As part of the Backstage Leadership program that I am currently going through, we had the opportunity to hear from Gabe Lyons this week. Gabe is an amazing entrepreneur who co-founded Catalyst, while serving as vice president for John Maxwell’s INJOY organization. More recently he co-authored UnChristian, a book challenging Christains on how they are viewed in society, and has founded the Fermi Project and Q, which serves to educate Christians on their historic responsibility to renew culture. His work has been featured by CNN, the New York Times and Newsweek, representing a fresh perspective on Christianity’s role in culture.
I found Gabe to be surprisingly deep and theological but also very easy to listen to. He is down to earth and humble and understands the most important aspet of leadership – human relationships. His insight in knowing the importance of following God’s leading about taking risks to do and be where God wants him to be was priceless. He also read the following quote for us as something that was helped to shape and influence him.
Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in ones favor all manner of unseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can—begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. —Goethe
I think the power in that quote and Gabe’s testimony will be with me for quite a while. I axiously look forward to the new year and what ideas and actions may arise because of it.
You can also watch Gabe’s interview with Larry King to get a feel for his interest and passion about what A new generation really thinks about Christianity and about the latest research on the perceptions of Christiantiy in culture.
Thinking about stretching yourself and growing your leadership potential in the New Year? Here is your chance! Backstage Leadership is taking applications now for the Spring semester! You’ll have a change to hear from and ask your own questions to Mike Foster, Dan Cathy, Ken Blanchard, Mark Batterson, and Catherine Rohr!