It’s only Monday and I have had my socks blessed off here in Chicago. The Willow Creek day began with breakfast and worship at 8 AM and finished with great stories of God’s work in people’s lives by 8 PM. I am really enjoying meeting leaders from 10 other countries. Today I shared meals with pastors from Brazil, Canada, and the UK. Dr. Bilezikian walked us through Creation, Covenant, Incarnation, the teachings of Jesus about leadership, and then the history of the church of Ephesus. It was an inspiring and challenging presentation. The interaction between “institution” and “community” and the type of leadership necessary according to need was helpful too. In the afternoon we had thoughtful presentations on organization, structure, values-based decision making. I have plenty to consider and sort out with the Lord. The great thing rising in my soul though is confidence in the Lord that He has done right by the church. And, that God’s people are absolutely fantastic and awesome when they are living out the life of Jesus with each other in their community, city, and world. I am thrilled to get to lay down my life so that the congregation called Cityview and the members will continue to more effectively turn people into devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Broken and whole by grace!