In the Presence of Greatness

One of my passions is leadership. I have shelves full of books on the subject, listen to speakers, and try to surround myself with good leaders from whom I can learn. 1996 was the first Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit I attended. I drove from Palos Heights to Barrington two days in a row for some inspiration, information and to open myself to God, and to stretch me as a person. Since that time, I have not attended every year, but over the past several years I have attended via live feed video at remote sites in Michigan. Last week I did the same thing.       

Eleven of us from Elmhurst Church drove to Michigan to attend the conference at a video venue at a church in Holland. That may seem a bit odd. But attending a video venue is cheaper and actually, more convenient. Getting from Elmhurst to Barrington and returning home during rush hour is not relaxing, or fun...but it is time consuming! We enjoyed the presenters, the venue, and the opportunity for us to be together, to share the experience and to share our perspectives following. It was a good time of team building.

Attending the Leadership Summit is a mixed bag. I am always in awe of the speakers, their accomplishments and their insights. I learn a great deal and often feel terribly inadequate as a leader in comparison. This year’s lineup included Bill Hybels, founding pastor of Willow Creek, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, best selling business author Jim Collins, Pastor and innovator Craig Goeschel, management expert Patrick Lencioni, and Pastor John Ortberg. There were also some lesser known, but significant presenters who touched me with their work and leadership.

As I reflected on the two days I had been in the presence of world class leaders and in comparison I felt inadequate. At the same time, I gained great insights, learned about some new books that could help me, and was inspired to be a better leader in the future.

Isn’t that what happens when we are in the presence of God?

We are in the presence of perfection. God is holy (unique, set apart, a cut above). When we are in the presence of God, we feel unworthy and inadequate. In worship, we respond to His holiness by humbling ourselves in His presence. We are reminded that God loves us in spite of ourselves and through His word He teaches us who we can be through the power of His Spirit. We are informed, inspired and stretched.

In God’s presence we are transformed.