A Historic Event

Have you ever participated in an event and knew that somehow it was a MUCH bigger deal than you could fully appreciate at the moment? That it was much more important than your own little brain could fully understand? I've had that feeling since the moment I arrived here at The Cove in Ashville, NC for the taping of "A Fireside Chat with Fathers of the Faith."

As you've probably gathered from this blog, I am a big believer in learning all that I can from those who have gone ahead of me. This week I have a unique opportunity to do that from several true patriarchs of the faith -- internationally recognized authors, speakers, and founders of major Christian ministries and movements. Most of them are in their seventies and eighties. They have lived lives that have had a profound impact on the Kingdom. To have the opportunity to meet even one of them would be a tremendous privilege. This week they have all been brought together (a huge feat itself, given their schedules) for a "fireside chat". For three days, they are passing along their wisdom for the next generations of leadership. They are:

Jack Hayford – pastor, teacher, author and currently the President of the Foursquare Church as well as the Founder/Chancellor of King’s College and Seminary.
Loren Cunningham – ‘the world’s most traveled man’ is the Founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) as well as an author, and the Founder/President of the University of the Nations.
Lloyd Ogilvie – pastor, preacher, author, 61st Chaplain of the United States Senate and named one the ‘twelve most effective preachers in the English-speaking world’.
John Perkins – an international leader, teacher and author on issues of racial reconciliation and community development, awarded seven honorary doctorates.
Winkie Pratney – a New Zealand author, Christian apologist, authority on revival, and a young adult communicator who speaks worldwide to 500,000 annually.
Dr. Robert Schuler - an often misunderstood patriarch of the faith; founder of the Chrystal Cathedral, world's first seeker-sensitive church; best known for his widely viewed "Hour of Power" television program
Henry Blackaby - (to be taped at a later date) author the best-selling and profoundly impactful book, "Experiencing God".

These are some of the real "grandpas" of the faith for this generation. Last night I listened in as they sat around the Billy Graham's fireplace and shared their answers to questions like these: "What has been the most important spiritual discipline you've cultivated over your lifetime?" "How have you tended the integrity of your heart when others have criticized or wronged you?" "How have you balanced family life with your calling?" And of course, many others. Hearing them share unscripted from their hearts has been an incredibly powerful experience. I can't believe I get to sit in on two more days of it!

I am sure I'll write more on this as I have time, but you can learn a little by visiting www.lionshareleadership.org. The project was devised by Dave Beuhring and is being produced by Lionshare Leadership. You won't find much information publicly available on it, since its completion and launch is still quite a ways off, but let me tell you now... You will want to get these DVDs!

The project is still in need of some more donors to be seen through to completion, so do consider joining with me in supporting a vitally important project for the next generation of Christian leaders. If you would like to help, please let me know.

More on this soon!