Willow Leadership Summit – Friday Morning

Session 5

Craig Groeschel “IT: How Leaders Can Get IT and Keep IT”

Senior Pastor of LIFECHURCH.TV

What is “IT”?

Theories of “IT”:

  • God makes it happen
  • We can’t create it, reproduce it, manufacture it
  • It is rare for one person to bring it by himself
  • It’s not a system
  • It can’t be taught, but it can be caught
  • It has an upside – changed lives
  • It has a downside – attracts critics
  • If you have it, it doesn’t mean you’ll keep it
  • If you don’t have it, you can get it

Acts 2:42-47

Qualities Most Common of Churches that have “IT”:

  1. A laser focus – What can you be the very best at?  In order to reach people that no one is reaching, you have to do things that no one is doing.  But to do things that no one is doing we have to stop things that others are doing.  What are you doing that you need to stop doing?
  2. They see opportunities where others see obstacles. You have everything you need to do everything God wants you to do.  God often guides by what he doesn’t provide.  What is God trying to show you through your greatest limitation?
  3. They are willing to fail. Failure is a necessity.  Failure is often the 1st step to seeing God.  Shake it off!  Step up!  What has God called you to do that you are afraid to attempt?  When are you gonna do it?
  4. They are led by people who have “IT”. You need to have it for your ministry to get it.  If you don’t have it, what are you gonna do to get it?

“IT” starts inside.  Having “IT” requires having a heart broken for God.

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This session has been the most powerful for me so far!

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5 comments

  • janowen August 8, 2008  

    “having a heart broken for God”……hmmmm….that’s interesting to me. It’s something I’ve felt alot lately. Alot of things that used to really matter to me really don’t now. I feel like the bottom line is the bottom line. I don’t know, maybe God is developing “IT” in me!

  • Cindy Beall August 9, 2008  

    Jenni, that is awesome that it touched you so much. I remember when he first gave this talk to us last year. I was equally moved like you.

  • Joni August 10, 2008  

    I remember way back when(the 90’s!) going to the Leadership Summit and having my head explode with all the information and inspiration.

    Laser focus: YESSSSSSS! It is enormously difficult to stop doing something especially if you’ve been doing it FOR-EV-ER and the people who are doing it have been with you FOR-EV-ER. But it takes tremendous courage to put all the stuff out on the table for God to pick and choose the best. Bbbrrrrr. It’s ok not to do it all and to do what you’ve been given, really well.

  • Jon Petersen August 13, 2008  

    I’m reading Craig Groeschel’s book “It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It.” The illusive “it” is what attracts people and makes ministries effective. Craig says “it” can’t be taught, but “it” can be caught. God gives “it.” “It” has a lot to do with the Holy Spirit. Churches that have “it” are incredibly focused, willing to fail, led by people who have “it,” and those people see potential when others see problems. Craig says “the spark of passion ignites the fuel for innovation.” And he says “it” follows big vision. God makes “it” happen. “It” is from him, by him, and for his glory. You may want to watch brief videos about the book’s message at http://www.zondervan.com/it and http://floatingaxhead.com/2008/08/11/the-power-of-it/

  • Jenni Catron August 13, 2008  

    @Jon – thanks for the links. I’ve ordered the book!