Good leaders can be hard to find.

Good leaders can be hard to find. So, when you come across them, you better be ready to show proper appreciation and respect for who they are and what they bring to the table. I know a good thing when I see it. I am very blessed to be surrounded with some incredible leaders in our fellowship at Ridgeview. There are men and women from a range of backgrounds who truly have a heart for God and want to see Ridgeview become all that God has destined it to be. They are one very LARGE reason why Ridgeview is what she is today...and what she will be tomorrow.

Yesterday I read this great quote:
You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

Being part of a church plant is not easy. In fact, many have fallen away from the vision as this church has continued to move forward. Their reasons have varied: too much accountability (that's an interesting one--deserves a blog all to itself), not growing fast enough, growing too fast, no children's choirs, no _________ (fill in the blank).

Now, take the courage required to move "away from the shore" and multiply it times five when you choose to lead in that setting. You take on the vision and future of a group of people and say, "Hey, follow me. I don't know what waits along this journey but I can promise you that the end destination will be well worth the trip."

So "thank you" to all the leaders at Ridgeview--staff, leadership team, and servant leaders. Thank you for having the vision and courage to discover new oceans. The journey may get rough sometimes but no one who has ever waded in new waters ever regretted the journey. I love you and am thankful to be serving alongside of each of you.