Controversy around having Carter speak: different politics,
etc. Some people even wrote to tell Hybels that they were
boycotting the conference because of Carter. But can you learn
from people who are different? "If not, I feel even worse for
your team."
Is your learning bandwidth expanding?
Even if you have negative bias toward a speaker, use it as an opportunity to learn
It's Hybel's intention to try to have speakers that put some of us on the edge
Became president because he gradually saw expanded opportunities for his skill at a larger level
Transition from non-politics to politics didn't require
leadership style change, although it did require learning a lot about
the new sphere
What do you look for in close [team helpers]?
People with integrity
For military, got someone who thought military should keep the peace, but would develop innovative weaponry
Loyal to what I want to do, but who have more knowledge about their area
Likes subordinates to disagree with each other and him
Asked for resignation of entire Cabinet oce
Wanted to get rid of three (out of 17) people. Asked for
resignations from all of them, then accepted the pro-forma resignations
of the three he wanted to remove. This was to try to eliminate
the stigma of being fired. In retrospect, not the best way to
accomplish the task.
His father allowed him to make important decisions at a young
age. Gave him the business of pulling up, cleaning, and selling
peanuts. Saved a fair amount of money. When cotton got to 5
cents a bale, his father asked him if he wanted to buy some, but the
decision was his. Bought a bunch, then when it was 18 cents/lb
sold it and bought a bunch of rental homes.
Best leadership moment: signing the peace agreement between
Egypt and Israel (which has not been violated). Also, when
hostages left Iran, was pleased that it was accomplished without
bloodshed.
Grew up with no white neighbors. So black culture influenced him a lot.
Churches are still some of the most segregated institutions.
Works with Habitat for Humanity a lot
Few cross the dividee between rich and poor
Carter Center originally founded to provide a place for warring
sides to come to an agreement. But through doing that, discovered
that much of the world has no opportunity for health care, education,
etc. Carter Center fills voids that the U.N., U.S., World Bank,
etc. are not interested in filling.
Feels that divide between rich and poor will be the most important problem in the next century.
Habibtat is a great way to bridge that divide
As rich get richer, it becomes harder to bridge the divide.
Has realized that they (the poor in Africa, etc.) are just as smart, ambitious, hard-working, good family values as me.
War begets more war. It does not bring peace.
A superpower should exemplify this. People should say
"let's go to Washington, because they believe in peace." "Let's
go to Washington, they believe in civil rights."
"Seek peace and pursue it" (Ps. 34:14)
Hybels: why don't I call Willow Creek to pray for peace more?
War begets war
The Bible calls for non-retaliatory responses. Why don't we preach this more?
After Carter's defeat, could have been a bitter old man.
Instead, he builds homes for the homeless and leads others into
peace.