By Ryan Spilhaus

Somehow I got tabbed to write the first blog post for the Future Leader Class of 2009. I’m actually pretty excited about this blog. Over the coming year we’re all going to be taking turns posting about our experiences in the Future Leaders Program, specifically the process of “Becoming a Leader.”

It’s only been about a month since we started, but I feel like I’ve already learned so much. I’m surrounded by amazingly gifted and godly people, and it’s such a blessing to be learning from them day in and day out. I’m going to give a special shout-out to my manager, AnnieLaurie, and the Future Leaders Program leaders, Rich and Lauren. These three have been so amazing over the past month, and it’s really been humbling to have the opportunity to work for and with them.

I think the most important thing I’ve learned the past month has been the importance of building the foundation of your ministry on Christ. You can go in and just do the work and you might do alright, but it’s when you’re really seeking God’s will and looking to Him for strength that you are truly able to achieve great things for His Kingdom. Not saying I’m perfect at that, by any means, but I definitely have learned the importance of it. I’m really glad I figured that out early on too, because what we’re trying to do this year with the Communications Team is going to be impossible without God’s help!

Anyhow, I hope that throughout the coming year this blog will help provide some insight into what we’re doing and what it’s like to be a Future Leader!