In November of 2002, while hosting a DVD series for the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, I had an impression from the Lord dropped in to my heart. I ‘saw’ with my mind’s eye a semi-circle of chairs in front of a fireplace with spiritual fathers, representing a generation of godly leaders, engaging with one another in conversation. I began to wonder…what would it be like to gather a half-dozen ‘fathers of the faith’ – in a spiritual tribal council of sorts – to glean from their years of seasoned wisdom regarding life and leadership? Who would make up that circle? When was the last time something like this happened in history? What questions would be asked – what questions should be asked? And, what would be on their hearts to share?

After a five-and-a-half year journey, in June of 2008 at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, we had the opportunity to host six ‘fathers of the faith’ while an audience of 200 ministry and marketplace friends ‘eavesdropped’ in on their conversations. With the help of my brother, Tom, an experienced producer and anchor, and Bill Cox, who has produced for Beth Moore, along with a talented crew, we captured this ‘live’ experience in High Definition (HD). To hear what these seasoned men said and to watch the way they interact with each other is absolutely wonderful and God honoring. Since releasing the series, many who have viewed it comment on how they were so drawn in by the DVDs that they feel like ‘I was there’, and I often hear comments about how the deep and rich content has impacted their lives.

Following the shoot, I’ve had the opportunity to team with a great group of people that helped us develop both the Leadership Kit and the Small Group Kit. Dan Johnson, a veteran creative thinker behind the Visual Bible and the animated children’s series, McGee and Me, walked with me in developing the easy-to-use Leaders Guides and the cool journals for participants. Mike Rapp, the Senior Designer at Gear, designed our kits, including the unique, colorful utilitarian design of our Small Groups Edition. Both Dan and I appreciate his visual touches and layouts that actually make the journals feel like journals. My friend, Victor Vanden Oever, is on point for getting the word out and I appreciate all his efforts to help get this out ‘far and wide’. Of course, without our fantastic and faithful team of Cheryl, Vicki and Jennifer, none of this would even make it to you!

The reason we did this? Obedience to the leading of the Lord, and to preserve the ways of God from men who are in the processing of finishing well for pastors, leaders and flocks to glean from in light of the days we are living in. If I had the ability to make it so, I would put a Leadership Kit in the hands of every pastor on the planet to use to disciple their team, and to see to it that the Small Groups Kits were dispersed among every flock to apply the wisdom shared. This is a series that I believe – when applied – can stir the church to a fresh pursuit of Jesus and living and leading in the ways of God. I highly commend them to you.

~ Dave Buehring
Founder and Team Leader of the Lionshare Leadership Group