Craig Groeschel often points out that: “When a leader gets better, everyone gets better.”
Who can argue with that?
I have seen, first-hand, the power of good leadership – casting vision, bringing needed people to the right roles, making an impact in the organization and for the intended audience, and leaving a legacy. I have also been witness to less-than-stellar leadership. I am sure that, as I continue to grow, I have been on both sides of this spectrum through my own leadership development. I want to constantly be getting better. That’s why I am so excited about Grace Leadership Institute (GLI) and its mission.
This past month, GLI and Grace Ministries again sponsored Global Leadership Summit (GLS) for the Erie area. What a fantastic two days of learning, networking, and encouragement! World-recognized leaders presented on topics including:
While all the speakers shared from the heart and gave practical, relevant, actionable ways to improve and encourage leaders, one of my favorites was Cynt Marshall, a woman I had not heard of before the Summit. She brought passion and high energy to her talk, encouraging leaders to take a risk and make a difference – to be all IN. Good leaders lead with INtent, INtegrity, INclusion, INsight, and INspiration. These foundations are built on character, respect, authenticity, fairness, teamwork, safety, and fun. I want to be the kind of leader who is all IN!
If you missed GLS 2023, I hope that you’ll mark your calendar now for next year, August 8-9, 2024, so that you can join with local businesses, non-profits, and churches for this amazing time of renewal.
In the meantime, GLI is working to bring past Summit teachings to the community. Look for more details to come about these golden nugget opportunities. Let’s continue building strong leaders in our city, ones looking to do the right thing, not just do things right. I hope you’ll join me! You can sign up to receive more information as it is available and learn more about GLI by filling out this form.
As for Global Leadership Summit 2023, I hope that you’ll benefit from these quotes:
*Image Source: Global Leadership Network
Kneeling, face against the floor, I wept tears of brokenness – physically, emotionally, and psychologically – for both myself and my family. It was March 2019 and my world was a mess. Hardly an area of life was functioning well. And all of this on the heels of a second round of cancer treatment.
Still face down, I suddenly had an internal vision through my tears. God was doing a new thing and it would touch each person and every area of petition. Hallelujah! Afterwards, I remember telling everyone in my circle.
God gave me a verse to encourage me while he did this new thing. It was Psalm 27:13-14 “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Neat verse. In retrospect, I should have realized the implication of the repeated call to wait.
A year later, I was still waiting. I hadn’t observed much change. I began to doubt. Had I misunderstood my experience? Was I remembering it wrong? Two years later, then three years, it was pretty much the same. I often found myself journaling my faith struggle and searching scripture for other circumstances of waiting on God’s promises. Finally, at four years in, real change began happening in my family. And yet my own personal situation hadn’t shifted.
In the fall of 2021 Grace Leadership Institute began promoting a leadership training series; three classes set to begin that winter. From the first time it was mentioned, I knew I was meant to attend. It was a knowing without any obvious reason. After all, in what way was I anyone’s leader? At the time I was teaching middle school English. While influencing others is part of the job of a classroom teacher, I was puzzled as to why or how I’d benefit from taking leadership classes.
Having a bit of a geeky side, I enjoyed the role of student again. The instructor kept things relevant and interesting, and in each course I gained insights: clarifying my calling, realizing the reality of life rhythm over work-life balance, and assessing my assets and issues as a leader.
But to what end? I kept asking myself, always with no solid answer. I could feel the weight of the wait. When would it all make any sense? Was I building up expectations, or setting myself up for disappointment? After all, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick”.
One day I came across a job posting that completely intrigued me. The position sounded like it was written for me, using the exact language I’d used in my prayerful petitions for work more suited to my person and abilities.
Significantly, the job would require the successful candidate to hire and build a team— to be a leader, in other words.
I apparently put more talk than action into pursuing the job because when I finally got around to submitting my application, I got a notice stating that applicants were no longer being considered.
Big, big bummer! I was pretty mad at myself for a good week.
I went on with my life, chalking it up to yet one more dead end.
Five weeks later I got an email out of the blue requesting an interview for the position I’d applied for. What?! Surprised and cautiously hopeful, I prepared for the interview. It went extremely well, and in a matter of days I was scheduled for a second interview, this time with the hiring manager.
I’ve been in a lot of interviews— on both sides due to being a former recruiter myself. When I sat down to with the hiring manager, I could feel it immediately: this was a “dream date” interview.
They’d been looking for the right candidate for months, to no avail. There was always a very specific missing quality. And I had it! In fact, it was the exact same characteristic that seemingly prevented me from progressing in the multitude other positions I’d applied to over the last near-decade.
I was incredulous. Could this be what God had been preparing me for— and preserving me for— this whole time? Is God’s plan to answer both my needs and those of this organization at the exact same time.
At the time of this writing, I don’t know for sure. I await my third (and hopefully final) interview. I hope I get it. But whether I do or not, I see how God has been at work preparing me, equipping me, and molding me with the skills and mindset I’ll need to lead a team well— whatever and wherever that team may be.
This is the work of trust, isn’t it? To obey even in the middle of not knowing why. Faith, after all, is the evidence of things yet unseen. My obedience to take those leadership classes came not because I saw how they might benefit me in the moment. The obedience came because I know the God who plans all things for good, even if that good rarely comes in a timeframe I myself might prefer.
I do trust that it will all make sense. Maybe after my next interview! Or maybe not until heaven. Either way, what I’ve learned through taking those GLI leadership classes was invaluable to me.
Learning to trust and obey God’s direction —even when I don’t immediately understand the reasons— is simply a beautiful cherry on top.
Grace Leadership Institute offers regular courses and intensive weekends on a variety of leadership and Biblical topics. You can learn more about our courses and check out upcoming offerings here!
Jesus commissioned His followers, including Christian leaders, to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission requires a deep understanding of the role Christian leaders play in building the Kingdom. As Christian leaders, we have access to four vital resources that can empower us in this mission.
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with Jesus and allows us to seek His guidance and presence. As Christian leaders, we are called to lead with faith and trust in God. Through prayer, we can present our requests, seek direction, and find peace and guidance from the One who knows and cares for us. Prayer is not only for personal needs but also an opportunity to express gratitude for God’s blessings.
Christian leaders have the responsibility to proclaim Jesus through His Word. Our role goes beyond mere mention or reference; we are called to offer Jesus to all who would listen. In our interactions with others, we should be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have, speaking with gentleness and respect. By both our words and actions, we can lead others to Christ and share the message of salvation.
Christian leaders are called to follow the example of Jesus, who came to serve others. Our actions can be a powerful demonstration of our faith. By building others up in truth and love, meeting needs, and engaging in good works, we embody the message we preach. Our service not only impacts individuals but also contributes to the growth of the Kingdom of God.
In a broken world full of trouble, Christian leaders understand the reality of suffering. However, we have the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world. As we endure suffering, it produces perseverance, character, and ultimately hope. Our faithful response to suffering becomes a powerful testimony of our trust in God and His promise of redemption. This hope in the midst of adversity can inspire others to seek faith and salvation.
When we examine the life of Christ and the early church, we see these tools utilized to fulfill the mission entrusted to them. Despite persecution and challenges, their commitment to prayer, persuasion, service, and endurance led to miraculous growth in the Kingdom. As Christian leaders, we must be aware of the urgency of the times and awaken from any complacency. Let us remember that “the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Rom 13:11)
Let us embrace these tools and use them to bring salvation to more people, while being a blessing to the world. May our leadership be rooted in prayer, our words and actions persuade others towards Christ, our service reflect the love of Jesus, and our endurance through suffering inspire hope. Let us navigate the challenges of our time with faith, purpose, and unwavering dedication to the mission we have been called to as Christian leaders.
Inspired by John Dickson’s Webinar, “Lessons from a Post-Christian Nation.”
![My Biggest Takeaways from GLI’s Leadership One Day Event [Soul Care]](https://graceleadershipinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-14-at-1.09.53-PM-1080x675.png)
Here at Grace Leadership Institute, we understand the importance of great leadership and are committed to providing opportunities for growth and development. That’s why we’re thrilled to host Leadership One Day events, bringing together local experts and keynote speakers to share their wisdom and experience on a range of leadership topics.
These events have been receiving great reviews and success stories from attendees, like Laurie Enterline, who recently joined us for our “Soul Care” Leadership One Day event. At this event, Laurie and other participants were able to hear from local experts on the importance of caring for one’s soul, and how this translates to both personal and professional leadership success. Below are some key takeaways from Laurie’s experience. We hope that this will provide you with some additional insight into Leadership One Days and how they may be a great, affordable way for you to enhance your leadership skills at an upcoming event.
Laurie, what did you like about the Leadership One Day?
I appreciated the ease of registration and the information presented in an engaging, organized, and cohesive manner. This is my second Leadership One Day, and once again I walked away very glad I attended, and with information ready to apply to next steps. The presenters were each, knowledgeable and their content relevant to a diverse group of attendees. I so enjoyed the discussions from the participants who readily shared their insights and questions. Finally, the organizers and volunteers kept the program on schedule and the food was amazing!!
What were your key takeaways from the event?
As an experienced leader, professionally, and in my community, I am always ready to add to my knowledge and strategies to become more effective, and this workshop definitely clarified the importance of self and professional care. One theme that was especially poignant for me is the need to be involved. To not sit-by and watch, or passively participate, but to actively contribute and to have a hands-on approach to working as a team and volunteering. Also, use people (in a positive way!) for professional and personal development. Have an advocate and seek out accountability around your goals.
Thanks for sharing a bit about your experience at the Leadership One Day, Laurie!
If it sounds like Leadership One Days may benefit you in your leadership journey, you can learn more about the event and sign up for an upcoming Leadership One Day here!