GLS DAY 1

The day arrived and we drove up to Willow Creek on a bright, hot summer's morning ready to be bombarded by the experience of the Summit 2010. As the countdown clock on the BIG screens turned to 0:00, we held our breath and suddenly, nothing happened! A power failure had affected the lighting and sound desks and nothing worked! It happens to the best of them. As we sat and chatted to the people around us nobody was phased by it and 5 minutes later, the lights were on, the video was rolling, the band struck up and off we went. The GLS 2010 had started.

As usual, the stunning video opening, the incredible live worship, sound, lighting, and complete set up tugged at our hearts, filled our minds with images and challenges from the first moments, and God started whispering. It was enough to make a grown man cry! We were off, knowing, feeling, believing, praying for new wisdom, insight and challenge that would inspire, challenge and grow us as people and leaders.

Sat in the top tier we were a long way away when Bill Hybels stepped onto the vast, deserted stage and proceeded, with 4 flip charts, 4 flip charts, to unpack his thoughts about how to get from HERE to THERE. Create dissatisfaction with HERE, build teams of FANTASTIC people, have CELEBRATIONS along the way, and keep listening to the WHISPERS of God, adding a fourth 'C' to his three C's when adding people to a team - Character, Competence, Chemistry and CULTURE - do they fit the church culture. He was as ever, strong, humble, insightful and challenging.

His session was followed by Jim Collins who shared thoughts on 'How the Mighty Fall'. A big-brained man who gives a geat thought a second, too many to write down, but as ever challenging and clear. His main thought was that the mighty fall long before they fall, in fact even success is not long lasting success if mistakes are made at the beginning of a company, church, family.

The final session before lunch was from a Christine Caine, a pastor from Hillsong, Sydney. Full of passion and vision, she has started an organisation called A21 fighting human trafficking around the world. Powerful testimony to what God can do with someone who was lost (her testimony) but who is filled with hope.

Lunch was BIG! And now to the afternoon session.

I'll try and keep in touch and let you know how it all goes. Have a good day!