Over the last several months one of our associates has been leading a church through the Strategic Planning Process. The church is learning and doing well. Actually, because of distance, travel accessibility and financial constraints, the entire process has been done live online. So everyone can see each other and there is direct feedback. It’s certainly not like working face to face, but it’s not bad either. And our guess is that they are learning so much, just as we are.

One thing about this particular group is that they are culturally in a different context that causes all of us to recognize just how much we are alike even in our differences. But God is still God and his Truth is still his Truth no matter what the context.

Now the leadership there is really the most remarkable part of this whole process. They are completely engaged, teachable and good hearers/listeners. The person who is what I’ll call the “point person” has taken what we are teaching and made it come alive through all kinds of great communication. The graphics and look of what is given to the group to work through, ponder and consider for their church is so well done, not just because of the way it looks, but mostly because of the insight it brings to those who are learning. We also are learning from them.

Now here’s one more remarkable thing. The point person (leader) group is a woman! That’s right. Almost unheard of in our church circles! But so refreshing is her response to the material and her ability to communicate it to their church, that it is a great blessing to work with her, but also learn from her. She is truly a gifted leader. Someone that does not bully her way through “the system” but leads, just leads. We thank God for her example and for her church that allows her to use her gifts in this way.