Growing Leaders

Years ago I heard author John Maxwell say, “everything rises or falls on leadership.” That sentiment resonated with me. It does not matter whether it is a business, university, church or country; if the leader is healthy, wise and growing, the entity does better. If the leader is toxic or stagnant, the entity will struggle or fail. Healthy leaders have many traits such as wisdom and perseverance. But one stands out to me - a commitment to grow. The excellent leader is humble enough to realize that he or she does not know it all. They seek opportunities to learn and stretch. King Solomon writes “. . . the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). Great leaders seek to listen to other wise leaders on how best to handle conflict, retain employees, share vision and finish well to name a few required leadership skills. Growing organizations are led by growing leaders.
Fortunately, there is an exciting opportunity for local leaders and individuals who feel called to leadership to grow this month in Fairbanks. Journey Christian Church is once again providing its annual leadership conference called Elevate: Lift Your Leadership to the Next Level on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Typically, about a hundred people gather to listen and learn from some great Alaskan leaders.
This year features business leaders such as:
David Durham--President of Mt. McKinley Bank (interview)
Monique Love--Operations Director for Alaska Auto Rental
Travis Million--CEO of Golden Valley Electric Association
Marilyn Romano--Regional Vice President of Alaska Airlines
It also features an entrepreneurs’ panel with:
Tom Bartels--Owner of North Pole Coffee Company
John Huff--Owner of 8 Star Event Center
Chuck Lincoln--Founder of Advanced Printing
You will hear from expert non-profit organizational leaders such as:
Anne Weaver--CEO of the Fairbanks Community Food Bank
Dr. Mark Zweifel--Pastor of True North Church.
The event is a free gift from Journey Church to the community. None of the speakers will be paid, they will share their leadership wisdom as a gift to the community. If you RSVP, you will receive a free catered lunch created by Alaska Lizzie (Master Chef Finalist). If you wish to RSVP, please text 907-460-9290 or email [email protected] but do so by noon on January 28. The event is free yet there is an opportunity to give to the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, but no gift is required. You can attend without an RSVP, however, you will not get lunch. I hope you will consider taking advantage of this remarkable opportunity to learn and grow as a leader. As we enhance our leadership, we help our entire community reach its full potential. Hope to see you on January 31.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church