My executive career has spanned industries as diverse as shaving cream, video games, fine china, and now, humanitarian aid. I’ve learned a lot of leadership lessons along the way.

But the teacher who has inspired me most is Jesus. He had a tough job. Imagine if this were your assignment: “Select a group of people who are going to bring the good news to the ends of the earth.” No pressure! Jesus selected 12 people, several of whom were unlikely candidates—He saw past the résumé and into their hearts. Jesus spent three years investing in them, teaching them, and casting a vision.

Then He basically said, “I’m leaving now, and you need to do it.” Of course, He sent the Holy Spirit to inform and inspire them. But He didn’t come back every six months for performance reviews. He said, “Go into all the earth and make disciples of all nations, teaching them everything I’ve taught you.” That foundational leadership worked out rather well: He started with 12, and 2,000 years later, there are 2 billion Christians in the world.

Today’s leaders must shepherd this massive flock while continuing to make new disciples and staying true to Christ’s teachings. This week, thousands of them are finding inspiration at the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, an annual event hosted in South Barrington, Ill., and sent via satellite to 200 locations.

Many World Vision staff are there as well, supporting the summit’s goal of equipping Christian leaders. In his opening message, Willow Creek Senior Pastor Bill Hybels mentioned our founder, Bob Pierce, highlighting his passion and focus. Since so many pastors have asked me about how their churches might take action to serve the world’s poor, we are offering free Gospel Quest kits to all 40,000 attendees. My prayer is that churches will embark on the six-week quest (based on The Hole in Our Gospel) as a way to expand their commitment to loving their neighbors. 

Please pray for everyone involved in the summit, that the lessons they learn there will energize and equip them to do the world’s toughest job—for the world’s greatest boss.