The 2008 Charismatic Leadership Summit

While in Orlando visiting Filipino missionaries and Every Nation church planters, I participated in the Charismatic Leadership Summit, hosted by Steve Strang and Lee Grady of Charisma magazine.

Two things happened while I worshiped, prayed and talked with those 60 Charismatic leaders.

First - I felt kinda like an outsider. While I believe in the current reality of charismatic gifts, I don’t think I do life, church or ministry like traditional American Charismatics. Maybe I’ve lived overseas too long.

Second - I realized that while I may not do church and ministry in the same way, these men and women are sincerely and passionately seeking God wholeheartedly. The more I listened to them and prayed with them, the more I respected and appreciated them – most of them anyway.

I was particularly surprised by and/or impressed with:
- the practical wisdom and humor of Mike Bickle – didn’t expect the 24 hour prayer guy to be practical or funny
- the passionate fire of Wellington Boone – that guy hates compromise & isn’t afraid to name names
- the compassion of Rodney Howard-Brown – his love for people was contagious
- the quietness of Rick Joyner – he hardly spoke a word, but furiously took notes every time anyone spoke
- the quiet/strong leadership of Steve Strang – this guy gave all these preachers a 10 minute time limit, and no one violated it - a modern miracle!
- the fire in Lee Grady’s bones

Most of the discussions were about the health of the Charismatic movement. After hearing everyone’s opinions, I am convinced that the key to health is quite simple – honor God and make disciples.

The Charismatic movement in America has not done either very well lately. 

Coming in a future blog: summary of Emanuele Cannistraci’s annual “International Apostolic Leadership Summit”

Comments

[james tate]

steve, i appreciate you greatly. yet, your veiled condescension was more than noticable! you stated american charismatics have not honored God or made disciples very well lately; then- who has in your opinion, sir? i love people who say in effect, "...i believe in the gifts- but i don't really utilize them except in the privacy of my isolation." come on steve, break out of your stereotypical biases, please! as a foreign missionary, you well know that the charismatics are having the greatest affect; particularly, the assemblies of God.

[pageman]

any pictures Steve?

[smurrell]

wow. didn't realize i said all that. someone must be doing some creative reading btw the lines.