listening to jimmy carter speak was like listening to a grandfather speak. he was very gentle, humble and wise concerning leadership, peace, biblical principles and the purpose of the gospel. he’s very easy to listen to, and i felt honored to be able to sit at his feet, listen and learn.
concerning choosing your team, and how a team should work carter shared so many different truths, but these 4 stood out more than anything else:
- integrity: the inclination to tell the truth, honesty in their relationship with other people
- overall compatibility with your basic principles and vision
- encourage a clash of ideas among your team
- an intimate, trusting relationship with your core circle
carter shared so many stories from his life, from growing up in a racially divided community, to political decisions he wish he could have a “do-over” on, to his hopes and dreams for the church and for the country but through it all his main message was a hope and a dream for peace. his hope for the church to be bringers of peace, that we would be peacemakers and champions for human rights. his hope for the country is that when people are looking for peace that they would turn to washington saying, “they’ll help bring peace!” or when we see human suffering they would turn to washington saying, “they’ll end the suffering!” it was a very powerful image of the church and of politics working for others instead of our own self-interests.
admission: i didn’t attend this session. it’s going on at the moment, but i think i’ve had more than i can handle for a few days. i’ll give you a recap tomorrow once i’ve had some time to ponder things!
Related posts:
- leadership summit: semi-live blogging (day 2)
- leadership summit: semi-live blogging (day 1)
- derek webb blows my mind.
- peace be with you.
- the ‘war against christians’.
Nice…
Number 4 sticks out again to me. I think that is one of our current strengths at Crossroads. It also helps with keeping the shadow missions in check.
i think you’re right, a good strong core team that you’re intimate and transparent with makes all the difference. but you can’t have #4 without all the others!
Shoot, I thought I could pass on the whole integrity thing…
You’re missing Hybels!!!!!!! Sounds like you’re inspired enough : )
It’s amazing how time heals all political wounds. Jimmy was widely acknowledged at the time to be one of the worst presidents in the last 100 years and now he is revered worldwide. Perhaps in 30 years our kids will talk about learning at the feet of the old and wise W. Seriously though, it is a privelege to ever hear someone who has held such a powerful office speak regardless of personal politics or opinions. I don’t agree with JC on a lot of things – especially the Middle East, but I do appreciate his seemingly authentic humility and deep desire for peace.
maybe time hasn’t healed all wounds, but W as president. especially considering he will more than likely take on the mantle of worst president ever.