It's a Wonderful Life

For the past three years our family Christmas Eve tradition is to gather around with a fire, snacks, etc. and watch, It's a Wonderful Life. As I ponder why it is such a moving story for me I think it is that those in church leadership has a lot in common with George Bailey.

George has big ideas to travel the world and do really big, exciting things, but through life's events, settles into his hometown, Bedford Falls and in his mind doesn't do anything all that important. But when he is at end of his rope, an angel in training Clarence ... gives him a glimpse of what Bedford Falls would be like without George Bailey. Without his leadership and desire to help others, the town and people would be dramatically different in a depraved sort of way.

As I think about key leaders in our church, like our small group leaders, I wish I could do what Clarence does for George ... show them what would be different if they hadn't stepped out to lead, and care, and help others. Leadership is not about a few big moments for most of us, but about caring and leading over a long period of time. It is through that faithfulness that God does some really amazing things with marriages, families, life decisions, community impact in a redemptive sort of way.

Would love to know your thoughts on how to encourage leaders and give them a picture of the difference they are making...