LEADERSHIP LESSONS I LEARNED FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING

MY TOP TEN FAVORITE MLK QUOTES

One of the greatest privileges of my life was being invited by Dr. Martin Luther King’s family to be the first white preacher to preach from Dr. King's pulpit at the historic Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, It is the church where Dr. King was the pastor until he died.

I was asked by the King family to be the speaker on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Dr. King’s death, and it was a deeply moving experience to be given that opportunity and honor.

Today, many people have forgotten that, first and foremost, Martin Luther King was a PASTOR! He was not a politician. He was a Baptist Minister of the Gospel, and a pastor of a local church.

Everything he did to promote freedom, justice, and racial equality flowed out of his deep understanding of God’s Word. I have read hundreds of his sermons and they are rich in biblical content.

Hanging on the wall of my study at Saddleback Church is hand typed and signed note from Dr. King. It hangs next to a handwritten note from Mother Teresa and a letter of encouragement from Billy Graham. Each of these 3 Christian leaders left their mark on me as I watched their lives as a young man.

In honor of Pastor Martin Luther King on this MLK holiday, I give you my 10 FAVORITE QUOTES from a man who was model to many other pastors:

1. “The purpose of life is not to be happy, nor to achieve pleasure nor avoid pain, but to do the will of God, come what may.”

2. “I just want to do God’s will.”

3. “When I took up the cross I recognized it's meaning. The cross is something that you bear, and ultimately, that you die on.”

4. “The early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.”

5. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

6. "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."

7. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

8. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

9. "The gospel at its best deals with the whole man, not only his soul but his body, not only his spiritual well-being, but his material well being as well.”

10. "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Share your favorite MLK quote as we reflect the life and sacrifice of the great, Martin Luther King.

Today all the members of Saddleback Church, including those who serve at our campuses in Asia, Latin America, and Europe, want to nonor Martin Luther King, Jr. for his courageous leadership for liberty, justice, and grace for all.

We also use this day to recommit to the "A" in the 10 values represented by each letter of our name S.A.D.D.L.E.B.A.C.K

.The first "A" stands for "All-Nation Congregation" - We want our church to look like how heaven will look- with people from every language, group, nation, and tribe as the Bible tells us it will be in heaven. So, from the start, we have intended to be a multicultural church because we know that God LOVES diversity. If you don't believe that just look around , Nobody looks like you!

Today, Saddleback Church may be the most ethnically diverse church in the world. Our members speak 67 different languages.

This weekend, which happens to be my birthday we're having a party to celebrate our unity in diversity by having a "TASTE OF THE NATIONS" where everyone is bringing their national favorite food dish from their country of origin. It will be delicious! Thank God we're not all alike! How boring that would be.

Regardless of your background we want you in our family at Saddleback Church. Come join us this weekend and help us model the message of reconciliation that Dr. King gave his life for. God bless you!