Warren Bennis, professor of Business Administration at the University of Southern California and author of many business related books specializing in leadership, has recently written a book with Patricia Ward Biederman, titled "Organizing Genius". His subject is what he calls "Great Groups", organizations that foster exceptional creative collaboration. He determines that "Great Groups" aim to do more than fix a problem. They are out to change the world. They aim to make a difference, not money. They approach their long range goal as if they were on a mission from God. Desire for immediate payoffs can easily become a hindrance. The book explores Troupe Disney, as they were called, attempting to make the first full length animated feature; The Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), a research and development branch of the Xerox Corporation that developed the user friendly personal computer, which would eventually become Apple's Macintosh; as well as other highly collaborative and revolutionary projects.

Jesus of Nazareth not only knew how to create a great group, He promises that He is able to do so today. He is the key to their greatness. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:20 NASB). Great groups need great leadership; leadership that knows how to bring out the best in talent and character; leadership that organizes the genius of others. Notice that the best translations of this promise emphasize the passive mood - where two or three "are gathered" rather than "gather". It is not a matter of people simply deciding to come together to do this or that. It implies a drawing together of those who have submitted themselves to the leadership, the mission, and the governing purpose of the One who gathers. The Lord Jesus is the organizing genius of the body of Christ. He calls and assembles those who will gather not of their own self-interest, but gather to make His concern their concern. He promises them His presence to provide leadership, focus, enlightenment, coordination, cooperation and answered prayer. Is it any wonder that they are called to do what otherwise would be impossible? Notice that the group need not be large, but it must be a group. He insists on a community enterprise in order to manifest the nature of the Godhead who exists as a Triune community of oneness.

Every church, every small group, every team, every Sunday School class, every family that is submitted to Christ's headship has the potential to be a "great group".

Gathered by the genius of His grace,