As a child you probably played “follow the leader.” It was a simple game where one was chosen as the “leader” and the rest of the neighborhood kids would go and do whatever the leader did. It was a relatively safe and fun game if you had a good leader! As a Management student at TU, I remember a class session where we did “trust walks” – blindfolded – as the leader gave us verbal directions. You certainly learn to trust the leader or you might just find yourself injured!

Jesus certainly perfected the “follow the leader” concept when He called His disciples to follow Him. “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew, they were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-20.

Jesus apparently was the type of leader people wanted to follow – at least fishermen. He gave many others the same opportunity and they walked away like The Rich Young Ruler, the man who wanted to go and bury his father, another who wanted to review a piece of property and so on. I’ve heard before you can be a good leader, you must learn to be a good follower, as well. Jesus followed His Father’s will perfectly and in turn led others faithfully.

John Maxwell of Maximum Impact and other Leadership authors say, “Everything rises and falls on Leadership.” There is certainly truth to that statement. Gus Alfonzo and I had the privilege of sharing lunch, along with about 25 other pastors and business leaders, with one of my favorite pastor/leaders yesterday. Bill Hybels is the Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago. It is his association that presents the annual Leadership Summit in August that First Church has helped co-sponsor with Crossings Community Church the last several years.

I would invite you if you have a position of leadership at home, in the work place, or at First Church to make plans now to attend this year’s Leadership Summit on August 7-8, 2008. We can offer you a significant savings on the cost –just $95 if you register early. You can sign up online today! This is the premier Leadership event of the year in my opinion. I hope you’ll be able to join us for the first time or as alumni.

See you this Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Mark