Who Is Your...

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Global Leadership Summit hosted by Willow Creek Church. It is two-day gathering of hundreds of leaders both secular and religious from all around the world who share a common goal - to lead with diligence (Romans 12:8) for the sake of something bigger than themselves!

After two outstanding days of speakers and fellowship I have lots (too much!) to share with you. Let me start with one phrase that really stuck.

Craig Groeschel of livechurch.tv said, “We all need a Paul and we all need a Timothy.”

He meant that we all need someone from whom we are continually learning, someone whose life is filling us, teaching us, inspiring us, encouraging us.  Maybe someone close to us.  Maybe not.

When I taught writing (briefly) at CSUNorthridge, I took classes from a brilliant Bible scholar named James Goss.  He influenced me at least as much as any of my seminary professors.  Twenty-eight years later, when I arrived at Northridge UMC in 2005 to be their pastor, he was there!  During my time there we studied together every other week.  It was a time of great learning and much joy. 

Groeschel’s reference to Timothy meant that we also ought to have someone into whom we are pouring our life.

I know lots of us think, “Well, that’s what I’m doing with my children.”  I’m convinced he meant something different.  In fact, as influenced as we may be by our parents, we are often impacted by other folks.

Who is your Paul? Who is your Timothy?  

If no one comes to mind, think about it this week and seek to find yours.