Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Chris Spradlin — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 05:29:36 GMT

Bobby, i had the same "pain" takeaway from Carly's interview. Her interview was seasoned w/ leadership lessons derived w/ pain. I know that many times pain seems to be my greatest teacher....

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Kevin Bussey — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 01:43:02 GMT

Thanks Bobby, Hopefully Craig can give his insight too. I've taken some major ministry risks that have affected my family and caused them pain. When do you think one should play it safe and when to go for it?

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Bobby Gruenewald — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:15:04 GMT

Kevin, Great question. Fortunately, my family (wife, 2 year old daughter and son on the way) is not usually effected in a significant way by the decisions that I make as a leader at the church. I am not that much of a public figure where we live. From that perspective, I may not be the best to answer your question...but, I'll try. I think that leaders should do their best to guard their family from the "pain", which often comes in the form of public criticism. This is clearly easier said than done. But, a leader has to consider their family in their "ability" to endure pain. Not every leader (and family) will be able to endure the same amount. Craig might have more to say or disagree...his visibility in our community is so great that it is very difficult for his family to not be effected by the decisions he makes.

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

mike foster — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:43:37 GMT

great summary bobby. good nuggets.

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Kevin Bussey — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:58:57 GMT

Bobby, You know I always appreciate you and Craig's insight. That last quote from Craig is tough. I'm a risk taker by nature. I thrive off of risks. How do you take into account your family when it comes to making tough, painful decisions?

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Craig Groeschel — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:47:07 GMT

Bobby, Thanks for the valuable summary. I appreciate her thoughts on passion and dispassion.

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Nancy Gruben — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:51:37 GMT

Years ago, before I was part of the Willow Creek Association staff, I read a thought by Bill Hybels that has been helpful to me when facing painful circumstances. He said that sometimes the only way out (of a painful situation) is through. We often stand at the front end of a painful process, stepping our foot in, then pulling it back. We're experiencing the pain, but don't want to move forward into the pain. However, that's the only way to move into a better place on the other side--to courageously move through.

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Bobby Gruenewald — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:31:26 GMT

Thanks Darren. Too many times the potential pain (emotional, relational, financial, reputation, etc) keeps many "good" leaders from making great decisions. It is often overlooked or underestimated because very few have allowed themselves to endure great pain.

re: Bobby Gruenewald Responds to Session 2

Darren Calhoun — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:09:54 GMT

Wow... that was a really great reflection / summary of some of the key points Carly made in her talk. Thank you, especially for your last point about enduring great pain. It indeed is evident but clearly done with grace.