This past year has provided pessimists with fresh reasons to describe themselves not as pessimists, but as “realists”. Over the past two decades, for the first time in American history (other than during major wars), the life expectancy of white middle-aged men has fallen. Suicides and so-called “deaths of despair” from drug overdoses and alcoholism have all dramatically risen.

On a fairly regular basis, someone inside or outside of Vineyard Columbus will ask me, “How are you doing, Rich? How are you doing with the upcoming transition from your role as Senior Pastor?” My simple answer, in a word, is “Great! I’m doing amazing! I have lots of reasons why I’m doing so well and why I’m so hopeful about my future and the future of Vineyard Columbus.” I want to share a few of these reasons with you.

“Great companies (churches) are led by level 5 leaders. The good to great leaders never wanted to become larger-than-life heroes. They never aspired to be put on a pedestal. Level 5 leadership is not just about humility and modesty. It is equally about ferocious resolve, an almost stoic determination to do whatever needs to be done to make the company (church) great.”