By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
A few days ago, I was spending a couple of minutes (for reals) checking my Facebook account, and I came across what went on to be a true gift: an opportunity to attend a leadership conference where the speakers were none other than John Maxwell, Ed Mylett, and Chris Hodges. The event, which was the 10th anniversary of Impact Leadership, was sponsored by Church of the Highlands and held at their Birmingham campus. I am not at all sure how many attended live, but those who attended online numbered over 14,000 from all over the world. As far as being present with focused attention, I had to weave in and out because I was smack dab in the middle of producing this edition of Athens Now. However, even with only being able to catch some of it and not at all having the opportunity to take notes, I found myself experiencing something wonderfully strange. That was, that even though I had heard two of the three speakers by the hour on a daily basis over the span of several months, it was as though everything was brand new. That was the first of the gifts, being able to hear from two legends, and having their words taste like fresh manna.
The gifts just kept coming, and they were in the form of stories. John Maxwell and Ed Mylett could not have come from more diverse backgrounds, as John was a pastor raised by a pastor, and Ed was the son of an alcoholic. Now they are each other’s heroes.
In my life, John Maxwell represents a rare type of courage. He went to theological school and became a pastor because he wanted to help people, and the traditional ministry was the only way he knew how to do it. Then, he found himself being pulled into marketplace ministry in the form of teaching leadership in both the secular world as well as the sacred. He has taught leadership principles all over the world, to government leaders, kings, queens, CEOs, and has written over 80 books. He is considered the GOAT, the Greatest Of All Time when it comes to teaching people how to be the best versions of themselves, and build the best teams, churches, businesses, and families. What is also so admirable about John is that he couldn’t care less about the accolades, he just wants to serve God, even when people don’t understand why he isn’t behind a pulpit every Sunday.
Ed Mylett has coached more than one president of the United States, pro athletes, celebrities, CEOs, has been wildly successful as a business man and author, and even owns his own island off the coast of Maine, I think. He is an engaging blend of jock, jokester, and the raw real deal, who by his own account should have never been successful on any level. He is currently considered the #1, most-in-demand speaker in the world. What was their message? Love God, love people, and serve both even when it’s hard. Nothing could be simpler, and nothing could be tougher.
We are in the season where we are reminded of that gritty kind of love, and may we choose to give more to the challenging folks than we receive from the delightful ones. I am not talking about the latest tech gizmo or diamond jewelry. I am talking about the only thing that lasts, and that is giving people your part of the love they need, and speaking truth in love. I am grateful that Church of the Highlands gave so freely to me, and by grace I will do my best to honor that gift and let it grow in me. My deepest thanks to all who made these gifts available and accessible. I am truly blessed.
December 6, 2024
