Don Cousins has been engaged in building the body of Christ for more than 30 years. He spent his first 17 years on the staff at Willow Creek Community Church where he played a leading role in the development of more than 90 internal ministries and the leadership for each. He also taught regularly throughout the life of the church. Don left the staff at Willow Creek in the fall of 1992 and has been working to equip others in the broader body of Christ ever since. His ministry is now expressed primarily through teaching, writing, consulting and coaching.
The church, the body of Christ, is the manifestation of Christ’s presence on earth today. Amidst the diversity of expression and integration of cultures and backgrounds there is literally a plethora of choices, places to connect. Ultimately, the head of every church is Jesus Christ who has appointed a pastor or shepherd to care for and feed the flock of “sheep” – Christ followers. Yet, it is often the case that pastors are “at risk” due to the demands of the calling. This directly affects the local church – including you, me and people throughout our community, even those who are not Christians. What are we to do? What are pastors to do? Is there hope? Thank God, the answer is, “Yes.” And today, Don Cousins, who spoke to leading Hawaii pastors in a special “up close and personal” session (sponsored by Salem Communications) at the Hawaiian Islands Ministries 2011 Conference, will be presented to you.