Anyone that grew up around me knows I am not the kind of person that really liked getting dirty. I was the kind of child that could play in the dirt with his friends all day and not get any dirt on me. When my buddies ask me to go 4 wheeling back in the woods and it just finished raining, I know it means I would get muddy, and so I can comfortably respond to the invitation with, “I have a previous appointment.” (Ha.)

So to my surprise, I heard last year at the Leadership Summit that leadership can get messy. UGH!!  I have been avoiding getting dirty my whole life and now I am told the position I hold can get messy. I don’t think I fully understood what that really meant until 2010. I should have known last year that God would be up to something in my life if I am hearing that leadership is messy. Why did I need to know that? Was that trivial information or pertinent information?

When one gets covered in manure (which is not only dirty, but smelly), one quickly begins to wonder why he doesn’t get out of the way and go on an extended cruise where cow manure is not plentiful. However, when leadership gets messy, that is not the time to run and become passive – it’s definitely the time to become pro-active. Therefore, 2010 has been the year that I need to be more pro-active. (Even though cruising the Caribbean would have been more to my liking, it wasn’t what I was called to do.)

I want to encourage you to consider joining us this year for the Global Leadership Summit 2010. The dates are August 5&6. I really believe these two days will encourage, energize and equip you for where God has placed you at this time.

Pastor Donald Calder

Today my mind is racing with thoughts about this year’s Leadership Summit. I am wondering what I will learn, what is it that I need to learn, and how will I lead differently because of my involvement this year. I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I do know I will leave a different person than when I walked through the doors to this year’s event.

I encourage you to do your best to participate in this year’s Summit. Like always, the speakers are top notch and will stretch us to think beyond what we have considered in the past. The theme is “Lead Where You Are,” and whether that be in the home, workplace, community, or church, we all have a circle of influence. I really believe StoneRidge has good leaders, but together let’s go from being good leaders to great leaders.

I guarantee these two days together will sharpen our leadership skills and take us to the next level as we all influence people on a daily basis. As the host church for this event, our church is given a significantly discounted rate of $105 +tax. This rate is half the price most attendees will pay, but it expires on June 22nd. I am encouraging you to register for the Summit this week at the Welcome Centre.

Looking forward to seeing you this year at the Summit!

Pastor Donald Calder

PS.  I was reminded of something David Gergen said at the 2009 Summit: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, then go together.” I believe we want to go far, so let’s do it together.