Editor's Note: For some years I have admired the work of Leadership Network, a Dallas-based organization that promotes innovation and excellence in churches. For this issue's "Leader's Insight," I invited Dave Travis, Leadership Network's Vice President of Venture Development, to share what he's been thinking about Christian leadership:

"In my role at Leadership Network, I am privileged to serve the senior leadership teams of large, influential congregations in the U.S. Most of these leaders are highly gifted and aggressive in leadership. Their styles fit them and their congregations.

My family's church is different: 153 years old and led by a patient pastor who has served us for over 20 years. Last Sunday we had 189 in worship, but more important, we had 136 for the annual church picnic later that afternoon. The picnic takes place at a picturesque park with grist mill, ball fields, picnic pavilion, creek-side swimming hole, trails, waterfalls, ...