He then added, “Also, Billy’s reaching out to all cultures, all
languages, all kinds of humanity to show his compassion, his
desire to share the good news with them, his concern about their
poverty and their plight.”
In 1957 in New York, Billy Graham was unaware of how
Mark Hatfield was taking all those mental notes. He was also
unaware that Mark would go on to become a national leader.
Civic leaders must daily contextualize their messages, and the
future senator adapted applications of what he had seen in Billy
and used them for a lifetime.
The seeds a leader scatters will often take root and bear fruit
in unexpected ways.
Having “great expectations” about multiple effects of our lead-
ership is not unrealistic. In fact, expectations are often a major
factor in serendipitous results. It was often said about Billy Gra-
ham that he had “great expectations.” He, in turn, was often
amazed at the many unanticipated results of his efforts and
prayers.
Prioritize Self-Management
Sowing seeds in all seasons is a tall order. Bill Hybels, who has
led a pioneering, burgeoning ministry for decades, has learned
that what’s required is not just skills and focus but attention to
the heart and soul of the sower.
In his book Courageous Leadership, he tells this story: “I’ll never
forget the day three wise advisors came to me on behalf of the
church. They said, ‘Bill, there were two eras during the first
twenty years of Willow Creek’s history when, by your own admis-
sion, you were not at your leadership best: once in the late 1970s
and again in the early 1990s. The data shows that Willow Creek
paid dearly for your leadership fumble. It cost all of us more than
you’ll ever know.’
“Then they said the words I’ll never forget: ‘The best gift you
can give the people you lead here at Willow is a healthy, ener-
gized, fully surrendered, and focused self. And no one can make
that happen in your life except you. It’s up to you to make the
Sowing Seeds in All Seasons