Arts and the Summit

The most far-reaching, and influential event offered by the WCA is the annual Leadership Summit, held in North America in early August and then in the Fall in countries literally spanning the globe. Primarily, the Summit is known for offering outstanding teaching on the gift of leadership, provided by a faculty from both the church world and the private business sector. Anchored by Bill Hybels, this year’s team of speakers is potentially the strongest ever, including Rev. Floyd Flake, John Ortberg, Carly Fiorina, Marcus Buckingham, and interviews with filmmaker Richard Curtis, President Jimmy Carter, and Colin Powell. We are praying that God will impact leaders all over the world through what we learn together; leaders who will then impact their churches and workplaces and neighborhoods for the cause of Christ. While the Summit is primarily known for its faculty, one piece of feedback consistently stresses that the attenders are also looking for moments when they will be moved, inspired, and stretched by the arts. That is why we put two of our most creative, soulish, and skilled leaders – Corinne and Greg Ferguson – as Executive Producers of the entire event, and surround them with a team of artists. For most of the calendar year, the Fergusons are praying over, planning, and producing potential moments for God to deeply touch the Summit attenders. What excites me most is a 13 minute piece that will open the Summit this year, a piece that began in the mind of Greg Ferguson as he reflected on the big picture of the church and our history. All too often we evangelicals neglect to recognize the thread of God’s work through time. We think only of the Here and Now, ignoring lessons of the past that can serve to inform us and perhaps keep us from making the same mistakes our ancestors made. “The first time I heard Greg’s piece I knew God had inspired him with something rare and truly stunning, a gift to all of us who bear the name of Christ. The team wrestled for weeks with how to best communicate the piece with video, with just the right cast, with a treatment that will most effectively augment the vivid truths contained in the lyrics. I can’t wait to experience the results! There’s just something about the power of the arts that transcends all other efforts to communicate truth. Yes, we need to hear the words of the incredible Summit faculty. But we also need to be refreshed, envisioned, and captured by moments that emerge from the hearts and minds of men and women who have been gifted to write songs and scripts, choreograph dances and craft videos that deeply move us. As you prepare to experience the Summit this year – which I strongly urge all of you to do, right in your area – be on the lookout for the power of the arts, and thank God for the wonder of these gifts that so beautifully minister to our souls.