Yesterday was my first experience with Willowcreek’s Leadership Summit.
It’s awesome so far. Thanks for asking.
I’ve already heard from Carli Fiorina (former CEO of Hewlett Packard), Bill Hybels (founding pastor of Willowcreek and head of the Willowcreek Association), Marcus Buckingham, (author, writer, consultant, business owner, President of the New World Order–just kidding, but he actually was my favorite).
It would take a month of posts just to scratch the surface of what they said, but one thing that helped me was to know that each of them has endured opposition (sometimes very painful) along the journey to success. In fact, it’s unavoidable.
I hate that, but I’m also called to pastor a church—a church that is now a large church. Like it or not, it comes with the territory.
Life’s not fair.
Some of the things that Bill and Carli especially, have endured stagger the mind. People can be so cruel. But I for one am so thankful good leaders don’t quit.
Bill Hybels has been a mentor to me without even knowing me. If he’d quit. I would lose. We’d all lose.
Thanks Bill, for making me stronger and helping me to rediscover a necessary truth…
I’ve found that in life, leaders are lightning rods for criticism.
And why not, many of us do such stupid, boneheaded things, we shouldn’t be surprised.
But often, it’s unwarranted as well.
You see, people like to play a little game I call, Fill in the blank.
Ooh, I wanna play! I wanna play! Pick me! Pick me!
Calm down. There’s no player limit in this game. In fact, the more the jucier, ah, I mean, merrier. But let me just warn you, you might not want to keep playing once you see that it really isn’t some harmless parlor game.
Here’s how Fill in the Blank goes.
Church Version:
Oh, wait, before I explain that…
There’s also, Fill in the blank – the secular edition and the just released, Fill in the Blank, political spin, limited edition. But for our intents and purposes in this discussion, we’ll stick with the “Church addition.†Besides, it’s the only one I’m familiar with.
I’ve never actually played it, but I’ve been played, ‘by it’ numerous times.
Let me explain.
Churches (unlike secular organizations or political ones) have one extra rule…Try to win without filling in blanks with false conclusions. But that rule is broken in the first 5 minutes of 99.9% of the games played.
Why?
Filling in the blanks according to these verses, just isn’t as much fun.
But Filling in the Blanks according to this one seems to be a blast for some.
‘But pastor Rob, wouldn’t that just hurt the church and undermine what God is doing?’
Of course, silly, that’s the whole point. But most people try to play the game from beginning to end without having to think about that depressing fact.
Even better, some try to play the game and pretend that false, slanderous blank filler are really good, wholesome, anointed, God approved stocking stuffers.
If you can do that, you get to pass go and collect an extra $200!
‘What happens if you seek God’s truth and only say what edifies and builds up God’s church?
You get labeled a ‘goody 2 shoes’ and branded as, not a team player.
If you’re not careful, you might even get a scarlet ‘g’ for godly stitched to your chest, and then all future ‘gamers’ will avoid you like the plague.
Worse still, you might get a ‘rep’ and have people start referring to you as someone who is, Christ-like.
Can you imagine trying to live with that?
No, no. So remember to try and get stopped at Community Chest or Chance? and hope you get one of the following cards,
- A gaggle of gossip (entitles you to one full week of gossip with complete anonymity).
- A slew of slander (5 sharp, biting, horrid and untrue tidbits about the church leadership that can be played at any point throughout the game).
- A Collection of Cut-downs (Not as fun, but at least you can elevate yourself by putting others down).
Get all 3 and it’s virtually impossible to lose / win.
Whatever.
Or, You might just decide to try this.
Once again, the gamers will hate you, but God will honor you.
Tough choice, huh?
Rob Singleton is the lead pastor and founding pastor of 
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Rob,
This has nothing to do with today’s blog. It is just a few sides notes along the way.
General Introductory comments:
You have an awesome heart for God.
You have a great heart for reaching the lost.
I don’t think most people that know you doubt your character.
About Glenn,
During the 90’s I listened to Glenn Wagner preach on several occasions at Promise Keeper events. I became a big fan of his teaching. Now his preaching is only a hollow shell of what it once was. I do think that Glenn Wagner constant “rock the tent” references during his sermon a few weeks ago were excessive. I wish him well in his new ministry endeavor, but I was annoyed and distracted by the coarseness of his speech.
Wash your mouth out with soap
I quit being impressed with cussing, curse words, vulgar language, and bodily function humor somewhere between 6 and 10 years of age. So cut the “cr_p” references in your teaching. They don’t add definition or amplification to your sentences or sermons. Most of the people you are trying to reach can figure out what dung means. If they can’t, we can start providing them with a Bible and a Thesaurus.
Be Barnabus
In case you haven’t noticed “sarcasm” light works better with people than straight sarcasm. Something about honey drawing more people than vinegar. If you want to get really crazy during a sermon try encouraging people. It sounds strange, but people who have been beaten up all week by work, childcare, and marital issues actually like encouragement.
You are a great pastor and you have a great team of pastors and lay leaders. Keep up the good work God has for you and Southbrook.
P.S. Iplug in, Ihelp, Itithe, Ipray, Icare, Ilove, Ibelieve
The above comment doesn’t serve any purpose other than to tear down christ followers and should be removed. If the author is unhappy with something at Southbrook, then he should take his concerns to a pastor in private rather than display it on the blog for all to see.
It’s a privilege for me to be a small part of Southbrook’s Lay Ministry Leadership. It was a real privilege to be a small part of the Ministry Leadership team (15 of us) at the Willow Creek Summit conference these past few days alongside of Pastor Rob.
Pastor Bill Hybels talked about Rob from stage. He said “Leaders, are you willing to die for the vision God has placed on your heart like Acts 21:35-36?â€
Then Bill Hybels talked more about Pastor Rob…â€The single most determining factor whether they follow you is in your commitment to ownership of your vision.†Do we know ANYONE more committed? Not around here.
Carly Fiorina also spoke about Pastor Rob, “Motivation is to move in a direction….Leadership sends people in a NEW direction which takes motivation.â€
Then she said, “Leadership is about seeing the potential in others….when you take a chance on others, you unlock the motivation within them.†She again was speaking about Pastor Rob….. I personally know about this one!
Hey Jay, you are such a b _ _ t kisser, nope; I just calls em as I sees em. You can tell a great leader by the trail of people following them with smiles on their faces. Christ followers, leadership followers, following a leader who has “The ability to see the truth†as Ms. Fiorino said.
Ret. General Colon Powell said it best….â€Every day you must be prepared to encounter the enemy.â€
My question is… Are we as a body prepared to encounter the enemy, or join the enemy, be a huge part of the motivated Christ followers Pastor Rob is sending out with such commitment? Or are you dazzled by the enemy standing on slippery ground asking yet again more questions?
“Tough choices.†(Carly Fiorina’s book title)
Each one of you is special, and loved. Ain’t it great?â€
Jay
It is always encouraging and intriguing to hear who is influencing those who have an influence on you. Always interesting. Thank you Rob for giving us new places to turn for instruction in our own spiritual journey. I value your insight so naturally I will gravitate to checking out those who’s words have impacted you. To respond to “Lunatic Fringe” I too have gotten a bad taste in my mouth on certain occasions because of the negativity frequently seen in churches many times coming from the mouths of the communicator. My challenge to you is that we keep the important things important in our minds and the small things small. Glenn Wagner is a man of God who is reaching people, and impacting the kingdom in a vary positive way for Christ. I am not saying to neglect your convictions but rather use them as a crucible for what you believe in your own heart. If we fix our eyes upon man we will always be disappointed. Man will always…always let you down because Man is inherently evil. But if we have our eyes fixed upon Jesus the Author and Perfector of our faith, The God who began a good work in us and will be faithful to complete it, The God who absolutely never, ever makes mistakes then we will not be disappointed. Check out Matthew 18 if you get a chance. God bless you. Thanks Rob.
andy