respond wisely and kindly, but he displayed humility in his countenance that reflected the source of his wisdom.

And I was wrecked by the aura of humility that enveloped the room when Mama Maggie took the stage. She did not seek honor, in fact the honor of a standing ovation literally overwhelmed her to tears. But then this small, frail woman spoke with such eloquent conviction. She was extraordinarily confident yet profoundly humble.

These two moments of sincere humility are still messing with my head. How do we as leaders lead with confidence, yet be sure that our confidence is rooted in God’s calling and purpose for us rather than our own efforts or plans?

By: Jenni Catron (@jennicatron)
Executive Director of Cross Point Church
Read more of Jenni’s thoughts here.