We’re entering into day two of the Willow Creek leadership Summit. So far, it’s been some very good learning. Condoleezza Rice is an amazing person. Jim Collins brings it every time. And Hybels? How fortunate are we to watch a great leader enter into his next era of ministry? And how old am I now that I’m watching Bill Hybels prepare for his succession?

I always come away from leadership Summit thinking two things: first, I love the task of leadership. I see it as a calling, especially the line of work that I’m in. I was reminded again yesterday that it truly is a task – a job, a responsibility — and it’s not always fun! But the calling keeps us there when the challenges are mammoth.

Second – I think it’s good for us to look at the world for leadership teaching, but… My desire is to always be Christ centered. Sometimes, ideas that leadership Summit are very centered on me or us. I don’t want to do the Christian subculture thing where I only like sanitized churchy ideas. I do apply a filter, however, because I want to make sure that I’m thinking of myself as a pastor and not the CEO. To quote the title of aJohn Piper book, “Brothers, We are Not Professionals”.

Ultimately, though, I think that Jesus is honored as we learn how to serve the church and the world better. It’s his church – for the world – and we are his servants to the world.