10/31/2024
I was thrilled to learn that Bishop Mark Webb will remain with the Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Let me tell you why.
The very first time I met him, it was mid-afternoon. The cabinet had been together all day, and soft drinks had been available during lunch. He asked me, "Do you know if there's still diet coke around? I could really use one."
All the soft drinks had been cleared away by our hosts. I said, "No, but you know... you're a pretty important guy around here. I bet if you asked, someone could wrangle you a diet coke." Any number of people would have been willing to find a vending machine or even run out to a gas station for our bishop.
His eyebrows went up. He genuinely looked alarmed at the thought. He said, "I would never do that."
That twenty second exchange taught me something important about his character and character of a godly Christian leader. He lived out the model of Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served.
Since that day, I've seen other demonstrations of humility and servant leadership from my bishop, but that first encounter will stick with me.
