There were twelve eager but at first apprehensive HMC members who made their way to the Global Leadership Summit down in Umhlanga last Friday. Various worship groups led us in worship in a very 'with it' auditorium. We had some good laughs as we imagined HMC using smoke machines to set the 'stage' for our Sunday worship. Yes, there were some unusual happenings for a Methodist crowd but after acclimatizing we were introduced to countless speakers of outstanding calibre. From pastors in larger congregations to great organizational thinkers to founders of extra-ordinary ministries to the former U.S. Secretary of State to the most amazing testimony of Pranitha Timothy of International Justice Mission. In between talks there was either a panel of local leaders who responded to what they had heard or the humour of Christian comedian Aaron McIllory giving some witty edge to the event.
There was not one of us that left the summit without something that will help and improve the way we lead ministry in the church or in the business and non-profit sector where we work. We have purchased the DVD with all the talks on it and it will be available in the resource centre of the church. It is about 'both/and' rather than 'either/or' when it comes to networking with other Christians from different traditions. We have so much to learn and gain from each other.
