Recently I was talking to a friend who recruits leaders for top executive positions. He told me that one of the key questions he asks potential candidates is: What have you done in the past five years to prepare yourself for more effective leadership?

This is a great question and as I talk with my friend and leader of the UMC Path One Initiative, Rev. Dr. Tom Butcher, it relates to this important mission. Where do we find lay and clergy leaders with the skills to start the new churches that we need to reach people who need a personal, life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ?

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